French Ex-Commissioner to Lead EU Brexit Talks – Reuters

BRUSSELS – European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker has appointed Michel Barnier, a former commissioner and ex-minister, to lead the negotiations for establishing a new relationship with Britain following its exit from the European Union.

Barnier, a center-right politician who has served as France’s foreign minister and agriculture minister, will officially assume his role on October 1.

From 2010 to 2014, Barnier was a commissioner overseeing internal markets and services, and played a pivotal role in reforms within the financial services sector, including the establishment of the banking union.

In a statement, Juncker emphasized Barnier’s skills as a negotiator, noting his extensive experience in key policy areas and his wide network of connections within EU member state capitals.