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BREXIT’s trade talks were put on hold late Friday amid “significant” disagreements between the EU and the UK.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will speak on Saturday as time runs out to reach a trade deal.
EU Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier said: “After a week of intense negotiations in London, together with David Frost, we agreed today that the conditions for a deal are not met, due to significant differences on a level playing field. , governance and fisheries “.
He said they agreed to pause the talks to inform each side.
Barnier said von der Leyen and Johnson “will discuss the situation” on Saturday afternoon.
Earlier, Taoiseach Micheál Martin warned that Barnier needed to have room to conclude trade negotiations on Brexit, which are reaching a critical point this weekend.
He made the remarks amid reports that France and a handful of other member states have told the EU negotiator not to give in too much to the UK to secure a deal. There are only 27 days left until the end of the Brexit transition period, which will lead to massive economic disruption if a trade deal is not reached within days.
The main stumbling block in recent days has revolved around the fishing rights of EU countries in British waters after Brexit.
Another key EU demand has been the so-called “level playing field” aimed at preventing the UK from offering unfair competition over state subsidies. Mr. Martin did not refer to specific member states in his comments, but said: “Some countries are pushing, wanting to seek additional information, but we are the 27 member states and we are bargaining collectively.
“We have appointed a negotiating team. We have to give them the space now to conclude these talks and hopefully … reach an agreement. “
Downing Street issued a pessimistic note on Friday night. A spokesman for the British Prime Minister, Mr Johnson, said the talks are at a “very difficult point”.
During the week, there had been hopes that the prospect of a deal was on the horizon, but progress appeared to stall on Thursday.
The Press Association reported that a senior UK government source claimed that Brussels was asking for further concessions at the 11th hour and that the prospect of a deal was “receding.”
Johnson’s spokesman said: “What is certain is that we will not be able to reach an agreement that does not respect our fundamental principles of sovereignty, fisheries and control.
“Our negotiation team is working very hard to close the remaining gaps.”
In Brussels, the president of the European Council, Charles Michel, said: “We will see what happens in the next few days, but the end of December is the end of December … we need more clarity as soon as possible.”
Martin told reporters that “intensive talks” have been taking place between the two sides. He added: “I understand that it will continue through the weekend and that there will be more participation.”
The Taoiseach said, “I fervently hope that there is an agreement.
He added: “I have faith and trust in the European Union negotiating team in Michel Barnier and in the President of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.”
Online editors
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