EU Reportedly Set to 'Sideline Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier' in a Bid to End Brexit Stalemate

In late August both negotiating sides appeared to agree that a no-deal Brexit is a highly probable option, however, there is still a glimmer of hope the sides can crack the deadlock later on, potentially through a bit of administrative change.

The EU is set to sideline the bloc's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier to try to end the persistent deadlock in negotiations, The Telegraph has reported citing sources. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is thereby expected to ultimately help arrange a trade deal between the bloc and the UK, with the heads of the 27 remaining member states reportedly set to take over the role of "sidelined" Barnier after von der Leyen's speech on 16 September.

As an EU diplomat shared with The Telegraph, von der Leyen is expected to "set the scene to sideline Barnier and [the UK's David] Frost to find a high level political solution".

The talks on the EU behalf are expected to be led by the European Commission president, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and President of the European Council Charles Michel.

https://sputniknews.com/uk/202009051080372158-eu-reportedly-set-to-sideline-chief-negotiator-michel-barnier-in-a-bid-to-end-brexit-stalemate/