The European Union's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, said at the Bled Strategy Forum, Slovenia's most important international policy event, that the divorce deal between the European Union and Britain is " possible” and “realistic” within eight weeks.
Barnier, taking part in the proceedings in Slovenia, said that an agreement must be reached by the beginning of November, although a number of outstanding issues still need to be addressed which require attention, such as measures to prevent the flare-up of Irish tensions and ensure the protection of the names of food and agricultural products. “We need to sort out the Ireland issues and some other issues in the next 6-8 weeks. We are ready to propose a very important, ambitious and unprecedented partnership with the UK,” said Barnier.
The chief Brexit negotiator also said there was much "common ground" on future ties in the security sector and foreign policy between the two sides.
The pound quickly reacted to his comments, trading at $1,3040 at 2:25am London time, up 0,9% and putting in its best performance since August 1st.
A new meeting is scheduled for 20 September to discuss the Brexit negotiations in Salzburg, Austria.
