The federal government “is preparing and taking concrete steps” anticipating a potential “no deal” situation, on Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union, indicated the Prime Minister, Charles Michel, on Tuesday evening, via Twitter.
His announcement came shortly after the British parliament’s rejection of the Brexit deal negotiated with the EU. “The ball is now more than ever in the British court,” stated the head of the Federal government, speaking to the Belga press agency.
“The other 27 EU countries have confirmed that the agreement on the table is the only one possible. It is now for the British to face the consequences of their decision [to leave the EU],” he went on. He stated that he will be following closely the debate, which will take place in the United Kingdom, in the coming days.
Mr Michel says that a hard Brexit (with no agreement, editor’s note) can still be avoided.
The federal government remains fully on standby to defend the rights of citizens and businesses, he stated.
The Minister for Finances, Alexander De Croo, has for his part stated that Customs will speed up their preparations in the coming days to assist Belgian companies in the event of a “no deal”.
