EU Negotiation Team Tests Positive for COVID, Brexit Talks Temporarily Halted... "Proceeding via Video Conference"

On the 19th, EU Chief Negotiator Barnier Enters Self-Quarantine After 'Close Contact'
UK Negotiation Team to Return from Brussels... Macron and Others Say "Need No-Deal Contingency Plan"

Michel Barnier, EU Chief Negotiator Photo by Reuters

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The future relationship negotiations between the United Kingdom and the European Union (EU), which have been ongoing since Brexit (the UK's withdrawal from the EU), were temporarily suspended on the 19th (local time). With a confirmed case of COVID-19 emerging within the EU negotiation team, Michel Barnier, the EU's chief negotiator, entered self-quarantine, and the talks were decided to proceed via video conference instead of face-to-face.

According to The Guardian and other sources, Barnier stated that one member of the negotiation team tested positive for COVID-19, and with the consent of David Frost, the UK's chief Brexit negotiator and Prime Minister's European advisor, the face-to-face negotiations held in Brussels, Belgium, were suspended.

Barnier revealed this information on Twitter and added that both sides would continue working while fully adhering to guidelines. However, since face-to-face negotiations became impossible, the UK negotiation team, which had been staying in Brussels since the 15th, would return home on the 20th, and both sides agreed to continue negotiations via video conference.

Frost's advisor also tweeted that he was in close contact with Barnier regarding the current situation and emphasized that the health of both negotiation teams is the priority. The Guardian reported that no UK government officials had contact with the confirmed case.

With Barnier entering self-quarantine, the scheduled briefing to ambassadors on the 20th will be conducted by his chief aide instead. A report to the European Parliament was also planned but has been canceled.

Following the UK's withdrawal from the EU on January 31, both sides agreed to conclude negotiations on their future relationship, including a trade agreement, within the transition period set to end this year to ensure a smooth Brexit implementation. Accordingly, the two sides are conducting final negotiations.

However, significant disagreements remain on key issues such as fisheries. Considering the ratification schedule, it is advantageous for negotiations to conclude as soon as possible, but the possibility of talks continuing until the last minute at the end of next month cannot be ruled out. The recent COVID-19 case and Barnier's self-quarantine appear to add uncertainty to the negotiations.

Within the EU, voices are emerging that preparations should be made for the possibility of a 'No Deal' Brexit. It has been reported that during a video conference on the same day, French President Emmanuel Macron and Alexander De Croo requested member state leaders to prepare contingency plans in case trade and security agreements cannot be reached.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.