EU's Barnier eyes loose association deal as basis for new British ties

EU's Chief Brexit Negotiator Michel Barnier attends a College of European Commissioners in Brussels, Belgium, January 29, 2020. REUTERS/Yves Herman

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier told the 27 EU states staying on together that a loose so-called association agreement like the one the bloc has with Ukraine should serve as the basis for a new relationship with Britain, diplomatic sources said.

Barnier met Brussels envoys of the 27 countries earlier on Wednesday as part of preparations for looming talks on a new EU-UK deal that will start after Britain leaves the bloc on Friday.