French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday called on Britain to submit fresh proposals so that London and Brussels can move Brexit negotiations forward.
Macron spoke as EU leaders were gathering on the second day of an informal meeting in Salzburg, with Brexit at the top of the day’s agenda.
In particular, Macron said, the EU wants clear guidance from London on one of the toughest issues in the talks – how it would treat the border between the Republic of Ireland, an EU member, and Northern Ireland, which will leave the EU as part of Britain.
Both sides want to find a “backstop” solution that would preserve freedom of goods, services, workers, and capital across the Irish border, no matter what the final deal on Brexit will be. But agreement has been elusive.
“We need a UK proposal precisely preserving this backstop in the framework of [Britain’s] withdrawal agreement,” Macron said.
The EU and Britain are each asking the other side to show flexibility as the deadline draws closer to reach a deal on the terms of Britain’s departure from the bloc.
On Wednesday, British Prime Minister Theresa May urged EU leaders to “evolve” their position on Brexit. She also touted her “Chequers Plan,” which has come under fire from hardline Brexiteers within her own Conservative party and EU officials in Brussels.
It is “the only credible and negotiable plan on the table that delivers no hard border in Northern Ireland and also delivers on the vote of the British people,” May said in Salzburg Wednesday.
EU leaders are trying to decide how much flexibility to offer May so that she has a stronger hand to counter criticism at home while still standing firm on issues it considers non-negotiable.
Britain and the EU are under pressure to finalize a deal in six months’ time, in order to avoid an unregulated Brexit that would likely spell chaos on both sides. They must also agree on the political principles underpinning their future relationship, notably regarding trade.
Britain is seeking a bespoke deal granting free access to the EU’s internal goods market, but limiting access for services so that London can set its own rules in some areas. Brussels calls this a non-starter.
European Council President Donald Tusk said he would propose holding a dedicated Brexit summit in mid-November, since few expect negotiations to be wrapped up in time for an October EU summit.