Live Michel Barnier Speech

On behalf of the commission, a few words on world press Freedom Day,

which we celebrate today. Democracy can only work with free and

independent media, freedom of expression is a fundamental value of

threats of violence against threats of violence against

journalists and media professionals. This is why we have the EU human

rights guidelines for freedom of expulsion online and off-line.

That's why we support the continued into mentation as a high

representation in the statement published yesterday. Wherever

necessary, we must act to defend media freedom, this is a challenge

for everybody, media professionals, European and national authorities,

media companies and citizens. We will continue to do whatever we can

to help. And the final housekeeping point, as

you know, we had yesterday the Commissioner on Visa represents

. We will have tomorrow the derivatives files, so I think we

have covered the whole of the commission agenda, so there will be

no proper read-out session today. Our spokes officers will help you

with enquiries in the course of the day. At 2:30, we will have a

president together with the Prime Minister of Estonia for press

points. Without further ado. I give the floor to Michel Barnier.

Thank you and good morning to all of you. I am very pleased to be with

you today. As you know, I have asked for a technical briefing just after

my press conference with my deputies, my principal adviser, the

Cabinet of the president, to go into detail on the directive.

Since my first statement in this press room five months ago, we have

worked a lot with Jean-Claude Juncker and his team, and the

members of the commission, with President Donald Tusk and his team,

with member states, the European Parliament, and national

parliaments. I and my team have met with representatives of the business

community, in each member state, trade unions and civil society, and

we will continue. Our hard work paid off. The result of our collective

work is what happened last Saturday, the 27 leaders and president of the

three institutions showing their unity by agreeing on clear

guidelines for the negotiation. Today, the commission proposes a

recommendation that translates the guidelines into negotiating

directives. In line with the two phase approach, these directives are

for the first phase of negotiations only. Our recommendation shows where

we want to land when we conclude the first phase of negotiations. This

will be on citizens rights, the financial settlement and the new,

external borders. I will pay great attention to the situation in

Ireland, and I will go into Ireland next week. The UK must put great

energy and thought into these three issues over the next weeks and

months. This will increase the chances of reaching a deal. Some

have created the illusion that Brexit will have no material impact

on our lives. Or that negotiations can be concluded quickly, and

painlessly. This is not the case. We need sound solutions, we need

legal precision, and this will take time.

Once again, there is no punishment. There is no Brexit Bill. The

financial settlement is only about settling the accounts.

Ladies and gentlemen, these negotiations will be extraordinary.

They are the source of concern for many, many citizens and many

organisations. We need to respond by being transparent. This is why we

are publishing today our recommendation for the councils. We

will be transparent throughout the process. Transparency can help

sustain a constructive, public debate and in the negotiations,

which will be, in any case difficult, I think that you should

always remain cool-headed and solution orientated. We should put

all our efforts towards reaching a deal. This is the spirit in which I,

with the trust of the institutions and all member states, will continue

working. The EU 27 is on track to make sure

that the UK's withdrawal happens in an orderly fashion. The UK's

decision to leave the European Union union has now caused ten months of

uncertainty. We need to remove that uncertainty. It is high time to

start negotiating, as soon as the UK is ready to come to the table we

shall start negotiating. The clock is ticking. And I am ready now to

answer your questions. Before we start, there will...

Please keep technical comments for colleagues who are here, and let's

try different questions, not repeat ourselves. Let's start. They will be

able to answer the technical questions.

