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As all eyes are on the House of Commons tonight, some reflection on the testimony @prof_mayer, @GuntramWolff, Jane Golding @BritishInEurope, I and others gave yesterday to the Bundestag's EU Committee:
First, across parties Brexit was all about damage limitation. #brexit with the withdrawal agreement is seen as damaging, a no deal Brexit even worse.
Withdrawal agreement seen as far from perfect, but at least providing some certainty for business and citizens
Withdrawal agreement seen as far from perfect, but at least providing some certainty for business and citizens
Second, the backstop in the withdrawal agreement is widely regarded as a huge concession _to the UK_
Major worries especially concerning the level playing field and the backstop paving the way to dismantling the integrity of the single market
Major worries especially concerning the level playing field and the backstop paving the way to dismantling the integrity of the single market
Third, good will towards the UK is evaporating. Main impression is strong backing to not opening up the WA.
Some flexibility on extension of A50 negotiations, but not just to extend UK infighting. Requirement would be clear path to proceed by the UK, EP elections a real hurdle
Some flexibility on extension of A50 negotiations, but not just to extend UK infighting. Requirement would be clear path to proceed by the UK, EP elections a real hurdle
Finally, Northern Ireland was an important issue to German parliamentarians, with even the AfD speaking strongly for an open border (though they were critical of the EU approach overall).
Both business representatives and MPs strongly stressing the need for EU27 unity.
Both business representatives and MPs strongly stressing the need for EU27 unity.
