More clarity at last – the UK should rapidly agree to EU27 proposal

BDI Director General Joachim Lang responds to the EU decision on the Brexit negotiation guidelines and the proposed transition period until the end of 2020.

“The transition period until the end of 2020 proposed by the EU27 finally brings more clarity. The British government should agree to this decision without delay. It makes sense that during the transition period, the regulations of the single market and the customs union should continue to apply unconditionally and be implemented by the United Kingdom. The deadline will increase the pressure to reach an agreement on future relations by the end of this period.

The most difficult part of the negotiations still lies ahead. The business sector needs clarity about the future arrangements as soon as possible. The negotiations really need to pick up speed now. The UK should not harbour any false illusions. Our companies need to know quickly what model the UK government wants for a future deal.”