Top Eurocrat Jean-Claude Juncker today described Brexit as a "tragedy" and a "historic error," but insisted that the European Union (EU) is not looking to punish Britain for voting to leave the bloc.
Moreover, Juncker said the EU is not in an "aggressive mood" on post-Brexit political and economic relations with the UK, underscoring the need for the union to continue to work with London long after Brexit.
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Negotiators are reportedly close to striking a deal, with Minister of Cabinet Office David Lidington earlier suggesting a deal could be reached within 48 hours, though Brussels and the UK are yet to finalize terms of the Irish backstop.
The EU published its contingency plan for a "disorderly" Brexit on Tuesday afternoon, following a communique published in July.
However, the European Commission warned that no amount of planning and contingency measures can fully "remedy" the economic disruption a no-deal Brexit will bring about, stressing the need for negotiators to continue to work tirelessly to secure a bespoke withdrawal deal.
READ MORE: EU Publishes Contingency Plan for 'Disorderly' Brexit
