BRUSSELS - EU Brexit chief Michel Barnier on Friday handed Britain a two-week ultimatum to make concessions on a divorce agreement if it wants to unlock the next phase of talks in December.
Frenchman Barnier said it was “vital” for Britain to increase its offer on its exit bill -- a figure senior EU officials put at up to 60 billion euros -- to open up talks on a future trade deal.
The fate of the border between British-ruled Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland has also thrown an unexpected spanner into the works, with British negotiator David Davis ruling out the EU’s preferred solution.
“My answer is yes,” Barnier told a press conference at the end of the sixth round of talks in Brussels, when asked if he would need “concessions” from Britain within the next two weeks to move on.
“On the financial settlement, this is absolutely vital if we are to achieve sufficient progress in December. It is just a matter of settling accounts, as with any other separation,” the former European commissioner and French foreign minister said.
Barnier added that he was “following attentively” the political situation in Britain where a series of government resignations has further weakened the government of Prime Minister Theresa May. (AFP)