Michel Barnier on Brexit: We’ll strike a deal

Commission’s chief Brexit negotiator says he is ready to begin talks ‘tomorrow.’

The European Commission’s chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, said Wednesday he wanted to “reach an agreement [with the U.K.] in any case” and that he was ready to begin talks as soon as Britain triggers its EU divorce process.

Speaking publicly for the first time since his appointment to the Brexit post in July, the former French foreign minister and European commissioner said it would be important to keep a good relationship between the EU and Britain. He also sought to debunk media speculation that he would drive a hard bargain with Britain because of his nationality and his reputation as a regulator who had been tough on the City of London.

“I know what’s written in some British newspapers,” he said during a panel discussion hosted by the Bruegel think tank. “I used to read the same thing seven years ago when I was … commissioner in charge of the single market and financial regulation. At the time I was called the ‘Most dangerous man in Europe.'”

Barnier stressed the importance of keeping close ties with Britain on the issue of security and defense, as the U.K. has one of the largest military forces in Europe and advanced counter-terrorism intelligence capabilities.

“I think we are in it with the U.K. for the long term in terms of the stability of this continent,” he said. 

He also hinted that he’s eager to start the negotiation process, and would like U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May to trigger Article 50, at which point negotiations can begin on Britain’s exit from the EU and on its future relationship with the bloc.

“Don’t ask me to tell you what will be the end of the road, we don’t begin to walk yet,” he said. “I am waiting to begin. I will be ready tomorrow to negotiate, frankly speaking.”