Brussels is considering publishing its main negotiating positions in Brexit talks, adopting a policy of full transparency that may wrongfoot the more secretive British side.
As the UK prepares to activate the Article 50 divorce clause this Wednesday, Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief negotiator, is advocating an “open” style similar to the bloc’s conduct in US-EU trade negotiations. In those talks the European Commission mandate and position papers were made public.
A final decision has yet to be taken and EU officials stress it will need to be discussed with member states. But senior figures preparing the Brexit talks are convinced it is a necessary step that will bolster the union’s negotiating hand.