Business leaders from the EU member nations lambasts Barnier
for going into a sluggish trade deal with the United Kingdom.
This was made known by a top figure from a leading
engineering firm based in France, as businesses are being forced to hold on as Barnier
slowly leads the EU on Brexit negotiations with the UK.
Also speaking was Laurent Viatte, director of marketing and
development at Spirax Sarco France, as he was joined by European wine producers
who together said lack of EU negotiations could possibly make UK purchasers to
look elsewhere for their products instead of the European continent.
Speaking to Yvelines Television, Mr Viatte said: “We’re
firstly worried about the effect on the exchange rate, which could impact our
purchasing power, which is hugely important in England.
“Secondly, we are worried about the customs union and our
ability to access the European market.
“We’re effectively waiting on Michel Barnier, who will
negotiate in the interests of Europeans within the framework of an agreement.
“We’re waiting to see whether free trade of goods between
the UK is going to continue as normal, which would limit the impact on our
business between France and the UK.”
They accused Michael Barnier and his colleagues from the EU
for being reluctant in discussing future trade deals with the UK, as they keep
insisting for the UK to pay the huge divorce bill before any deal on trade
could be reached.
It has been said that should the two years end without any
deal being reached by both parties, there could be queues of Lorries at Dover.
He said: “The price of greatness is responsibility. When a
country leaves the union, there is no punishment.
“There is no price to pay, but we must settle the accounts.
No more, no less. We will not ask the British to pay a single euro for
something they have not agreed to as a member.”
His reluctance to negotiate is also biting hard on Italian
wine makers who are fearful of their future. They believe if the EU does not
strike a deal UK purchasers will favour products from the Commonwealth region,
where they are likely to strike a deal quicker.
Speaking to AFP, Cesare Cecchi, director of Italian firm
Famiglia Cecchi wine cellar, said: “Clearly the level of taxation is a crucial
element because if it increases the price of our wines too much, I mean
European ones, they won’t be able to compete with other types of wine.
“Honestly, I am very concerned, above all because of the
uncertainty.”
The Italian said firms “have to hope” Brussels can reach a
successful conclusion to trade talks with the UK Government.
Mr Cecchi added: “We have to hope that good common sense
prevails.
“Don’t forget the UK exports over two billion euros of
spirits to Europe.”
Alex Canneti, of Berkmann Wine Cellars, a British wine
wholesaler, said he had warned his European counterparts of the potential
dangers.
He said: “I warned the Italians, we may have bilateral
treaties with Commonwealth countries like Australia, South Africa and New
Zealand.
“That will be pretty quick after the two-year negations with
Europe.”
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