Michel Barnier and David Davis set to finally face off as EU confirms date of opening Brexit talks exactly a month from now
Opening exchanges in 15-month battle to shape the future of our nation pencilled in by Brussels’ chief negotiator for June 19
THE EU has reportedly confirmed the date of the opening Brexit negotiations as Michel Barnier and David Davis are set to finally face off exactly a month from now.
The opening exchanges in the 15-month battle to shape the future of our nation have been pencilled in by Brussels’ chief negotiator for June 19.
A highly symbolic moment, it will kick off the most important negotiations in the UK’s history, with the rights of EU citizens in the UK and Brit expats living on the continent set to be first on the agenda.
The is reporting that the European commission’s Brexit taskforce, led by Mr Barnier, shared the proposed date with key figures in Brussels last week.
The first meeting between the main players in the talks is likely to take place in the new Europa building, a £283million transparent structure nicknamed the “Space Egg”.
June 19, which is also Boris Johnson’s birthday, will also see Brexit Secretary Mr Davis and Mr Barnier begin discussions on the so-called “divorce bill” in earnest.
Figures ranging from £50billion all the way to £100billion have been bandied about by Brussels, who say Britain has existing commitments it must pay into.
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But independent experts have thrown cold water on the EU’s claims of how much we owe them, with new analysis suggesting the true amount owed may be as little as £5billion.
A report from the Institute of Chartered Accountants analysed the various obligations promised to the EU and said the cost of exiting the bloc will not rise higher than £30billion at the most.
However Theresa May risked the wrath of the Brexiteers with a pledge for a huge payout to smooth a future trade deal.
The Prime Minister included a commitment in her manifesto yesterday to agree “a fair settlement of the UK’s rights and obligations as a departing member state”.
The blueprint also said the move is “in accordance with the law and in the spirit of the UK’s continuing partnership with the EU”.
All the manifesto ruled out were any more “vast annual contributions to the European Union” – which also opened the door to smaller ones continuing.