EU27 warned against direct dealings with UK on Brexit
The European Commission has warned member states not to attend a series of Brexit mini-summits being held in London over fears they are another tactic to drive a wedge between Brussels and the EU27.
According to Politico, officials were last week told not to attend the UK government-organised technical seminars in the belief they are actually being run as part of ongoing attempts to circumvent Michel Barnier and his team.
“It seems like a British attempt to sideline the Commission,” one EU27 diplomat said.
“[The Commission] urged member states not to engage in bilateral talks,” said one of the diplomats present. Another said the Commission’s message was: “We’ve explained everything that you should know, if you have more questions we’re always ready to provide answers. There’s absolutely no need to go to these seminars.”
It was seen as a prime opportunity to speak to those who set Barnier's mandate – and ultimately decide on the final withdrawal agreement – directly.
There have been some encouraging responses – not least a willingness among some EU27 to "fudge" certain issues in order to secure a deal before the deadline.
However Barnier has remained firm in rejecting May's approach.