Brussels | MEPs now consider it “impossible” to ratify a possible post-Brexit agreement in time for it to enter into force on 1er January, after the negotiators exceeded the deadline they had set at midnight Sunday.
“The Westminster political games wereted too much time. It is now impossible for Parliament to assess a deal before the end of the year. We will not approve any text, it is too important, “said Monday the leader of the EPP group (right) in the European Parliament, Manfred Weber, on Twitter.
Deeming it necessary not to “rush” a decision on a possible text, he promises that the hemicycle will remain a “constructive partner” and refers to “other procedures” for a possible treaty to enter into force, only 10 days away. the final break between the EU and the UK.
For example, an agreement reached in extremis could be applied provisionally on 1er January, with a posteriori ratification by the European Parliament. But according to several European sources, such a scenario is technically possible only if a compromise is found before Christmas, otherwise a no deal, at least for a few days, appears inevitable.
“There will in fact be a no deal, technical or not, but the 1er January, there will be a big stall, we have to prepare for it, ”also warned the French Nathalie Loiseau (Renew, Liberals).
The group of MEPs who are following the negotiations for the European Parliament were to meet at 8.45 am GMT “to assess the situation and discuss the next steps”, said its president, the German David McAllister (PPE).
Negotiations, which notably come up against the thorny issue of European fishermen’s access to British waters, is due to resume on Monday.
A trade deal must be found before the UK – which officially left the EU on January 31 – leaves the European single market and customs union on December 31 at 11 p.m. GMT.
Otherwise, trade between the EU and London will be carried out according to the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO), rules which are synonymous with tariffs and quotas, with serious consequences for already shaken economies. by the pandemic.