BRUSSELS- On Monday, the European Union’s draft mandate for negotiations suggested that the EU and Britain’s future partnership seems ambitious with zero tariffs and quotas and commitments to ensure open and fair competition.
The 33-page document had only one section marked in bold and that was regarding the demand for a level playing field.
Considering the geographic proximity and economic interdependence of the UK and the EU, the partnership must enable open and fair competition with robust commitments ensuring a level playing field.
High common standards must be ensured by the partnership in state aid, competition and matters pertaining to state-owned enterprises, labour, environmental standards and relevant tax matters.
According to the document, the partnership must guarantee the application of EU state aid rules to Britain.
In the draft, there is also a mention of a role for the Court of Justice of the EU, lest a dispute happens.
On February 15th, EU governments are expected to approve the mandate and negotiations shall commence in March.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field.