TRANSLATION: Guarantees which we have provided together with the

European investment bank and macro economic assistance to countries

such as Ukraine. This all has to be tarted up. We have entered into

rigorous and objective work, that should be incontestable and will

have to take account of the commitment of the past. I cannot

understand why I hear mention of punishment about the Brexit Bill,

that is not the case. Commitments have been made and those commitments

have to be honoured. Those responsibilities have to be

honoured. Some moments ago I made an important point. Imagine for one

moment what would happen were this not to happen. I want to reach an

agreement on behalf of the 27, and I said in front of the committee of

the region is what I see as the conditions for that agreement. We're

not trying to create problems, we wish to resolve problems. The way to

resolve a problem is to be objective and rigorous in our approach, not to

be overdramatic. We have to be rigorous in our approach to clearing

these accounts, otherwise the situation might be explosive, if we

have to stop programmes can you imagine the political problems which

might arise? On the question relating to the Court of Justice,

Article 50 and the agreement which we are going to construct makes

reference to the right of the union to protect the rights of our

citizens. To name one example, if we brace ourselves on these rights

being protected under union law, it will quite clearly be the Court of

Justice, which is and competent to interpret these rights for the

duration of the validity of such rights which means this will

continue to be the case well after the date of the withdrawal of the

UK. TRANSLATION: Thank you for giving me

the floor. There were some leaks in a German newspaper this week about

the so-called, the dinner of discord between Juncker and May, what you

think of that? Do you think letting this rather poisonous atmosphere

enter means it will derail quickly? I have a mission. I am the union's

negotiator. And that's been clear since Saturday. Total unity and a

very clear line of the European very clear line of the European

Council, that's what's clear to me. We know what we're going to be

putting on the table during these negotiations, and that's the table

I'll be sitting round. We will wait, we will listen very carefully to

what the British, when they're ready, will be putting on the table,

and we'll see where we can find some common ground. That's the table

where I, as a negotiator, will be focusing, and I'll be focusing on

facts, figures, laws and solutions, and I won't be guided by emotions

and hostility. That's what I can say. The European Council is very

clear: we must make as much progress as possible, as quickly as possible,

no windowdressing, sufficient progress in the negotiation, so that

we can get to the second phase, the scoping of the relationship, as and

when that's possible. That's my job, for the commission, for the Council,

with the with the European Council Parliament over the next few months.

As soon as the United Kingdom is ready to come to that table, we will

start. That's what I can say, and I can say it very clearly.

I am with the Wall Street Journal. From this mandate it is clear that

you are not going to touch on any transitional arrangements for the

future relationship, and based on what Mrs May said over the weekend,

she wants a deal that encompasses all of that before the financial

settlement. What will you tell the UK side, if they bring up these

issues, that you are not mandated to talk about them, or will you engage

in any probing discussions on that? TRANSLATION: Firstly, we have

already done a great deal of work with the European Council, the

council, the teams of President Tusk and our own departments on the

substance of these negotiating directives, which we now have on the

table. I'm not altogether surprised therefore by the content and the

limits of this mandate. And let me tell you why. Because I think that

one of the conditions are having an orderly withdrawal is to be just

that, orderly. Time is short, it is very short. Time is ticking and the

days are going by, and if we wish to make a success of this we have do

succeed in an orderly fashion. We have to resolve and deal calmly with

difficult questions without being overly theatrical or dramatic. Were

we not to do that, this could compromise the outcome of the

negotiations on Article 50. Now, of course, I hope that in October 2018,

as far as the divorce, we will have an agreement on the orderly

withdrawal, the various questions we see as priorities, then we will have

the definition of transitional periods. As I said in my first

statement to you, the nature of any transitional period will, of course,

depend very much and will govern our future relationship. There is a

question of the free trade agreement, but this is not to be

discussed immediately. We have to firstly proceed to establish a solid

basis, establishing a climate of confidence between the UK and EU 27

before we can proceeds come as the heads of government and state asked

us to. TRANSLATION: Good day to you, Mr

Barnier. The 27 heads of state of government have put often referred

to you when it comes to point X in time, where you will judge if

progress has been enough on the three first issues to move to the

second stage. Everyone is referring to you, Mr Barnier. So give us more

information, how will you judge when things have moved enough, and the

results have been obtained so you can propose to the European Council

that they move on to that second stage? TRANSLATION: Those who

referred you to me probably did so because it would be my

responsibility. When we've moved forward enough, it may be a bit

ambitious but I hope it will be in the autumn, I don't know, October,

November first I hope that I will be able to say clearly and objectively

that there is sufficient progress. I said earlier on, it's not going to

be windowdressing. These are going to be clear commitments on which

we've reached agreement on some basic principles, on the principles

of the three sectors where the decision of the United Kingdom to

leave the European Union has created ten months of complete uncertainty

for four million-plus citizens on either side of the Channel. And not

forgetting Ireland. Beneficiaries of European funds, etc, and the

question of borders. So no windowdressing. A clear agreement on

principles. The methodology for that financial settlement, clear

intervals, non-discrimination and continuity of rights for citizens.

