European Council President Donald Tusk reiterated today that the EU wants a post-Brexit relationship with UK that is “as close and special as possible”. And he added “From the very beginning, the EU offer has been not just a Canada deal, but a Canada plus plus plus deal. Much further-reaching on trade, on internal security and on foreign policy cooperation.”
But at the same time he also dismissed UK rejection of EU’s proposal of keeping Northern Ireland inside EU economic rules. Tusk said “Emotional arguments that stress the issue of dignity sound attractive but they do not facilitate agreement. Every actor in this process has their dignity and confrontation in this field will not lead to anything good.” And, “No one can expect that because of Brexit, the EU will give up its fundamental values and key interests.”
He urged UK Prime Minister Theresa May to “get down to business” after having concluded the Conservative Party conference.
