The EU’s chief Brexit negotiator may have an ulterior motive in negotiations, as he may be trying to set himself up to clinch the top job in the Commission.
After making an unsuccessful bid for Jean Claude-Juncker’s job in 2014, Mr Barnier could be playing the long game with his eyes set on the 2019 election.
Coinciding with when the UK formally exits the bloc, a good deal may be in his best interest too if he can demonstrate his skills in wrapping up a successful agreement for all parties.
This could give him the edge over rivals, and invigorates the Brexit negotiations with a personal incentive to deliver.
Alain Lamassoure, a veteran French MEP, said it could be achieved.
A long-time colleague of Mr Barnier, he said: “His dream has always been to be president of the Commission, and that dream was broken in 2014.
“He doesn’t have prime ministerial experience to be Council president, but if he succeeds in the Brexit negotiations, he can make his dream come true.
“The calendar coincides perfectly. He will have finished in two years.
“And if he has done these negotiations brilliantly, he will be a candidate.”
Mr Juncker has pledged to step down at the end of his term, leaving the floor wide open for candidates.
But the Brexit portfolio has shone the spotlight on Mr Barnier, and could be the catapult he needs to become Mr Juncker’s successor.
In preparation for his Brexit negotiations, Mr Barnier visited the capitals of all the remaining 27 states, helping get his name and face out to the masses.
And his position means he deals directly with the European parliament, which technically elects the Commission president based on a nomination from the council.
A good deal for the EU and the UK is what Mr Barnier needs to propel his dream.
A joint press conference with Brexit secretary David Davis painted a bleak picture of negotiations to date, as the pair concluded the third round of talks.
Mr Barnier said: “There has been no decisive progress on any of the principle subjects.
“I am not angry, I am determined.
“I think I have shown the typical calm of a mountaineer… If I ever truly get angry, you will notice it.”