EU and the UK
date: 10/11/2017
Sixth round of Brexit negotiations
The sixth round of Brexit negotiations took place this week. Secretary of State David Davis and Michel Barnier, the European Commission's Chief Negotiator gave an update on the state of play at the closing press conference on 10 November. In his concluding remarks, Mr Barnier said "The United Kingdom decided to leave the European Union over 500 days ago. And it will leave the Union on 29 March 2019 at midnight, Brussels time. And to reach our common goal – that of organising an orderly withdrawal with an agreement – we are going to have to work intensively over the coming weeks, before the next European Council."
Michel Barnier's statement
The recording of Michel Barnier and David Davis' press conference is available here
"Europe after Brexit" conference
On 9 November, EU Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier spoke in Rome about the future of Europe following Brexit. He wondered whether the UK will want to distance itself from the European model, as well at the Union. On the negotiations, he said the EU wants to succeed in these with the UK, not against it and stressed that "to share is not to merge. We want a united, not a uniform Europe."
Michel Barnier's speech
FT Cybersecurity Summit
EU Security Union Commissioner Julian King spoke at a cybersecurity summit organised by the Financial Times in London on 8 November. He explained cyber security needs to keep pace with the evolution of the threat. He said: "The internet is a public good that both public and private actors have a responsibility and a shared interest in keeping safe and open. That means not only governments but also businesses need to think more holistically and above all differently about their role in delivering cyber security."
Commissioner King's full speech
EC forecasts continued growth of the EU economy
The EU economy as a whole is set to beat expectations with robust growth of 2.3% this year (up from 1.9% in spring) whilst economic growth in the UK has been slowing and is expected to remain subdued, according to the European Commission's Autumn 2017 economic forecast released on 9 November.
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