So, I can't tell you at what point, the negotiations haven't started, I

can't tell you at what point we will know when we have reached that stage

when I can talk of sufficient progress. But on citizens rights,

for example, I can explain that sufficient agreement would mean that

you'd agreed on the cut-off date, I think we're calling which is the

date where the UK officially withdraws. The rights are covered,

the individuals, the individuals who are covered, the duration during

which rights are guaranteed. And I said, for the whole of their life.

The way those rights are guaranteed... For budget questions,

it will be in agreement on a specific methodology. As many member

states want, that will have to be clear and firm. It won't be one that

can be reopened, in terms of the principles. The idea being, of

course, that you are guaranteeing that you've done the groundwork. I

say this calmly, that you're in good conditions to start the second

phase. We shouldn't start the second phase, the scoping, the transitional

arrangements and a climate of mistrust and uncertainty.

Good morning. The difficulties, the differences over dinner the other

day, the settlement of the commitments, are you considering,

have you discussed or are you preparing a plan B in case

negotiations fail? Also, if you can give us an estimate of how much will

be included in this Bill. A figure was given, 60 billion, it could be

80 billion, it could be 100 billion. In order to be objective, my team

and myself, with the assistants of all the commission services, I would

like to thank President Juncker for having allowed me to work together

with the commission services and all commissioners from the outset. With

these honoured colleagues, we are working on all options. But the

option I wish to work on is agreement, that is the objective

towards which we are working, the objective of an agreement between

the UK and the EU. An agreement on Brexit, and orderly withdrawal on

the nature and the limited duration of transitional periods, and what I

called a new partnership built on a number of elements, free and fair

trade relationship, and of course, bilateral cooperation between the

United Kingdom and ourselves on questions of a security and defence,

to ensure the stability of the European continent, which requires

joint work together with the British. I don't wish to give any

figures today. I can't, because I don't know what the figures are.

Various estimates have been circulating. We have to clear the

accounts of the past. The obligations of the past, that is

clear. Since you are all confident and well informed journalists, I am

sure you can undertake your own calculations whilst looking at past

agreements. We will be precise methodology, but we cannot give any

definitive figures, because I would like to point out that life will be

continuing in the union between October and the withdrawal of the

UK. Commitments will continue to be entered into, and we have two ensure

the guarantees to be given within the budget. There is a further

element which is important to the UK and ourselves, that is the way in

which these payments will be disbursed over time. The sexual link

of -- scheduling of the payments. On this question as others, there are

differing positions are emerging during the dinner to which you

refer, which I participated in. Good morning Mr Barnier. You just said,

stressing the fact we should have no illusions about a painless Brexit.

You stress the fact that the clock is ticking and it is high time to

start negotiations. You stress this so much, is it because you don't see

this awareness in London at the moment?

No, it's because it is my responsibility as a negotiator to

say that. Six months ago or so, I was given this job by President

Juncker. I came back to Brussels, I got to look at the detail, because

that's what I do. I looked at all of the policies that the British have

chosen, because it is their choice to leave completely, partly. And I'm

impressed by the complexity of the whole thing, legally, technically

and in terms of the consequences, it is very, very complicated. I said

here, one of the first things I said when I got the job, there will be

consequences. Those who pretend, or who did pretend, that you can leave

the European Union and there are no consequences simply aren't telling

the truth. Their argument consequences. There are social

consequences. There are economic consequences, technical

consequences, financial, legal consequences, you are on winding 43

years or so of a relationship -- unwinding. That's why you can't do

everything in 15-16 months before October. That's why things have to

be done in a given order. At some stage, you build an idea of a future

relationship. Honestly, I get the feeling that, on the London side,

the people I have met are aware of the difficulties.

