Brexit reminder: Time is running out for timely EP ratification. Whereas in the UK treaty scrutiny knows an override (sect. 22 CRaG 2010), the European Parliament actually has to approve a treaty. What does this mean and what would be a proper strategy here? /1 @davidmcallister
There is a cutoff point after which the EP won’t be able to do meaningful work if ratification is to take place before the end of the year. @berndlange , the head of the trade committee, has made that clear. /2
One of the problems here is that this deadline is not one fixed by law. But that does not change that you cannot scrutinise a 1000 page agreement in a day. So how best to proceed? /3
It seems to me the EP should give a clear deadline - but a realistic one in the sense that it is obvious that this is the deadline at maximum speed. But it should do more /4
It should make clear that it will absolutely still consider voting for a deal if that deadline is not respected. But it will then vote later. There will be a gap. Because unlike the WA the deadline here is in a way not fixed. You can always do an FTA. Now. In a year. In two. /5
The only problem is (and it is a significant problem, but there’s little that can be done about it if then parties cannot find agreement) that we’ll fall back on not having an FTA. /6
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