Brexit negotiations
Michel Barnier, EU Chief Negotiator, gave a press conference today (9 February) at the end of this week's round of Brexit negotiations. On Ireland, negotiators focussed on solutions to avoid a hard border and Michel Barnier stressed "any solution must be precise, clear and unambiguous". He added: "It is important to tell the truth. A UK decision to leave the single market and to leave the customs union would make border checks unavoidable." The governance of the withdrawal agreement and transition period were also discussed. He repeated that EU rights and obligations will continue to apply to the UK during the transition period and stressed that substantial disagreements remain with the UK.
Earlier in the week, Michel Barnier was in London where he met with Brexit Secretary David Davis, Prime Minister May and the European Banking Authority. Following his working lunch with David Davis, Mr Barnier said "the time has come to make a choice", words he reiterated today. He added: "Without a customs union – and being outside the single market – barriers to trade and goods and services are unavoidable."
Michel Barnier's full statement following the round of negotiations
Michel Barnier's full statement following his meeting with Brexit Secretary David Davis in London on 5 February
On 7 February, the European Commission published a draft text of the transitional arrangements to be included in the Article 50 Withdrawal Agreement, following the United Kingdom's request to remain in the single market and the customs union for a short time-limited period after its withdrawal from the European Union on 30 March 2019. The draft text will now be discussed amongst the EU27 member states, before being formally transmitted to the United Kingdom.
UK-based researchers top beneficiaries of EU market-oriented funding
UK-based researchers who already received EU grants are the top beneficiaries in the latest round of top-up funding which helps bring their ideas to market. One of the researchers who received this funding earlier in 2017, Professor Dmitry Shchukin based in Liverpool University makes thermo-paint which could improve buildings' energy efficiency.
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