[Sephiroth]

Originally Posted by jonbxx

Ooh, that guy is angry!

I think he may have forgotten that we have left the EU. He also seems confused that the EU is set up to benefit EU nations, not third countries unless it is in the member states interests

Exactly (the highlighted bit only). The author was reflecting on VdL's remarks to the Parliament which included the following remarks - no mention of friendship anywhere: https://www.euronews.com/2021/04/27/...ean-parliament

Von der Leyen said the new EU-UK trade deal "comes with real teeth", referring to the dispute settlement mechanism and the provisions that would allow the EU to take "unilateral remedial measures where necessary".

"Let me be clear: We do not want to have to use these tools. But we will not hesitate to use them if necessary. They are essential to ensure full compliance with the TCA and the Withdrawal Agreement, which were both negotiated in such fine detail and agreed by both sides," she told MEPs.

Quite simply they don't do friendship. Many other important countries do.