22 March 2017

Michel Barnier: The conditions for a successful negotiation with the UK

The first condition is the unity of the 27, which goes hand in hand with transparency and public debate. [...]

During this period and for the duration of the negotiations, I will naturally work in close cooperation with the Council, the European Parliament and all other bodies and institutions of the European Union. [...]

Unity is the first condition for reaching an agreement in the negotiations.

It is of course in our interest. But it is also – and I want to say this to our British partners – in the UK's interest. Because, at the end of the day, we will both need – you and us – a united Europe to reach a deal.

I would add another point: this unity will be even stronger when it is built on transparency and public debate. These negotiations cannot take place in secret.

We will negotiate in a transparent and open manner, explaining to everyone what we are doing. During these negotiations, we must also explain objectively what "leaving the European Union" means, for the withdrawing country and for the other Member States.

We need to tell the truth to our citizens about what Brexit means.

The second condition for reaching an agreement is removing the uncertainty created by the UK's decision to leave the European Union. [...]

We hear their doubts. We understand their worry, and we must act effectively in response. Guaranteeing their rights as European citizens, in the long term, will be our absolute priority from the very start of the negotiations. Our watchword will be: "Citizens first!"

The issues at play are complex, whether they are residency rights, access to the labour market, pension or social security rights, or access to education. We will work methodically on each of these points. We will not leave any detail untouched, and we are already working with all Member States on this.

It will take time, several months certainly. We must do serious legal work on this with the United Kingdom.

But we can and we should agree – as soon as possible – on the principles of continuity, reciprocity and non-discrimination so as not to leave these citizens in a situation of uncertainty.

Next is the uncertainty for regional and local authorities and all beneficiaries of programmes that are currently financed by the European budget. [...]

Each country must honour its commitments to each other. When a country leaves the Union, there is no punishment. There is no price to pay to leave. But we must settle the accounts. We will not ask the British to pay a single Euro for something they have not agreed to as a member.

[...] A third uncertainty created by the UK decision to leave concerns the new borders of the Union. I think particularly of Ireland. I was Commissioner in charge of the PEACE programme. I understand the Union's role in strengthening dialogue in Northern Ireland and supporting the Good Friday Agreement, of which the United Kingdom is one of the guarantors.

That is why we will be particularly attentive, in these negotiations, to the consequences of the UK's decision to leave the Customs Union, and to anything that may, in one way or another, weaken dialogue and peace. [...]

Full speech

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