EU-UK Agreement on Brexit to Be Tough Deal – Eurogroup President

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – The EU-British agreement on the United Kingdoms' leaving the bloc will be a tough deal as Brussels is going to protect the integrity of the internal market, which implies retaining all four freedoms including the freedom of movement, Eurogroup President Jeroen Dijsselbloem said Friday.

"I think our trade relations will also be strong in the future but the Brits have to realize that we will of course protect the four freedoms, the integrity of the internal market so you know it's going to be a tough deal," Dijsselbloem told the CNBC television channel.

He pointed out that the United Kingdom cannot ignore the freedom of movement, while enjoying other freedoms.

"If you want to be part of the internal market, if you want trade to be as free as it is until now, then you will have to accept some of the standards and principles that are so crucial for the internal market," Dijsselbloem said.

He added that the deal with London was needed "sooner rather than later."

On June 23, the nationwide referendum on EU membership was held in the United Kingdom, in which 51.9 percent of voters said the country should leave the bloc. UK Prime Minister Theresa May promised to start the procedure of leaving the European Union by the end of March 2017.