Brexit Series: EU top negotiator complaints lack of progress

The European Union’s top negotiator Michel Barnier, speaking to the members of the European Parliament complained that the United Kingdom has not made enough progress and resolve the hurdles of Brexit bill, Ireland’s border and the rights of EU citizen in the UK, in order to move the talks to the next phase. The second part is considered very crucial for the UK businesses as that would determine the future relations between the UK and the EU, as well as a transition period.

Mr. Barnier warned that there are still serious divergences over the financial settlement bill, which the UK has refused to pay unless Brussels clarify its stance on the future relationship as well as grant single market access to the European Union, whereas the EU has been pushing for financial commitment before trade talks could begin.

The next or the fourth round of official UK-EU Brexit talks will begin next week and it will be the last one before the EU leaders meet for their October summit in Brussels on 19th and 20th. Britain is hoping to break the gridlock between London and Brussels by talking directly to the leaders at the Summit.