European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker has on Saturday said there are still chances that Britain will leave the European Union (EU) without reaching any deal to sooth the departure, further urging British Prime Minister Theresa May to make full advantage of six-month Brexit delay to work out over details of Britain’s departure from the bloc.
According to Reuters news reports, during an interview with FUNKE Mediengruppe, the German newspaper, Juncker, while citing months of negative impact over Europe’s economy, stated, “Nobody knows how Brexit will end. This is creating great uncertainty. There is still a fear that there will be a hard Brexit without any withdrawal treaty arrangements.”
Juncker said, “I hope that the British will make use of this time and not waste it again. We cannot keep on putting off the withdrawal date indefinitely.”
He said the best solution for the British would be to adopt the Withdrawal Agreement during the extra time that has been agreed.
Jucker, who has been scheduled to hold discussions with United States President Donald Trump on the sidelines of G-20 summit this year in May in Osaka, already predicted a “lively discussion” ahead.
While referring to allegation over his last talks with the US president, Juncker said, “The last discussion lasted 6 hours and it is good that you were not there.”
Trade ties between the US and EU have soured since Trump hit the bloc with fresh US sanctions and threatened to impose more.
Calling on Germany and others to spend more in the bloc for progress and development, he said, “However, Germany should use its financial leeway to further reduce public debt and boost investment. This also includes eliminating bureaucratic hurdles.”
Also read: EU leaders provides PM Theresa May additional six-month Brexit delay until October 31
EU leaders have on April 11, agreed to provide an additional six months, delaying the deadline for Britain to leave the bloc until October 31, more than what May was seeking. Earlier May had requested the EU for a delay until June 30, far shorter extension than what the EU leaders have agreed on.