The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
EU open to extension for UK, says adviser
Brexit: December cut-off a challenge, claims top Barnier aide
The European Union would be open to discussions about an extension of the Brexit transition period, according to Michel Barnier’s senior adviser.
Stefaan de Rynck set out the EU’s position as he said there are still “huge challenges” before the transition period ends on December 31.
It comes after the UK’s chief negotiator David Frost said the government would not seek an extension and that any request by the EU for one would be rejected.
In an online event hosted by the Institute for Government, Mr de Rynck said: “We have seven months left and huge challenges.
“The future relationship... there’s a couple of tough nuts that need to be cracked still in the economic and security partnership and in the governance.”
He added: “There is the protocol in Northern Ireland which needs to be implemented and ready to be implemented by January 1 (2021) which is again seven months from now.
“If there’s a need for more time, it needs to be decided jointly and so we have said we’re certainly open for that.
“David Frost when he gave a speech... basically acknowledged that the end of transition will be a negative economic situation, will generate negative economic effects short-term.
“Well is this the right time to do it? It’s not in our hands, it takes two to tango as they say.
“So we’re certainly open to discuss an extension of transition. It’s a relatively easy decision... if you agree on the duration and the lump sum.”
He added: “We need to start talking about this soon if that is what the UK would want.”
Mr de Rynck also addressed Mr Frost’s concerns over the “level playing field” conditions set out by the EU.
“Of course it’s a democratic decision to sign up to such commitments,” said Mr de Rynck of Mr Frost’s comments that the UK would not agree to EU oversight of its rule-making to get a trade deal.
“I mean, it’s something you negotiate from government to the EU and it’s something you ratify as a UK Parliament and as European Parliament.
“I think we need to move beyond the kind of idea that signing up to international commitments that are legally binding would have some kind of threat to national democracy.
“We fully respect that the UK has left and is a sovereign country... but what we should engage with is: what are the legally binding commitments you’re willing to undertake on which we will then build a close economic partnership?”