BREXIT OFFICIALS FLOAT LONGER TRANSITION IN TALKS: EU DIPLOMATS
Citing EU diplomats familiar with the matter, Bloomberg reported that the UK is looking to discuss a possible extension of the Brexit transition period with an aim to solve the Irish border backstop issue.
Brussels is wondering whether British diplomats have got the Brexit memo.
Officially, the U.K.’s status does not change until March 29, when — with or without a withdrawal treaty and the promised transition period — its privileges as a member of the bloc will come to an end.
But in weekly ambassadors’ meetings, at leaders’ summits and other events, London’s insistence on playing a full and influential role up until the last minute has left other EU countries surprised and bemused.
Some EU diplomats said their British counterparts, oddly, now often seem more engaged than they were prior to the Brexit referendum.
“We’re working very well with them, they actually seem sometimes more committed than before,” said an EU diplomat who stressed how on key issues like Iran and climate change the U.K has remained fully in line with the EU rather than following the approach of U.S. President Donald Trump.
