BRUSSELS chiefs risked plunging post-Brexit negotiations into chaos after publishing a sprawling list of demands ahead of formal trade talks.
European capitals gave consent today for Michel Barnier to kickstart talks with Britain on a future free-trade agreement as ministers rubber-stamped his mandate. Demands were listed in an updated version of the EU negotiator’s official guidelines, many of which have been already been rejected by the Government. Formal talks are expected to start in Brussels next month – here are the most contentious demands Boris Johnson will be faced with.
Fisheries
European Union member states have instructed Mr Barnier to secure continued access to British waters for the bloc’s fishermen.
The newly-minted negotiating document states: “The objective of the provisions on fisheries should be to uphold Union fishing activities. In particular, it should aim to avoid economic dislocation for Union fishermen that have been engaged in fishing activities in the United Kingdom waters.”
France, supported by Spain, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, Ireland and the Netherlands, insisted the EU’s initial approach was drastically overhauled to make its demands more hardline.
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See Also:
(1) Nigel Farage warns ‘optimistic’ Brexiteers key stitch-up could scupper UK deal with EU
(2) EU divisions mapped: The warring fractions clashing over post-Brexit budget
(3) Eurozone crisis: EU finances face meltdown without City, warns Duncan-Smith ‘Ponzi scheme!
(4) EU ignoring ‘fundamental game changer’ ahead of Brexit trade talks – ‘They don’t get it’
(5) The Left & “Cultural Marxism”
