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The hot phase of post-Brexit negotiations: It is not yet clear whether there will be a trade pact between Britain and the EU. The EU chief negotiator, Barnier, is skeptical. The atmosphere in Brussels is bleak.
In the final phase of negotiations on a Brexit trade pact between the European Union and Britain, pessimism is spreading.
EU negotiator Michel Barnier has yet to see decisive progress, diplomats reported. “The outcome is still open,” one of them said after Barnier briefed the EU ambassador. “The EU is ready to make its final efforts to achieve a fair, sustainable and balanced deal for the citizens of the EU and the UK. It is now up to the UK to choose between such a positive outcome or a no-deal.”
Ireland’s Foreign Minister Simon Coveney didn’t have much hope either. “The news is very pessimistic,” he told Irish broadcaster RTE after being briefed by Barnier. “I would say that he seems very depressed and cautious about the prospect of progress today.”
Diplomats report that the ball is now in Britain’s court. According to a report in the “Sun” newspaper, Johnson is ready to disconnect if the EU does not respond to British demands.
No progress when it comes to fishing
The British side had previously denied reports that there had been a breakthrough on the controversial fisheries issue over the weekend. This is one of the three sticking points of the trade pact.
The French Secretary of State for Europe, Clément Beaune, affirmed on Sunday the threat of a veto from his country if an agreement does not respond to French interests, particularly in the area of fishing. This question is also particularly important for other EU countries, such as Denmark and Spain, although fishing has a fairly small share of the overall economy compared to other areas.
In addition to the fisheries issue, the EU’s demand for fair competition and instruments to punish violations of the planned agreement are particularly controversial.
Negotiations continue
After a short break, Barnier has been negotiating with his British colleague David Frost again in Brussels since Sunday. On Saturday night, Ursula von der Leyen and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke on the phone and discovered serious differences.
However, they agreed to continue the talks. They want to call back on Monday night.
The transition period ends on December 31
Negotiators are under enormous time pressure. The Brexit transition period expires at the beginning of the year. Without a trade deal, there will be tariffs and other trade barriers between Britain and the EU by the end of the year.
If there is no last-minute deal, trade associations expect not only massive border jams in delivery traffic, but also billions in additional costs and lost revenue.
