Statement by the European Commission following today's meeting between Michel Barnier, the European Commission's Chief Negotiator, and Steve Barclay, the UK Secretary of State for Exiting the EU

Michel Barnier met Steve Barclay in Brussels today. 

Michel Barnier stressed that it is essential that there is a fully operational solution in the Withdrawal Agreement to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland, protect the all-island economy and the integrity of the Single Market. 

The EU remains open and willing to examine any workable and legally operative proposals that meet all these objectives.