Germany Supports EU Chief Brexit Negotiator in Show of Unity

(Bloomberg) -- Germany rallied behind Michel Barnier in a show of unity after the European Union’s chief Brexit negotiator expressed frustration with the U.K.’s lack of constructive engagement in talks.

Economy Minister Peter Altmaier told European Parliament legislators on Thursday that member states have an interest in reaching a deal over their future relationship with Britain -- but it needs to be compatible with the EU’s constitution.

“That is why it is important for all of us, and this also applies to the presidency of the council, including Germany, to support Michel Barnier and his team,” Altmaier told the parliament’s trade committee via video-conference. “No one should expect the EU to be at odds over this issue, that it will fall apart, that it won’t be united.”

Barnier said on Wednesday he was “worried and disappointed” after talks with his British counterpart this week. With the negotiations deadlocked over state-aid restrictions and the rights EU boats will have to fish in U.K. waters, he urged the U.K. to shift its position.

A formal negotiating round between the two sides is due next week, and failure to make headway would raise the risk of a chaotic split when the post-Brexit transition period expires in December.

©2020 Bloomberg L.P.