# **Michel Barnier: The Man Leading Brexit Negotiations**

## **Early Life and Career**

Michel Barnier is a French politician who has served as the European Union's chief negotiator for Brexit since 2016. He was born in La Tronche, France, in 1951. He studied law and political science at the University of Paris and the École nationale d'administration (ENA). After graduating, he worked as a civil servant in the French Ministry of Finance.

In 1993, Barnier was elected to the French National Assembly. He served as Minister of State for European Affairs from 1995 to 1997 and Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2007 to 2009. In 2010, he was appointed European Commissioner for Internal Market and Services.

## **Brexit Negotiations**

In 2016, Barnier was appointed as the European Union's chief negotiator for Brexit. He has been responsible for leading the negotiations with the United Kingdom on behalf of the EU. The negotiations have been complex and difficult, and Barnier has faced criticism from both sides. However, he has remained committed to finding a solution that is fair to both the UK and the EU.

In December 2020, Barnier and the UK government reached an agreement on a Withdrawal Agreement. The agreement sets out the terms of the UK's withdrawal from the EU, including the financial settlement and the transition period. The agreement was approved by the UK Parliament and the European Parliament, and it came into force on 31 January 2020.

Barnier has continued to lead the negotiations on behalf of the EU since the UK's withdrawal. He is currently working on a new agreement on the future relationship between the UK and the EU. The negotiations are ongoing, and it is unclear when they will be concluded.

## **Personal Life**

Barnier is married and has three children. He is a keen skier and cyclist. He is also a fan of classical music and opera.

## **Assessment**

Michel Barnier is a highly experienced and respected politician. He has played a key role in the Brexit negotiations, and he has been praised for his professionalism and commitment to finding a solution that is fair to both the UK and the EU.