EU Brexit negotiator Barnier infected with coronavirus

EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier (69) claims to be infected with the novel corona virus. Barnier wrote on Twitter that it had been tested positively. "I'm fine and the morale is good." He would now follow the necessary recommendations, as would his team.

The consequences for the negotiations on the future relationship of the European Union with Great Britain were initially not foreseeable. Great Britain had left the EU at the end of January, but nothing has changed in everyday life due to a transition phase that will last until the end of the year. However, if no agreement on a free trade agreement can be reached by the end of the deadline, there is a risk of a hard break - with new, heavy burdens on the economy.

Leading MEPs had appealed to London to extend the transition period. The option is provided for in the exit contract, but the UK government has so far strictly rejected it.