Status: 07/09/2021 5:45 p.m.
The next Brexit conflict is looming between Great Britain and the EU: Brussels is demanding 47.5 billion euros from London for outstanding obligations from the time as an EU member. Too much, thinks the British government.
In the debate about outstanding obligations from the time as an EU member, Great Britain declared that it would not recognize the bill of the European Union. The bottom line is that Brussels is demanding EUR 47.5 billion from London. The British government wants to pay less, however.
“We do not recognize this amount,” said a government spokesman. The spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson continues to assume net costs of 35 to 39 billion pounds (around 40 to 45 billion euros).
The EU figure is an estimate for internal accounting purposes. “For example, it does not reflect the amount owed to the UK. That reduces the amount we pay,” the spokesman said.
Brussels: amount is final
In Brussels, however, it was said that the financial report with the invoice amount of 47.5 billion euros was final. “The calculations were carried out in accordance with the provisions of the withdrawal agreement,” said a spokesman for the EU Commission.
In 2021, Great Britain would have to pay 6.8 billion euros of the amount. The first installment has already been transferred. The Commission currently has absolutely no indications that the EU calculations would be called into question by the British.