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The chief negotiator of the European Union does not yet know if the British proposals are "operational", he explains at a press conference Friday.
The United Kingdom's White Paper United on its relationship with the European Union (EU) after Brexit raises a "series of questions" in the economic field, said Friday the chief negotiator of the European Union, Michel Barnier. "On the future economic partnership, the White Paper raises three sets of questions" Barnier said, questioning whether the British proposals were "operational" " in the interest of the EU " and " compatible with the principles " of negotiation posed by the Europeans
A position expected by Brussels
London and Brussels are expected to reach an agreement by October to organize their divorce and lay the groundwork for their future relationship. But Europeans are worried about the state of internal discussions and questioning of the British Prime Minister Theresa May's strategy.
In a recent "White Paper" on the future relationship, Theresa May proposes a new "Free Trade Area" based on a set of common rules for goods and the agri-food sector.
"This White Paper, c is the result of a very intense internal debate in the United Kingdom, which was necessary " estimated Michel Barnier during a press conference, recognizing that " several elements " opened the way "to a constructive discussion" beginning with "the proposal for a free trade agreement" .
Querying its feasibility
But then it was Penc hey on the three questions posed by this idea. Regarding the respect of European guidelines, Michel Barnier wonders if the British proposal respects "the integrity of the internal market, the customs union and our common commercial policy" . [19659006] "Our responsibility is to protect the internal market of the EU" and "consumers" "especially in the present period" did he insisted, after a meeting of EU affairs ministers in Brussels
On a second point, whether the ideas of London are "operational" the EU negotiator stressed their complexity, particularly in the customs field, with the United Kingdom proposing to apply two tariffs for goods at the border depending on whether they are destined for its market or the EU. [19659006] "Commen Could the customs services verify the final destination of the property? Is there not a major risk of fraud? he wondered, also warning against "additional bureaucracy" .
"How the Union could delegate the application of customs rules to a country who is no longer a member of the Union? also launched the negotiator
Finally, he believes that the British proposals could lead to "unfair competition" to the detriment of EU companies.
The Irish question still on hold
Michel Barnier recalled that before even discussing the future relationship, the EU's prime objective was to finalize the United Kingdom's "orderly" withdrawal agreement . in particular to settle the question of the Irish frontier, the main stumbling block of the discussions.
"It is not more time we need, it is choice, decision, clarity […] and of legal certainty " he repeated, adding that the EU must also prepare for a lack of agreement.
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