I have to disagree with @anandMenon1 here. The 'EU unity mantra' was well thought through, boosted its negotiating hand and will most likely be maintained in the second phase. I will dwell on several Anand's points in the below #thread.
@anandMenon1 1. I would challenge the notion that EU has been inflexible. Yes, it has stuck to its guiding negotiating principles (recipe for its success) but it also showed some flexibility in the process itself. The final text of the NI protocol is clear indication of it.
@anandMenon1 2. EU member-states made a strategic decision to put the Commission in a driving seat- it represents EU's general interests and even the MS which have recently resented the influence of the community institutions (eg. Poland) were from day one in favour of the EC' s lead.
@anandMenon1 3. Let's also not forget about the Council article 50 working party which worked with the EC in the process. Its chair did a brilliant job reconciling differences of opinions among MS about eg. contingency legislation.
@anandMenon1 4. Another argument I disagree with is that with its strategy the EU wanted to provoke certain outcome in the EU. Many EU officials stopped making any assumptions about the British politics long time ago.
I obviously mean ‘outcome in the UK’
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