\nBarnier was explicit in saying that the EU would not cede \u201ccontrol of our money, law and borders\u201d to the U.K.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
The customs arrangement is intended not just as a cornerstone of the U.K.s new economic relationship with the EU but also as a way to solve the difficult Northern Ireland border issue, for which the EU is insisting on \u201can all-weather backstop\u201d to avoid the necessity for a hard border.<\/p>\n
While Barnier and Raab reiterated their hope of completing a withdrawal treaty by October, they also said negotiators would not meet again until mid-August \u2014 a schedule that calls into question their repeated statements that talks need to be intensified and infused with new energy. Meanwhile, there has been a flurry of increased activity in Brussels and London to prepare for the possibility of a so-called \u201cno-deal\u201d scenario under which the U.K. would crash out of the EU on March 29, 2019 without a formal treaty.<\/p>\n
Barnier previously had expressed skepticism about the white paper and the customs proposal, but at Thursdays news conference he torpedoed it, while leaving open the possibility that the U.K. might choose to remain inside the EUs existing customs union and single market, and agree to continue adhering to the blocs common commercial policy.<\/p>\n
Barnier restated the EU27s long-declared and brightest red lines: the single market and the four freedoms, including the freedom of movement of workers, are indivisible and non-negotiable. But on Thursday he was more explicit in saying that the EU would not cede \u201ccontrol of our money, law and borders\u201d to the U.K. if it is not bound to the bloc.<\/p>\n
\u201cAny customs arrangements or customs union \u2014 and I have always said that the EU is open to a customs union \u2014 must respect this principle,\u201d Barnier said. \u201cIn any case, a customs union, which would help to reduce friction at the border, would come with our Common Commercial Policy for goods.\u201d<\/p>\n
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British Prime Minister Theresa May uring a visit to the Royal Welsh Show | Pool photo by Christopher Furlong via Getty Images<\/p>\n
Then, adding a bit of swagger, he noted the truce on trade tariffs with U.S. President Donald Trump negotiated on Wednesday by Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker.<\/p>\n
\u201cPresident Junckers visit to Washington yesterday shows the importance of our Common Commercial Policy,\u201d Barnier said. \u201cIt shows that we are stronger together.\u201d Junckers deal with Trump also illustrated how firmly the EU stays committed to its core principles<\/a> even in the toughest of negotiations.<\/p>\n
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