I've been of view for some time that TCA represents high point in what's likely to be a difficult & deteriorating UK/EU relationship. Despite public pronouncements to contrary, in private, officials on both sides now acknowledge that this seems likely 1/5
For EU - Because HMG continues to misrepresent deal it struck to public & blame EU for its consequences. EU finds gap between Govt's rhetoric & reality unreal. This is killing trust. Reduces influence of more moderate member states that are open to addressing problems in TCA 2/5
For UK - Because Tory strategists continue to see electoral benefit - with red wall voters & constraining Labour - of a hard line on EU. Crystallised by Frost appointment, who as a believer in EU divergence, will now sit in Cabinet & advise on domestic regulation & reform 3/5
EU believes Govt's first reflex is tactical - politicise every issue for short term gain. But this has strategic consequence of reducing likelihood HMG can secure changes it wants to TCA that will help alleviate some of challenges businesses are facing - today & in future 4/5
EU has been moderate in its response to HMG misrepresentations & accusations so far, but a fight back is likely if it continues. Moderate EU capitals & voices are becoming a minority. If we think last 8 weeks have been bad, wait until escalation is pushed from BOTH sides
ENDS
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.@EmmanuelMacron Govt has lost control of its message on Islam & Islamism & his reputation is taking a massive battering abroad - esp in US (@nytimes@washingtonpost). But his approach - not without errors & misjudgements - is far more balanced than critics claim Thread 1/
Macron’s recent troubles stem from recent, stupid remarks made by his higher education minister, Frédérique Vidal, who announced an investigation into so-called “Islamo-gauchiste” (Islamo-leftist) influence at French universities 2/
“Islamo-gauchisme” has long been an issue in France. It means, in essence, an alleged alliance between parts of the French hard left (anti-capitalist & often anti-Semitic) with extreme & sometimes violent forms of Islamist ideology 3/
Was good to speak to @MarkUrban01@BBCNewsnight last night on UK/EU deal. In case you missed it, I think TCA will basically be as good as it gets - for quite some time. Four reasons in this mini-thread 1/
1: Govt wants to diverge. Whether symbolic or substantive is yet to be resolved between pragmatic & ideological Tory €sceptics. But only q is how far/fast. 3 March budget cd provide some clues. Sunak likely to say something about divergence agenda in context of Covid recovery 2/
1b: Good eg is equivalence for financial services, which remains unlikely. Govt doesn't want to be rule-taker from Bxl; thinks sector will be better regulated by HMT/BoE. EU also not keen; believes trust & stable relations are pre-requisites, both of which are lacking with HMG 3/
A lot has been written about what Mario Draghi's arrival in Italy means for Italy. But little has been said about what he could mean for Europe. I think Draghi could be a game changer for EU; he could even turn its toxic North-South dynamic on its head. Thread 1/
Why? The @EU_Commission is currently reviewing (quietly) member states reform plans. These are basis upon which EU capitals hope to begin receiving their allocation, in transfers & loans, from the €750 billion Recovery Fund, starting later this year 2/
Remember the numbers are unprecedented. Italy is eligible for ~€188bn (roughly €65.5bn in grants; €123bn in loans). Spain a €144bn, roughly €59bn in grants & €85bn in loans etc etc. The amounts for all member states are unprecedented 3/
The snail-like first 10 days of French vaccine roll-out means Fr is still behind other countries – only 1.44% of the 66mn population vaccinated as of last night. As of today, France would still not yet appear on this FT chart. BUT that will soon change 1/ ig.ft.com/coronavirus-va…
The French vaccine programme has exploded into life in the last four or five days, with an average of well over 100,000 jabs a day. As a result France is now jabbing faster (pro rata) than Germany or Italy 2/
It has vaccinated a total of 963,139 people (139,572 yesterday alone) and will today hit – 8 days early - its initial, modest target of 1,000,000 by the end of January. This is only four days longer than the UK took to reach its “first million jabs.” 3/
However, I personally don’t buy the idea that the great key to the Macronist world view (if such a thing exists) is his one-time mentor, the Eurosceptic former Socialist minister, Jean-Pierre Chevènement 2/6
Chevènement was and is a fierce French nationalist. Macron’s view of “sovereignty” may be fluid at times but it is mostly defined in a European context: the need for a European strategic sovereignty – economic, political & military. I think this would be repugnant to Chevènement
The risks that arise from Merkel's departure this year aren't really linked to her succession, but rather the vacuum she leaves behind in Europe. For Brexit/UK watchers, this is an important transitional year for the EU - & one worth paying attention to
Thread 1/
The outcome of Ger elections in Sept is highly likely to be a Black/Green coalition. Positive for Ger & EU. All the contenders to replace Merkel are also mainstream, some just more conservative than others. See @NazMasraff & @COdendahl very good analysis & threads for more 2/
Yet despite this constructive outcome, in short & medium term, Merkel’s departure will leave a large gap in EU no leader can credibly fill. @EmmanuelMacron will try, but without Merkel or strong partnership in Berlin, his more disruptive, abrasive style won't succeed 3/