Debate: Preparation of the European Council meeting of  June  - Recommendations on the negotiations for a new partnership with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Date: WEDNESDAY, 17 JUNE 2020
Speaker: Ursula von der Leyen
Language: EN

On Monday, President Sassoli, President Michel, and I discussed the way forward with Prime Minister Johnson. The Prime Minister confirmed that he does not want to extend the transition period beyond the end of this year. We, on our side, have always been ready to grant an extension, but it takes two to tango. This means that we are now half-way through these negotiations with five months left to go, but we are definitely not half-way through the work to reach an agreement, with little time ahead of us. We will do all in our power to reach an agreement; we will be constructive, as we’ve always been, and we are ready to be creative to find common ground where there seems to be none. What we are not ready to do is to put into question our principles and the integrity of our Union because it is our duty to protect the interests of the European citizens. Michel Barnier has done an outstanding job over the last month and has explained many times why the four outstanding issues are so crucial. First of all, the level playing field. The fundamental issue at stake here is fair competition. We are ready and willing to compete with British firms. They are excellent and our firms are excellent too; but it cannot be a downward competition. Just think of labour standards or environmental protection. It should be a shared interest for the European Union and the UK to never slide backwards and always advance together towards higher standards. Second, on fisheries: no one is questioning the UK’s sovereignty in its own waters, without any question. But we ask for predictability and we ask for guarantees for fishermen and fisherwomen who have been sailing in those waters for decades. It is very clear that there cannot be a comprehensive trade agreement without fisheries, without a level playing field or without strong governance mechanisms. Governance may sound like an issue for bureaucrats but it is not. It is central for our businesses and our private citizens, both in the UK and in the European Union. It is crucial to ensure that what has been agreed is actually done. Finally, on police and judicial cooperation: we want our citizens’ liberties, fundamental rights and data to be safeguarded in all circumstances and this is why we expect a role for the European Court of Justice where it matters. These are objectives, not only in our discussions with the UK but in any relationship with any partner because these are principles at the heart of the European Union. Fair competition, rising social standards, the protection of our citizens and the rule of law, this is who we are and it is not going to change. Honourable members, I am particularly glad for the unity that all institutions have shown and for this Parliament’s full support throughout this process. This will be even be more important than the next phase of the talks. No one can say with certainty where these negotiations will be at the end of the year, but I know for sure that we will have done everything to reach an agreement and to have a good start with the UK as a third-country neighbour. Meine sehr geehrten Damen und Herren Abgeordneten! Unsere britischen Freunde sind leider entschlossen, einen Schritt zurückzugehen. Sie wollen die Europäische Union und den Gemeinsamen Markt verlassen. Wir werden weiter daran arbeiten, die wirtschaftlichen Folgen für unsere Union abzufedern, und gleichzeitig fordert uns die Gesundheits- und Wirtschaftskrise in einer noch nie dagewesenen Form heraus. Die Europäische Kommission ist in die Verantwortung gegangen. Mit  Meine Damen und Herren, ich hatte schon mehrfach die Gelegenheit, Ihnen den MFR und  Mir ist insbesondere wichtig: die Rolle des Europäischen Parlaments, das richtige Verhältnis zwischen nationalen Reformanstrengungen in den Mitgliedstaaten und unseren europäischen Prioritäten – insbesondere dem