EU preparing for Brex talks failure

Barnier, who gave Britain two weeks ago to clarify the amount he is willing to pay under the divorce, told the French newspaper “Journal du Dimanche” that failure to negotiate is not his preferred option.

But this is an opportunity. Everyone has to plan for this, whether member states or businesses. We're also making technical preparations for this”, Barnier said.

The EU's chief negotiator warned that a possible collapse of the talks would have consequences in many areas, from the ability of British aircraft to land in Europe to the animals crossing the English channel.

Without a future trade agreement, Barnier said the EU and Britain will be agreed on based on World Trade Organisation rules, as Brussels does with China. According to the EU, the only problem-free trade option would be Britain's position in the common customs and market union acceptable to Brussels, but not to the government of Theresa May, the TCh submits.

Analysts say the EU so far kept secret drafting emergency plans for “Brexit” without agreement, not to add to uncertainty, but the fact that it now openly accepts it may be an indirect message for all to prepare for the worst scenario.