This evening the EU's Heads of State and Government are meeting via #EUCO video call
#Brexit is not formally on the agenda, but let's look at how some of the key players in the Brexit end game are feeling just now...
#Brexit is not formally on the agenda, but let's look at how some of the key players in the Brexit end game are feeling just now...
Johnson
Nervously waiting. Cannot bear to take a decision. Hoping something will come along to save him.
Nervously waiting. Cannot bear to take a decision. Hoping something will come along to save him.
Frost
Limited. Cannot go too far in talks as any compromises would be needed from Johnson. Keeps talking the talk.
Limited. Cannot go too far in talks as any compromises would be needed from Johnson. Keeps talking the talk.
Barnier
Mildly annoyed at the slow pace, but knows he has the solid backing he needs. And if deadlines slip he can live with it.
Mildly annoyed at the slow pace, but knows he has the solid backing he needs. And if deadlines slip he can live with it.
von der Leyen
Stands shoulder to shoulder with Barnier. Ready for any call to start No Deal planning. Essentially calm though.
Stands shoulder to shoulder with Barnier. Ready for any call to start No Deal planning. Essentially calm though.
Charles Michel
Distracted (by the Hungary/Poland/rule of law issue) - doesn't want to have to deal with Brexit *as well*. Wants the European Council to take a united front on all the big questions.
Distracted (by the Hungary/Poland/rule of law issue) - doesn't want to have to deal with Brexit *as well*. Wants the European Council to take a united front on all the big questions.
Angela Merkel
Always unflappable. Hungary/Poland/rule of law issue comes close to her as Hungary is in the EPP. Wants a calm Brexit and negotiated Brexit outcome, will not rock the boat.
Always unflappable. Hungary/Poland/rule of law issue comes close to her as Hungary is in the EPP. Wants a calm Brexit and negotiated Brexit outcome, will not rock the boat.
Micheál Martin
Pensive. Currently has no way to save things at the last minute as his predecessor Varadkar managed with Johnson. But knows the EU stands behind him, and above all wants solutions.
Pensive. Currently has no way to save things at the last minute as his predecessor Varadkar managed with Johnson. But knows the EU stands behind him, and above all wants solutions.
Mark Rutte
Steely but annoyed. Knows Netherlands is better prepared for Brexit than UK is, but pragmatic solutions to the negotiations impasse seem some way off still.
Steely but annoyed. Knows Netherlands is better prepared for Brexit than UK is, but pragmatic solutions to the negotiations impasse seem some way off still.
Emmanuel Macron
🤔
🤔
Let's face it: patience with the British is running low in the EU. And time is running out two. And Macron has been hardline on fisheries already...
... and he's sometimes tempestuous, even when it's against his own best interests.
... and he's sometimes tempestuous, even when it's against his own best interests.
What Macron is going to turn up this evening?
If anything is to get interesting on #Brexit this evening this is where it's likely to happen I reckon.
We'll see in a few hours! #EUCO
/ends
We'll see in a few hours! #EUCO
/ends
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