Thread by @Usherwood

Some thoughts on #EUCO and #Brexit

1/

Zero chance of moving to Phase II, so will be all about optics. Everyone needs to take something home

2/

COM needs to show it's in control: EU27 want to know their dosh/citizens are safe: May needs to not look supine

3/

General interest in keeping #A50 show on road, so expect prelim moves on Phase II mandate

4/

Big test will be whether anyone goes off-message and decries the mess. Not an issue if marginal player: v.big one if DE/IRL

5/

Remember #EUCO has many other fish to fry, esp w Catalonia situation. Brexit is low on list, so someone might say things unthinkingly

6/

Note that HMG has played nicely w Madrid, so should close that line of awkwardness down, but plenty of others in wings

7/

While big buy-in so far to COM's approach, largely driven by lack of urgency/priority for most MS, so this might be early test

8/

In short, fine words butter no #A50 deal, but might have to suffice for now

/end