Rinne, Barnier discuss Brexit situation

Prime Minister Antti Rinne on Monday held a telephone conversation with European Union’s Chief Brexit Negotiator Michel Barnier and discussed the situation of the United Kingdom regarding Brexit, said a government press release.

“The EU’s chief Brexit negotiator Barnier confirmed the view that the EU is still prepared to negotiate with the UK. However, the UK’s proposals do not offer solutions to all questions that remain open. With respect to Ireland’s situation in future, there are two main problems: the role proposed for the Northern Ireland institutions and the customs border arrangements,” said Rinne.

He told Barnier about his telephone conversation with UK Prime Minister Johnson held on Saturday.

Rinne had told Johnson about the understanding of Finland that the UK’s proposals will not ensure respect for Northern Ireland’s Good Friday Agreement, unity of the EU, and functioning of the Single Market.

Rinne had also pointed out that a solution should be found in about a week’s time to enable the matter to be properly discussed at the October European Council.

Barnier thanked Rinne for communicating EU’s position so clearly.

“We both agreed that the EU must continue to stand united with respect to the Brexit negotiations. I also reminded him that he still has the full support of all countries that will stay in the EU,” said Rinne.