On the agenda: Farage-Barnier meeting, elections in northern Cyprus, EU enlargement, Poland.
Commission refused to talk about: Former UKIP leader Nigel Farage’s meeting with the EU’s Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier.
Brexit: Asked whether U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May’s expected Cabinet reshuffle will affect Brexit business — particularly if there is a minister assigned to prepare for a no-deal Brexit — European Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas said: “Let’s see when the government reshuffle is announced. We have a range of directorate generals working on all possible outcomes.”
Northern Cyprus: No comment on the “so-called elections,” or on “its so-called results.” The Commission does not recognize northern Cyprus as an independent country (neither does any other country except Turkey.)
European Union enlargement: “The Commission is very committed to all of the countries of the Western Balkans — all of them — having a European perspective. And of course we will decide … in the next eight, nine months how to proceed with each and every of these countries … this is a merit-based process.”
Poland: Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker has a dinner meeting with new Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki on Tuesday, which will be an “opportunity to talk about the relations between the EU and Poland.” On the agenda? “I don’t want to comment on the meeting before the meeting takes place.” What about Article 7 proceedings against Poland? “Relations between the European Union and Poland as a whole” will be discussed.
Cuba: Asked if EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini met with opposition leaders during her visit to Cuba last week, Commission spokesperson Catherine Ray said: “human rights are at the heart of relations with Cuba. There are no taboos with regards to these relations.”
Agenda: Later on Monday, Juncker will deliver a speech at a high-level conference in Brussels on designing the new Multiannual Financial Framework. The Commission president will also meet Slovenian President Borut Pahor at the Berlaymont building. Commission representatives will visit Sofia later this week as Bulgaria takes over the EU’s rotating presidency.
Question/moment of the day: Asked about whether Farage and Barnier agreed on anything during their meeting was met with guffaws by other journalists. “Your colleagues’ reaction gives your response,” Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas said.
Coming up: Commissioners meet with representatives of online platforms on Tuesday to discuss the removal of hate speech and xenophobic content.