Devaluation was not an option. So in 2011, unable to withstand pressure from France, Germany and the financial markets, he was replaced by a technocrat, Mario Monti.
Interrupting other pipelines would cause havoc on the energy markets and prevent Europe heating itself this winter. They would be no different to German attacks on allied food convoys in the First and Second World Wars.
Sefcovic’s language in response was more assuaging than we have seen from Brussels in previous UK-EU rows.
With the Assembly elections in May fast approaching, it is clear that there is a finite time horizon for these negotiations to bear fruit.
Šefčovič warns that if “you pull the plug” then there will be “a lot of problems” for future trading relationships.
The EU’s former chief Brexit negotiator has suggested that France needs a “constitutional shield” to disregard the European Court of Justice.
Were clause 4 of Article 5 amended as I suggest, the Protocol would have much of the flexibility it needs to work to the satisfaction of all parties.
Plus: Why as an Ipswich supporter I’m happy to see the end to the European Super League. And: My take on Mercer’s resignation.
All the same, we have to make this relationship work – because, if we do not, both sides have the capacity to do each other a lot of harm.
The British government has been commendably muted on the behaviour of von der Leyen and other politicians.
One would suspect that the Government’s primary objective will be to stabilise and bed down the new relationship with Brussels.
The proposal put forward by the Centre for Brexit Policy meets the EU demand for protection of its Single Market while also protecting the province.
Johnson the politician laid an ambush for Starmer, inducing him to deny ever having wanted Britain to stay in the European Medicines Agency.
It is trying to find ways to get away with violating its obligations. Not exactly in line with the image it attempts to paint of itself in the Brexit context.