Ref. Ares(2017)5519176 - 13/11/2017
Michel Barnier
Chief Negotiator
Task Force for the Preparation and Conduct of the Negotiations with the UK
Rue de la Loi / Wetstraat 170
B-1049 Bruxelles
3rd November 2017
Dear Michel,
I am writing as I see that we are both speaking at the same event – the Centre for European Reform’s
conference on ‘The Future of the EU’ on 20th November – and would welcome the opportunity to put
some time aside for us to share some thoughts on the Brexit negotiations.
As you know, I am deeply committed to the future of the EU as it strives for solidarity in the face of
growing challenges from populist movements, geopolitics and a still recovering economy. I recently
had the opportunity to discuss these topics with First Vice-President Frans Timmermans during an
event we held in Brussels in May, where we explored these challenges, and of course the way in
which they affect – and are affected by – the Brexit negotiations.
I would be happy to brief you on the current pressures in British politics and share with you my
assessment of how these will play out in the months ahead.
I hope you have the time to meet me on 20th November. I will ask my office to contact yours to
identify a possible time.
Yours sincerely,
Lord Mandelson
Chairman
Global Counsel 5 Welbeck Street, London, W1G 9YQ
T: +44 [0]203 667 6500
E: xxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xx.xx
W: www.global-counsel.co.uk