Brexit withdrawal agreement is balanced and will ensure UK-EU cooperation - Barnier

RIGA - The Brexit withdrawal agreement is balanced and will ensure cooperation between the United Kingdom and the European Union also in the future, the EU’s chief negotiator for the UK’s exit from the bloc Michel Barnier told journalists following his meeting with Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins (New Unity).

Karins told representatives of the media that when it comes to Brexit, Latvia and the EU have the same interests - if the UK is to leave the EU, the process has to take place in accordance with the achieved agreements.

All EU member states have confirmed that this agreement is good. Unfortunately, the UK has so far been unable to decide whether to accept the deal or not. Whoever the next British prime minister will be, the EU’s goal will not change. As head of the Latvian government I have complete trust in Barnier as he continues the talks to find a way for the UK to join the agreement, the Latvian premier said.

Barnier said that he also met with Latvian Defense Minister Artis Pabriks (For Development/For), Saeima members and representatives of entrepreneurs’ organizations on Thursday because in the complex Brexit process it is useful for each EU member state to formulate their concerns.

As far as Brexit is concerned, the EU’s priorities remain unchanged – as the UK leaves the bloc, EU citizens’ rights in the UK must be upheld. Likewise, the EU wants peace and stability in Ireland and the integrity of the single market to be maintained. The withdrawal agreement is balanced and will ensure UK-EU cooperation also in the future, the chief Brexit negotiator said.

Barnier voiced hope that the Brexit deal will be achieved by October 31. The EU has done everything to make the agreement happen. If it does not, it will be the UK’s choice, Barnier said.

As reported, Barnier visited Latvia today to meet with a number of state officials.