EU Brexit Negotiator: Boris Johnson's Demands Are 'Unacceptable', France Reacts

(Patria) – The intention of the new British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to sit down again at the negotiating table with the EU regarding Brexit has not found fertile ground with Michel Barnier, the chief Brexit negotiator for the European Union.  

Immediately before Johnson's appointment as Prime Minister, Barnier publicly stated via Twitter that he looked forward to constructive cooperation with him on the ratification of the Withdrawal Agreement and the implementation of Brexit 'by the book'.

However, Barnier later criticized Johnson's 'aggressive' rhetoric on the outcome of Brexit 'without a deal' because the new Prime Minister has repeatedly announced the United Kingdom's exit from the EU by October 31 'at all costs', meaning with or without a deal, writes Euronews.

Barnier also emphasized that it is essential for the EU to 'adhere to our principles and guidelines, and show solidarity and unity of the 27 (member states)'.

Avoid Games

The French government has also warned Johnson not to 'play games' with the Irish border after he demanded that the proposal for an open border with Ireland be rejected if the United Kingdom leaves the EU without a deal, writes the British Guardian.

Amélie de Montchalin, French Minister for European Affairs, stated that both sides should avoid 'games, gestures, and provocations' now that only three months remain before the Brexit deadline. She also stated that France feels solidarity with Ireland, emphasizing that the existing withdrawal agreement is 'the best we have' and should not be renegotiated.

Indeed, France is reacting to Johnson's recent statements that he will not accept a deal that includes a 'undemocratic' arrangement with Ireland, which would entail regulations for a single market for Northern Ireland while the entire United Kingdom would be in a common customs territory with the EU until an alternative solution is found to avoid a border with Ireland.