Michel Barnier Traumatized by Brexit Negotiations
The European Union's chief negotiator for Brexit, Michel Barnier, has said he was "traumatized" by the experience.
In an interview with the French newspaper Le Monde, Barnier said that the negotiations had been "the most difficult of my life."
"I was constantly under pressure from both sides," he said. "I had to defend the interests of the European Union, but I also had to take into account the needs of the United Kingdom."
Barnier said that the negotiations had taken a toll on his mental health.
"I had to see a psychologist during the negotiations," he said. "I was feeling very stressed and anxious."
Barnier's comments come as the United Kingdom is due to leave the European Union on March 29, 2019.
The two sides have yet to agree on a withdrawal agreement, and there is growing concern that the UK could leave without a deal.
If the UK leaves without a deal, it would mean that there would be no transition period and that new tariffs and border checks would be imposed overnight.
This would have a significant impact on businesses and citizens on both sides of the border.
Barnier has warned that the UK's decision to leave the EU is "irreversible."
"The United Kingdom has chosen to leave the European Union," he said. "We must now respect that decision."
However, Barnier also said that the EU is "open to dialogue" with the UK.
"We want to maintain a close relationship with the United Kingdom," he said. "But that relationship must be based on respect for the European Union's rules and values."
Michel Barnier Pissé Dessus
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