The divorce is consummated but it will leave traces.
This is what Michel Barnier, chief negotiator of the European Union for Brexit, suggested on Tuesday.
“
Brexit remains a divorce.
It is a weakening on both sides, it is lose-lose,
”he said at the microphone of France Culture.
“
We have seen the difficulties, we have seen it with companies and fishermen facing Brexit.
Being outside is very different from being inside,
”he added.
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Michel Barnier nevertheless claims to have the feeling of a mission accomplished with the signing of two agreements, one political and institutional, the other economic and commercial.
“
The interests of the different countries of the Union are a little different.
I tried to listen to everyone, to respect everyone
, ”he said.
The EU's chief negotiator highlighted the “
educational
”
virtues
of this negotiation: “
We told everyone the truth, at the same time and on all subjects
”.
Reciprocal monitoring
In the details of the agreement signed in extremis at Christmas between the EU and the United Kingdom, Michel Barnier insists on the provisions of mutual surveillance on public aid and non-regression on standards.
“
We have reciprocal monitoring.
If there is a distortion of competition, then the other party can react.
This was at the heart of the discussions for four years.
We have found tools to deal with the differences.
We will see in practice how we evaluate them
”.
For the rest, Michel Barnier warns the "
demagogues
" and "
nostalgic
" who "
use
" social anger: "
We must be careful.
Those who advocate leaving the EU no longer do so.
Brexit has shown that the EU is not a prison, we can get out of it, but we have to face the consequences
”.