In the opinion of the EU Brexit chief negotiator Michel Barnier an extension of the negotiation period is possible – however, the question arises, „for what and why“, as he today at a joint press conference with Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz and EU Minister Gernot Blümel (both ÖVP) in Vienna said.
„An extension can be technical to give the British Parliament the time to pass a law implementing the exit agreement. If this is not the case, then we must ask ourselves: what is the purpose of the extension? The problem should not be postponed, the problem should be solved, „said Barnier.
When asked if a shift in Britain’s exit from the EU would make sense in the run-up to the EU’s election at the end of May, Barnier said that if it was just such a technical extension, „just a few weeks until now the election to the European Parliament „, then this question will not arise.
In short: „Absurd“, if British would still participate in EU elections
However, if it were to be a prolonged extension, perhaps „because the British people want to make a new decision“, then the UK, if it was juridically speaking still a member of the EU, would have to „organize an election“. The democratic process must be respected, said Barnier.
Short agreed to the EU chief negotiator. „Of course, our goal should be that the organization of Brexit took place before the elections to the European Parliament. For a country that wants to leave the European Union to vote in the European Parliament would, I think, be more than absurd. “
The aim must therefore be that the British exit from the EU, „if it already has to take place“, should take place in an orderly manner and „ideally before the elections to the European Parliament“.
„What bring us this extension?“
Kurz said he hopes that there will be a majority for the Brexit agreement at the next vote in the British House of Commons. „Should it take more time, should it not be possible for this orderly Brexit to be held until March, we will work to get it to renew.“
This, of course, can only take place „if (Prime Minister) Theresa May wants that and also makes an application for it“.
The Chancellor also said that if this postponement took place, then one would have to ask, „What is the goal for the period, what does this extension bring us?“ But if that is the way out to avoid an unregulated Brexit, „then we will work to go this way „.
British Minister of Agriculture Eustice gives up office
Meanwhile, UK Agriculture Secretary George Eustice resigned from office. The reason for this is the possible delay of the EU’s exit from the UK, said the conservative politician in London. He warned in this context of a „humiliation“ of Britain by the EU.
He wants to have the opportunity by his resignation to participate freely in the coming weeks, regardless of his position freely in the „critical debate“ to Brexit, wrote the Brexit advocate in a letter to Prime Minister May. Eustice is also in the field of fisheries responsible.
