Brexit-delay: be careful what you wish for

A week before the deadline for a hard-Brexit the UK Prime Minister goes on the Offensive: In a letter to EU Council President Donald Tusk, Theresa May on Friday asked for an extension for the phase-to 30. June. The government would "agree to a roadmap for the ratification, allowed the United Kingdom, before 23. May 2019 from the European Union to withdraw", it means it. May also stated the willingness of the government of the country to the European elections of 23. to 26. May (see this article).

The reactions in Europe to the recent development of London's highest government body were different. "Our Position is clear: No Brexit-shift without clarification," wrote the Group leader and top candidate of the conservative European people's party, Manfred Weber, in the short message service Twitter.

Our position is clear: no #Brexit extension without clarification. We should not let chaos and uncertainty from #London spread to the EU27, in particular ahead of our #European elections. We need to know what the Brits want before 12th April.

— Manfred Weber (@Weber) 5. April 2019

The Brexit Officer of the Parliament, Verhofstadt, liberal Guy, also wrote on Twitter: "All in the EU might be inclined to extend the Brexit Saga, I can only say: be careful what you wish for." He referred this to the announcement of Brexit-Hardliner Jacob Rees-Mogg, that the UK occur during an extension of the withdrawal period "as difficult as possible" and important EU decisions should be block.

For those in the EU who may be tempted to further extend the #Brexit saga, I can only say, be careful what you wish for. ???????? https://t.co/wVmdxQubgj

— Guy Verhofstadt (@guyverhofstadt) 5. April 2019

scepticism in Paris – understanding in Rome

In Berlin, welcomed government spokesman Steffen Seibert, the government in London acknowledge the fact of a possible participation in the European elections. To the requested postponement of an exit of up to 30. June, he did not want to comment on. From the French President's office said, based on a renewal that an alternative plan to the British government for further action. Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said: "If we don't know the reason why the United Kingdom an extension, we can give no positive answer."

Federal foreign Minister Heiko Maas (SPD) still many open questions. "This is a difficult Situation," said Maas on Friday ahead of the G7 foreign Ministers ' meeting in France. "There are many questions that have yet to be resolved in London," he added. Similar to the Dutch Prime Minister, Mark said Rutte. Mays, letter to the EU did not answer the questions of the EU about the further plans of the British government, Rutte said to reporters in The Hague. The letter to throw, on the contrary, even "many questions". "The Plan was that the British explain what you want out of the EU", added the head of government. May's letter "is not answered by these, Please".

Italy's Deputy-head of government: Luigi di Maio said, however, that the UK should get the time, there is a need for an orderly exit. "All European States must find a way to avoid a shock to the European and UK economy", - said the politician of the populist Five-star movement in the daily newspaper "The world".

The EU Commission in Brussels did not want to comment on the application. A spokeswoman referred to the EU special summit to be held next Wednesday, at which a decision will fall.

The proposal to Tusk

European Council President Donald Tusk called on Friday, according to a EU officials for a flexible extension of the outlet open for a period of up to twelve months. This proposal should be submitted to the ambassadors of the 27 remaining EU member States on Friday afternoon, as a senior EU representative said. If all States agree, a shift – and if so, how long – is open in the first place.

The heads of state and government to an agreement on the next Wednesday unanimously agree. How the UK government intends to implement a controlled exit, however, is completely unclear.

(fal/sda/afp)

Created: 05.04.2019, 17:14 PM