03.10.2017

Brexit resolution: Elmar Brok’s statement on today’s discussion in the European Parliament on the state of play of the Brexit negotiations

Elmar Brok, the Brexit coordinator of the European People’s Party and the Brexit Sherpa for the European Parliament , commented today on the European Parliament’s plenary debate on the State of play of negotiations with the United Kingdom.

The resolution on the state of play of the Brexit negotiations prepared by Elmar Brok MEP in cooperation with the members of the Brexit Steering Group, was passed today in the European Parliament with an overwhelming majority by more than 82% of Members of Parliament. It makes clear, that sufficient progress concerning the issues of the withdrawal agreement has not yet been reached. Unless there is a significant breakthrough in the upcoming round, the European Council should delay the start of the negotiations with the UK about a future partnership agreement.

The atmosphere in the last round of negotiations has significantly improved and meaningful progress has been made. However, the UK’s position on the issues of an orderly withdrawal, namely citizen’s rights, the northern Irish border and the financial settlements still is lacking clarity.
The issues regarding the UK’s orderly withdrawal from the EU must not be used as a bargaining chip in the negotiations on the future partnership. Therefore I encourage the European Commission and Michel Barnier to stick to the two-phased negotiations strategy agreed upon by the European Council.