So where is mood today? I'd say more optimistic in Bxl than London; with caveat that @10DowningStreet is more upbeat today than it was a year ago when it did the deal on WA
But opposition today arguably more formidable—Govt now brushing up against France, not Ireland 1/
But opposition today arguably more formidable—Govt now brushing up against France, not Ireland 1/
France is only member state that has threatened to use its veto. This threat, repeated again today by @CBeaune in Journal du Dimanche, is not just aimed at UK, but also France’s “softer” EU partners (especially Germany) 2/
To those who argue/believe (incorrectly) that no intra-EU27 differences exist on Brexit, here's my piece sometime ago on the subject. We're now seeing these subtle divergences between Paris & Berlin at play in end game 3/ https://www.politico.eu/article/brexit-forget-brussels-fight-about-paris-berlin/
I'd say France now of view that deal is probs unlikely; not impossible, but very difficult. With IM & finance Bills hanging over talks, senior FR officials are clear that treaty must contain language/safeguards which Govt can't reject or reinterpret at later stage 4/
Decision time for @BorisJohnson & @EmmanuelMacron,
&
This week is seen by both sides as the ”real endgame”. If no deal in room, pressure on both to prioritise no deal planning will be massive


ENDS


This week is seen by both sides as the ”real endgame”. If no deal in room, pressure on both to prioritise no deal planning will be massive


ENDS