EU chief warns Brexit deal must not hurt single market
In a downbeat assessment of progress in post-Brexit trade talks, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen warned on Wednesday that any deal must not undermine the EU single market.
"We will do all in our power to reach an agreement, we're ready to be creative," she told the European Parliament, warning that Britain must agree to fair trade rules.
"But we are not ready to put into question the integrity of the single market, the main safeguard for European prosperity and wealth."
Von der Leyen, head of the European Commission, repeated Brussels' warning that Britain would not enjoy the benefits of EU membership from the outside: "There will be a clear difference between being a full member of the Union, and being just a valued partner."
She acknowledged MEPs' frustration that time was running out for them to debate and ratify any trade deal before Britain leaves the single market on January 1.
But she warned that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's tactics had shown the need for clear rules.
https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20201125-eu-chief-warns-brexit-deal-must-not-hurt-single-market-1