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EU shows strong opposition to Brexit renegotiations

Posted February. 01, 2019 07:42,   

Updated February. 01, 2019 07:42

한국어

The leaders of the European Union have sharply criticized British Prime Minister Theresa May’s bid to renegotiate the Brexit deal. Britain is being denounced for making the meticulously drafted agreement among 28 countries null for political reasons.

The topic was heavily discussed at a meeting held in Belgium on Wednesday. “We’ve seen a vote against a number of things, against the deal, against no deal, against the backstop, but until today the House of Commons has not voted for one proposal in favor of something,” European Parliament Brexit coordinator Guy Verhofstadt said during the debate. "We are tired of waiting. I hope they will discuss content and it’s not only eating biscuits and drinking tea."

“We’ve stated that the withdrawal agreement is the best deal possible in November, December and again in January,” said European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. He expressed concerns, saying, “We do not understand what the British House of Commons wants. What is sure is that there is increased chance of a no-deal Brexit.”

Elmar Brok, a member of the European Parliament and known as a leading conservative, said, “A crazy situation where the UK suggests the backstop and then asks to renegotiate,” referring to the UK as the main victim of no-deal Brexit. Leopoldo Fortunato Galtieri, a left-winged Italian member of the European Parliament, also criticized the UK’s decision saying, "It might appear to unite the Conservative party for now, but it will never be a long-term solution.”

Members of the EU continued discussions to prepare for a possible no-deal Brexit, agreeing to host the Erasmus program, an EU student exchange program.


Jung-Min Dong ditto@donga.com