Senior European Negotiator: Britain Must Make Concessions to Resolve Brexit Stalemate

Michel Barnier, the EU's chief Brexit negotiator, stated on Monday, February 11, that UK Prime Minister Theresa May must endorse a permanent customs union with the EU to break the deadlock in the negotiations regarding the country's exit. Acceptance of this customs union is among the proposals from the Labour Party, the opposition party in the UK. Mr. Barnier said at a press conference in Luxembourg that there is 'little time' left until March 29, the scheduled date for the UK's exit. The EU has asked Theresa May to collaborate with Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn to secure parliamentary approval for the Brexit deal. UK Parliament representatives rejected the agreement between Theresa May and the EU regarding Brexit in mid-January. If a new agreement is not reached, the country will face heavy costs due to economic and trade disruptions during the transitional period following its exit from the EU. In a joint press conference with the Prime Minister of Luxembourg, Mr. Barnier referred to the proposals from the Labour Party leader regarding Brexit, stating, 'I find Jeremy Corbyn's letter very interesting in both tone and content. Britain must make concessions in this matter.' European leaders unanimously rejected changes to the Brexit agreement. The UK Prime Minister's office responded on Sunday to Jeremy Corbyn's letter, rejecting his proposal for a customs union, stating that Britain must be able to conduct its trade independently after Brexit. Mr. Barnier expressed that he fully understands that Theresa May's goal is not to delay Brexit to gain more time for negotiations, adding that the issue of potentially establishing a border between the two parts of Ireland included in the agreement is, in fact, a guarantee that the EU hopes will never be used. He stated, 'The remaining time is very short. Our agreement with Theresa May's government is still the best option for ensuring an orderly exit for Britain from the EU.' Mr. Barnier, who will negotiate with the UK's Brexit minister in Brussels on Monday evening, said that outlining the next steps is the responsibility of the UK government. Xavier Bettel, the Prime Minister of Luxembourg, also confirmed Mr. Barnier's statements, saying, 'We have never wanted Brexit. The responsibility for this issue lies with the UK government and still rests on their shoulders.' Mr. Barnier emphasized that the EU is not willing to renegotiate the legal Brexit agreement but may accept minor changes in the political declaration attached to the agreement concerning the relations between the UK and the EU post-Brexit. He added, 'We are determined that Britain's exit is carried out in a completely orderly manner. This orderly exit is the main prerequisite for future relations between the two parties.'