Across the table Europe’s team for negotiating with the UK

Phil Hogan

The Fine Gael politician played a crucial role as agriculture commissioner in breakthrough trade talks with the South American Mercosur bloc. He came to Brussels five years ago and has been the commission’s attack dog during Brexit, branding Boris Johnson “unelected” and accusing him of “gambling with the peace process”.

Sabine Weyand

The German EU official is seen as the brains behind the Withdrawal Agreement. She worked with Olly Robbins to formulate the Irish border backstop, and dismissed plans for a technical solution to the border issue as “unicorns”.

Ursula von der Leyen

Former German defence minister’s candidacy was confirmed by just nine votes by MEPS furious that a system tying the commission presidency to European election results was junked before her appointment by EU leaders.