Michel Barnier on Brexit: What he said, what he meant

Writing in the Financial Times, Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator laid out how he believes the EU and United Kingdom need to work together to strike a deal that works for both parties.

Playbook read between the lines to decipher Barnier’s intentions.

WHAT BARNIER SAID: “At the end of the day, the UK will need the EU to agree jointly to a deal. Therefore a united EU is essential for the UK to get a deal.”

WHAT HE MEANT: “Divide and conquer may be Theresa May’s best strategy. It’s still stupid.”

WHAT HE SAID: “We have nothing to hide.”

WHAT HE MEANT: “We have nothing we could possibly keep secret.”

WHAT HE SAID: “We need to immediately address a series of uncertainties created by the UK’s decision to leave.”

WHAT HE MEANT:  “You broke it, you bought it.”

WHAT HE SAID: “There is no price to pay to leave the EU but we must settle our accounts.”

WHAT HE MEANT:  “That will be €60 billion, ma chère Theresa.”

WHAT HE SAID: “It goes without saying that a no-deal scenario, while a distinct possibility, would have severe consequences for our people and our economies. It would undoubtedly leave the UK worse off.”

WHAT HE MEANT: “The clock starts ticking on Wednesday. I’m warning you not to be late to the compromise party.”

WHAT HE SAID: “Putting things in the right order maximises the chances of reaching an agreement.”

WHAT HE MEANT:  “We’re doing the divorce first, and only the divorce. If you don’t waste too much time, we can talk about the future relationship after that.”

WHAT HE SAID: “My personal conviction has always been that the UK and the EU share common values and interests. This will not change.”

WHAT HE MEANT: “You might be dealing with me as Commission president soon. Bon voyage!”