🚨🚨This is an interesting thread by Niall responding to @davidheniguk.bsky.social initial take on the negotiations between the EU and the UK before the summit putting on to stark relief some of the key divisions between the parties in finding a decent path for post-brexit EU-UK relationship. 🧵 - ThreadSky

profjacob.bsky.social • 3 days ago

🚨🚨This is an interesting thread by Niall responding to @davidheniguk.bsky.social initial take on the negotiations between the EU and the UK before the summit putting on to stark relief some of the key divisions between the parties in finding a decent path for post-brexit EU-UK relationship. 🧵

Reposted from Niall Ó Conghaile

Have to say, this is a poor take from @davidheniguk.bsky.social.

Frankly, if you're bleating about unfairness of a deal that you've asked for and voluntarily entered into, then you need to accept it's down to your own side's negotiators

Firstly, officials are duty bound to get the best deal

A 🧵

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nialloconghaile.bsky.social•3 days ago

Thanks for this, Jacob.

The issue is twofold. Firstly, this is basically all UK asks, à la base, but nevertheless too many seem to be saying that Europe should not be allowed to set conditions that suit us. It's nonsense (and David surely knows this at heart)

1

nialloconghaile.bsky.social•3 days ago

But secondly, this is such a wasted opportunity. And it has been wasted by Labour pandering to Brexiters and flitting with the populist far right at home and abroad.

As a result of the lack of commitment and relationship building, we've no choice but to treat this as just another negotiation.

2

nialloconghaile.bsky.social•3 days ago

So, this is starting to look quite empty, apart from defence. That's indefensible given the "times we live in"

(Watch on SPS, UKG doesn't seem to be able to take the steps needed to secure a safe food chain in its country.)

Ends

jorntychsen.bsky.social•3 days ago

I do think the "this leaves us with no choice other than..." approach is wrong. The EU also needs the UK and should continue to push the "partnership elements" instead of the more transactional elements (fish maybe).

nialloconghaile.bsky.social•3 days ago

Which elements do you consider translational and which are partnership?

jorntychsen.bsky.social•3 days ago

This is of-cause not entirely simple. However, in my view things like specific fishing rights are transactional whereas a a common framework for fishing negotiations or a youth mobilty agreement would be partnership elements.

pwc50.bsky.social•3 days ago

Negotiations on partnerships such as this will be looking to maximise mutual benefits

UK offers security, scientific expertise, higher education etc but its biggest asks are all self-imposed & for some diehards, sacred cows🤷‍♂️

UK needs to stop making like they’re trying to negotiate with the Borg

profjacob.bsky.social•3 days ago

As a departure point on my thinking here I tend to generally agree with Niall's thinking on the issue. There is little reason for the EU to engage in this relationship more than what suits the EU's more direct interests in the world which is why security is where there will be common ground. /2

profjacob.bsky.social•3 days ago

On the other hand (and following David's approach), the world is changing & the EU MS and @ec.europa.eu tend to be quite pragmatic on things. If the UK wishes to further in deepening the relationship, the EU tend to see this as a positive thing and happy to negotiate also on more tricky issues. /3

profjacob.bsky.social•3 days ago

Which is why I think there will also some progress in the summit in more complicated areas of trade (SPS, professional qualifications, carbon tax etc). But this will require, and this is perhaps where I am more on Niall's side, that UK make some real sacrifices. /4

profjacob.bsky.social•3 days ago

Fishing will perhaps in the end not be decisive but youth mobility is the real stumbling bloc that I do not think the EU can or should give away in negotiations. There are imperative reasons for the bloc to press the UK hard on this if they wish to have better trading conditions. /5

profjacob.bsky.social•3 days ago

This goes back to my key lessons from IR and international politics; if you are the stronger party (do not be mistaken; the EU is a global trading power and knows this well enough), you negotiate with other third countries that also can offer/contribute something in return. /6

phillipwatson.bsky.social•3 days ago

The current state of of play between Switzerland and EU is a good example of this. The Swiss walked away from the overarching Treaty negotiations and the EU just shrugged and waited knowing they will be back. They have come back.

profjacob.bsky.social•3 days ago

To conclude I do think the EU should negotiate a security deal (both parties want this) and SPS agreement (other things as well on this point, CJEU supervision) but require at least youth mobility in return. But I also think the EU should really try to strike a broader deal with the UK. /7

defender110.bsky.social•3 days ago

Totally agree about the youth mobility - this really should be imperative!

sabine34.bsky.social•3 days ago

UK has a lot of demands : SPS agreement, mutual recognition of diplomas for architects and lawyers, special status for artists, access to the European defense fund. All things that will benefit the UK and not the EU.

sabine34.bsky.social•3 days ago

And in return what does it offer? Nothing or almost nothing. They treat the EU like a cash cow. I'm fed up with this arrogance.

trevv69.bsky.social•3 days ago

Agree, as a Brit who would rejoin in a heartbeat, I recognise the reality that we are now not negotiating as an equal. And any Art49 talks would be equally tough, whatever the friendly lines said publicly (when nothing at stake). V disappointing that Labour govt still falling into the Brexiteer trap

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