No agreement without an appropriate level playing field – INTA Brexit rapporteur C. Hansen (EPP) made it very clear during EU Parliament International Trade committee’s (INTA) exchange on future relationship with UK, echoing the position of EU’s lead negotiator Michel Barnier. INTA members that took the floor agreed UK cannot be allowed to undercut EU and reduce current standards.
Rapporteur Hansen mentioned EU is in a position of strength ahead of negotiations: approximately 50% of UK exports come to EU27, while only 7% of EU27 exports go to UK. MEPs agreed they want the EU to work out a deal as ambitious as possible. They also pointed out all efforts must be engaged to avoid a no-deal cliff edge at the end of 2020.
Several MEPs said this is the strangest and most unique EU deal, as instead of approximation the Parties will explore ways to drift apart. MEP H. Hautala stressed the EU should take this opportunity to turn the future deal into a frontrunner.