Brexit: Who are the key EU figures involved in the negotiations, from Michel Barnier to Juncker?

Brexit has an ensemble cast

Brexit has an ensemble cast, and many of those figures on the EU side may not be too familiar to British people trying to follow negotiations.

Here’s a primer of the main European politicians and officials leading the bloc’s negotiating effort, and those who have key roles in the process.

Michel Barnier

(AFP (AFP)

The European Commission’s chief negotiator. A former French foreign minister, Barnier hails from the continent’s pro-European centre-right. He is the EU’s face in negotiations and has been given the sole authority to negotiate for the bloc – sometimes to the chagrin of the British side, who would rather bypass him. Takes his negotiating guidelines from the European Council (the 27 other EU leaders) and reports back to them regularly so he can speak with a consensus behind him.

Jean-Claude Juncker

(Reuters (Reuters)

The president of the European Commission – the EU’s executive, based in Brussels. Was appointed in 2014, his term ends after the next European Parliament elections in May. Mostly leaves Brexit to Barnier, but makes occasional interventions. Centre-right pro-European and former prime minister of Luxembourg.

Leo Varadkar

Leo Varadkar arrives at the European Council meeting (REUTERS)

Ireland’s prime minister, a role known in the Irish language as the Taoiseach. Has a key role because of the importance of the Irish border issue, and backs the EU line on the so-called backstop, at least in public.

Donald Tusk

(AFP/Getty Images) (AFP)

The president of the European Council – representing the 27 national leaders collectively. Is supposed to consult with the national leaders before making statements, and try and reflect their views. A former Polish prime minister and sports fanatic, has often presented himself as a calming influence on talks, expressing optimism that a deal can be reached.

Guy Verhofstadt

(Getty ) (Getty)

The Brexit coordinator for the elected European Parliament. Staunchly pro-EU and the leader of the liberal group in the parliament, he acts as a spokesperson for the body on Brexit issues. Consults with and leads the parliament’s Brexit taskforce, a committee of MEPs representing the non-European sceptic groups. Draws up motions about Brexit for MEPs to vote on, which are usually passed with a huge majority. Outspoken and often an outrider for the EU. Former Belgian prime minister.

Sabine Weyand

EU deputy chief negotiator Sabine Weyand (Getty)

Michel Barnier’s second in command, Weyand does the heavy lifting in negotiations and has a firm grasp on the technical detail. Tends to shun the limelight but can be found in Brussels explaining the complicated aspects of talks.

Antonio Tajani

Newly elected European Parliament President, Antonio Tajani (REUTERS)

The president of the European Parliament. Has taken somewhat of a backseat in the media compared to showman Verhofstadt on the Brexit issue, but still has an important role in representing the Parliament’s interests – for instance in meetings with leaders at the European Council. A former Italian EU commissioner, associated with Silvio Berlusconi’s Forza Italia.

Angela Merkel

(Getty)

Germany’s chancellor, leading the country’s government. Rarely intervenes on Brexit, but her role as chief of Europe’s largest economy gives her huge clout when she does. A centre-right Christian Democrat who values stability – and Germany’s central role in the European project.

Emmanuel Macron

Macron's popularity fell further in September (AFP/Getty)

The French president. A pro-European liberal centrist, Macron has taken one of the harder lines in Brexit talks of any national leader. Said to view Brexit as a form of populism akin to the right-wing governments springing up in the east of the continent, has been so far-successful in convincing other EU leaders not to compromise their principles too much. Accused Brexiteers of being liars.

Simon Coveney

Irish foreign minister Simon Coveney (Getty)

The Irish foreign minister, often seen representing Ireland’s interests abroad with Varadkar is doing something else. Knows Brussels well as a former MEP. He is also the Tánaiste – Ireland’s deputy prime minister – a sign of his senior role.

Martin Selmayr

Martin Selmayr (Getty Images)

The head of the EU’s civil service, Selmayr is a former aide to Jean-Claude Juncker who is notorious in Brussels for his abrasive approach. Nick-named “the monster” by his own boss, he is feared as a smooth and ruthless operator in the EU capital. Is in charge of no-deal planning for the bloc. Has been accused of dirty tricks by leaking sensitive accounts of meetings with Theresa May to the German press – which he denies.