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Boris Johnson’s Brexit plans have been left hanging by a thread after key figures in Brussels said the reaction to his fresh proposals has been “not positive”.
The European Commission welcomed “advances”, but said problems with the Prime Minister’s new blueprint remained.
Under Mr Johnson proposals, which he outlined yesterday, Northern Ireland would remain in the European single market for goods but leave the customs union – resulting in new checks.
EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker reacted coolly to the blueprint, welcoming plans for “full regulatory alignment” between Northern Ireland and the EU.
“However, the president also noted that there are still some problematic points that will need further work in the coming days, notably with regards to the governance of the backstop,” a statement from the Commission said.
And Guy Verhofstadt, Brexit coordinator for the European Parliament, said he is “absolutely not positive” about Mr Johnson’s new proposal for a deal with the EU.
Mr Verhofstadt said the first assessment of “nearly every member” in the Brexit Steering Group, which he chairs, was “not positive.”
He added: “It doesn’t provide the necessary safeguards for Ireland,” and said the group would flesh out objections on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief negotiator told reporters “a lot of work still needs to be done”.
He said: “There is progress. But to be frank, a lot of work still needs to be done to reach, to fulfil, the three objectives of the backstop – no border, all-Ireland economy, and protecting the single market.
“That means protecting the consumer, the citizens, and the businesses inside the single market, the 27 member states.
“So now we will continue to work, to work to reach a deal. The no-deal will never be the choice of the EU. Never. So we will continue to reach a deal and to work with the UK team.”
The Irish premier said the proposals did not fully meet the agreed objectives of the backstop. Leo Varadkar and Mr Johnson discussed the proposed plans in a phone call on Wednesday evening.
Afterwards, a statement from the Irish Government said the Taoiseach would study the proposals further and consult with other EU leaders.
“The Taoiseach said the proposals do not fully meet the agreed objectives of the backstop,” the statement said.
“However, he indicated that he would study them in further detail, and would consult with the EU institutions, including the Task Force and our EU partners.
“The Taoiseach expects to speak with European Council President Donald Tusk, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, and with other EU heads of government over the coming days.”
