Press release - MEPs on EU-UK negotiations, COVID-19, climate goals and a decent budget

On the negotiations with the UK on the future relationship, European Council President Charles Michel and the EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier outlined that the EU is ready to negotiate 24/7 to find compromises on level playing field, governance and fisheries, based on legal texts. However, the UK government must give guarantees, not only words: “What’s the point of signing an international agreement, if it is not implemented in full?” asked Michel.

Member states coordinate better with each other to tackle pandemic

Charles Michel and Maroš Šefčovič reported on decisions taken to improve coordination at EU level to combat the second wave of the pandemic. They also updated MEPs on member states’ efforts to find an agreement on the Climate Law by the end of the year and reported on plans to step up the relationship between the EU and Africa.

Most political group speakers welcomed the firm position taken by the EU27 and by Michael Barnier to achieve a level playing field and to avoid social and environmental dumping in the future relationship with the UK.

Referring to EP President Sassoli’s statement, they criticised EU leaders for dragging their feet on climate protection and on the EU long-term budget, which must reflect the urgent need for common investment in education, research, health, digital and green transition without putting an undue burden on future generations.

Listen to individual statements by clicking on hyperlinks below

Opening statements by European Council President Charles Michel, Commission VP Maroš Šefčovič and the EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier