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The EU and the UK today have perhaps the last chance to resolve their future relationship. But apparently no one believes in an agreement anymore. Preparations for a no-deal are in full swing, on both sides.
In the Brexit negotiations, signs of a deal shortly before the deadline remain bad. The European Union’s offer was still not acceptable, he said in British government circles Saturday night. Britain and the EU have set a deadline of Sunday. Until then, it must be demonstrated whether a trade agreement is possible for the period from January 2021.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson vowed to leave no stone unturned. However, in the end, a deal must be fair and in Britain’s interest. Johnson and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are expected to continue discussing a possible solution over the phone today.
With warships against fishing cutters?
The British government’s announcement that four Royal Navy ships would be ready to defend British waters against EU fishing trawlers in the event of a failure to reach an agreement caused discontent. The Scottish government spoke outrageously of “gunboat diplomacy,” and Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood, who chairs the Defense Committee in the House of Commons, called the announcement unworthy: “We have to forge alliances, not crush them. The next administration The US wants determination to revitalize the West to confront opponents like Russia and China. And we are discussing with a close European military partner. ”
Preparing for separation without a deal
Meanwhile, both parties are preparing so that no agreement can be reached. Over the weekend, the European Parliament drafted a resolution in the event of a no-deal separation. The main question is how the connections by boat, truck, plane and train between the island and continental Europe can be maintained as of January 1. It should also be regulated whether UK transport companies can load and deliver goods within the EU.
Meanwhile, the British media report that the government is planning a billion-dollar rescue package for particularly affected sectors. According to the “Sunday Telegraph”, this includes farmers, fishermen, car manufacturers and the chemical industry. And the “Sunday Times” even reports that the government would advise supermarkets to stock up on food, otherwise bottlenecks could occur in some areas.
Appeals from the economy
Business associations on both sides of the English Channel appealed to politicians in light of the difficult negotiations. The British industry association CBI issued a statement together with Businesseurope, an association of European employers based in Brussels. CBI chief Karan Bilimoria said: “Many companies and jobs depend on an agreement between the EU and the UK. We ask both parties to join forces. Leaving difficult negotiations may seem like the only option, but it is the wrong one. A joint message from the 27 EU countries and the UK: ‘Please don’t leave the negotiating table, find a deal and a settlement.’
With input from Imke Köhler and Ralph Sina, London and Brussels ARD studios