You have a microphone next to you. UK journalist for ITV News, thank

you for letting me ask this question. In terms of the

negotiations ahead, if Theresa May wins the general election in Britain

in the way that polls suggest, will it weaken your hand in negotiations,

Mr Barnier? Of course, I am not going to make

any comment on UK domestic politics. To be objective, the only thing I

can say is that a new government following the elections, which

Theresa May called early. This new government as of the 8th of June

will have a certain longevity and stability for five years, which is

not the case for the current government. That is an important

point, and if you ask me for my evaluation, irrespective of the

government and office that we are going to be entering negotiations

which will take 16 months, I hope to gain an agreement on Brexit. And

afterwards, we will continue to enter into treaties on our future

relations. You have to be given the floor and

there are no follow up questions on a day like this. Thank you so much.

Yes, from the centre. Sorry. We cannot hear you because you are not

being translated. All I can say is that I don't wish

to make any comments on the new British Government after the

elections, and the spirit in which they will work. But these elections

will not change anything with regard to the position and determination of

the repealing union is confirmed today, taking the shape of my

negotiating directives without any aggressiveness or naivete, we shall

defend the interests of the 27 member states of the union and the

single market. That is my role. I have a question on citizen rights.

As you said yourself, and also President Juncker and president

task, this is a serious issue for the families, hundreds of thousands

of people. I understand with the people that live in the UK, they can

do nothing. They already lived there, Bay had to wait for the

going to the UK and working there, going to the UK and working there,

can you tell them with full confidence that they can go there,

begin their lives and you will guarantee their lives after that?

Thank you. Including for people already there, first of all, we have

to have that agreement, represents City -- reciprocity, up to the day

of Brexit and for their lives. I have a mandate and agreement, and I

will respect it. It is to cover people who arrive tomorrow morning

and up to the day of Brexit. So that those people acquire the five years

necessary to be a permanent resident, but I can't tell you today

the results of the negotiations on that point or any other point, but I

am quite determined. I am determined to ask their rights to be covered as

per my negotiating mandate, including for the category of people

that you mentioned who are not there yet, but who arrived before Brexit

happens. One more question. Mark Stone from Sky News, a general

question and a specific question, the general one, do you say you

don't want a deal with emotion, but how would you characterise the mood

right now between London and Brussels? It appears to have

deteriorated. How will that affect negotiations? At a specific crushing

on financial commitments, there are ballpark figures, some talk of 100

billion euros, some talk of 50 billion euros, can you give us a

ballpark figure of what it might be? If not, do you expect the UK to

agree to signing a blank cheque? I cannot accept that term, blank

cheque. There was never any question of asking the UK to give us a blank

cheque. That would not be serious. All we ask in for is for the

accounts to be cleared for the honouring of commitments which the

UK has entered into. It is not a blank cheque. We know exactly what

we are speaking about and what we will discuss, but you cannot get me

to give any figures. Let me say, as far as I am concerned, leaving the

union does not have a price which has to be paid. We have an orderly

withdrawal with accounts to be cleared, and we need to take into

account various questions that I have mentioned previously. You have

also asked me about the mood. The mood prevailing, the mood which I

observed during the course of this dinner at the other day. Now, of

course, the positions between us are different. Sometimes very different.

That is no surprise to anyone. That is why we need negotiations, and why

we have to start these negotiations as soon as possible. As you have

been mentioning, this meeting, let me add a personal note in

conclusion. When I accompanied peasant Juncker, it was the first

time I had the honour of meeting Theresa May. -- President Juncker. I

have to say it was a cordial meeting. I don't wish to be too

Franco British in my approach, but I hope we can build a rapport. I am

not sure yet, but that is my objective, to build a cordial

relationship that will last well beyond Brexit. Secondly, also on a

personal basis, I had the opportunity to discuss a shared

passion, which I have with Theresa May, which is rambling and hiking in

the mountains, and as you may know, I have the privilege of being the

mountainous regions. If you like mountainous regions. If you like

walking in the mountains, you had to learn a certain number of rules. You

have to learn to put one foot in front of the other. Sometimes you

are on a steep and rocky path. You also have to look at what accidents

might befall you, falling rocks, you have to be careful to keep your

breath, you have to have stamina, because it could be a lengthy path,

and you have to keep looking at the summit, the outcome. That is what I

learned mountain walking. Thank you. Just two minutes to put up the third

lectin. See you tomorrow. The 2017 general election is upon

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