David SASSOLI, EP President, speak to the press on Brexit and other topical issues, following the meeting of the EP Conference of Presidents with Michel BARNIER, in the European Parliament in Brussels. A resolution will be tabled in the EU parliament next week to "re-establish the key points" of the EU position.

Brussels

Brexit (T)

press conference

SASSOLI, David Maria (S&D, IT, S&D, IT)

Brexit and other topical issues: extracts from the press conference by David SASSOLI, EP President

Arrival of EP President David SASSOLI to the presser (2 shots)

SOUNDBITE (Italian), David SASSOLI, EP President, In accordance with the positions and indications by Michel Barnier, we came up with an initiative with the EEP, S&amp;D, Renew Europe, Greens and GUE political groups decided to table a resolution to the next EP Plenary in Strasbourg.

SOUNDBITE (Italian), David SASSOLI, EP President, <p>The withdrawal agrement that has been negotiated is the best possible agreement as far as we are concerned. </p>

SOUNDBITE (Italian), David SASSOLI, EP President, The backstop remain the main stumbling block in the negotiations. The resolution stresses a very clear message, you cannot have an agreement without the backstop, it could not really be any clearer. 

SOUNDBITE (Italian), David SASSOLI, EP President, Until now,I would like to stress that the UK has not proposed any alternatives, anything that has been legally credible. 

SOUNDBITE (Italian), David SASSOLI, EP President, In case of a no-deal departure that would be entirely the responsibility of the UK and of course it will still be bound by its financial obligations and the need to respect the rights of citizens as well as the Good Friday Agreement. 

SOUNDBITE (Italian), David SASSOLI, EP President, Then is the issue of extension. The resolution says that we are open to a possible extension, provided as it would be something done for overriding reasons like avoiding no-deal, having a general election or extending Article 50.

SOUNDBITE (Italian), David SASSOLI, EP President, Regarding issues surrounding the EC portfolios appointments and the names given to certain portfolios, I took the liberty of getting in touch and asking Mrs Von der Leyen to come to the Conference of Presidents. 