Quite something watching EU trade commissioner Hogan talk tough on trade from DC on US “bluffing” “Sabre rattling” and “short term thinking” as well as pondering a WTO case on US-China.
Sent clear message that as result of UK end 2020 deadline EU will limit scope of negotiations
Sent clear message that as result of UK end 2020 deadline EU will limit scope of negotiations
Obviously he repeated “just not possible” line re doing a deal on full 36 page political declaration to UK timetable. also said clearly that therefore, and following VDL trip to No 10, EU mandate for talks at Feb 25th summit will be limited or “prioritised”, ie not all 36 pages..
working out how this works in practice:
- EU adopts limited mandate significantly short of 36 page political declaration on Feb 25, but reaffirms extension still possible (only be end June).
- becomes a type of phasing, allows for standstill and further talks on rest next year?
- EU adopts limited mandate significantly short of 36 page political declaration on Feb 25, but reaffirms extension still possible (only be end June).
- becomes a type of phasing, allows for standstill and further talks on rest next year?
Here’s the Hogan interview - mainly on world trade vista - questioned by his predecessor Mandelson - Brexit bit right at the end...
Hogan did another event in DC a bit later... where he continued with the general theme of pushing back hard against Trump on trade tensions...
