cthulhuiscool2, Michel Barnier

Interviewee: Michel Barnier
Interviewer: cthulhuiscool2

Transcripted: 14 August 2019
MB=Michel Barnier, C2=cthulhuiscool2

[21:00]

C2: This is The Model Telegraph, thanks for talking with me. You will no doubt be monitoring the political situation here very closely. What do you make of the immigration proposal of the prospective Conservative-led coalition; to 'seek reciprocal free movement'  with 'most rich EU nations'? What do you make of the proposal more broadly?

MB: While I am overjoyed that the conservatives have come around to the consensus on freedom of movement, if only because their governing coalition demands it, there is an issue with only allowing certain countries free movement and not others. While it is in the laws of the European Union that member countries may place restrictions on the movement of migrants, as far as I'm aware there is no way to simply allow the wealthy countries in and not the rest. Nor would we want that.

C2: Thank you, Mr Barnier. The alternative government, led by the Labour Party, has also signalled its intention to maintain Freedom of Movement. Does it remain the European view that the four freedoms are indivisible? They also intend to leave the Single Market; do you believe this is feasible?

MB: It is the stance of the European Union that the four freedoms are indivisible. Freedom of movement cannot work without the other three, nor can the other three work without it.

C2: The Daily Mail published a story today, in which a 'European big-whig' is claimed to have said "Sunrise+ is the preferred option of the European Union". Would you care to comment?

MB: I generally do not find it appropriate when members of my staff comment on political affairs of any country, much less when we are in negotiations with the one they are discussing. In any case, each politician in the European Union has their own opinions on which government they would prefer, and it is their opinions alone, they do not represent the opinions of the Union in any way shape or form. I will not comment on mine.

C2: If you will allow me to return to the subject of the 'Agreement between the Conservative and Unionist Party, Classical Liberals, and the Liberal Democrats'.
The Prime Minister has been quoted today as saying "We will end free movement". Yet, the agreement also expresses a desire to 'remain a member of Erasmus+'. From the European prospective, is this plausible?

[22:00]

MB: The European Union has previously said that if the United Kingdom wishes to remain part of Erasmus+, they are free to do so.

C2: And finally, looking to the future, the same agreement stipulates the government would 'pursue a trade deal with the European Union, seeking to negotiate association agreements with Europol, the EMCD, the EMA and other similar EU bodies'. Is there a desire in Brussels for such a relationship and would expect such an agreement to include regular financial contributions?

MB: We would prefer the widest ranging and deepest relationship as possible. Membership in the European-wide bodies is something we are willing to agree when we begin trade deal discussions, as well as discussing possible financial contributions that may be involved.

C2: Thank you for your time Mr Barnier. Good night.