The EU is *not* about to make a big bold offer to allow Stormont to exit part of the Brexit withdrawal agreement, in order to break the Brexit deadlock I hear from EU sources. 1.
Genuine puzzlement about reports of major concession in the offing, as consent issue has largely been parked in recent negotiations.
There have been no serious discussions among EU27 on consent - one of the EU's two big problems with Boris Johnson’s proposals. 2.
There have been no serious discussions among EU27 on consent - one of the EU's two big problems with Boris Johnson’s proposals. 2.
Latest Brexit talks between David Frost and European commission have focused on customs. EU source suggests unlikely the EU would be making an offer on consent when the crucial question of customs is not solved.
3.
3.
Michel Barnier has warned in private that prospect of DUP veto every four years is unworkable and would create uncertainty.
Diplomats say unimaginable to give non member state rights that MS do not have. 4.
Diplomats say unimaginable to give non member state rights that MS do not have. 4.
The EU - battered by years of accusations of being undemocratic - is very sensitive to questions of democratic consent and legitimacy.
So something could be worked out on consent, if there is real prospect of a deal. But right now a deal still seems far away. 5.
So something could be worked out on consent, if there is real prospect of a deal. But right now a deal still seems far away. 5.
