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British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have confirmed that they will meet in Brussels in an attempt to unblock stalled post-Brexit trade negotiations.
For months, the main sticking points in the negotiations have been the same; Fisheries, a level playing field and governance.
Why is fishing a problem?
The EU wants to continue to maximize access to UK waters for its fishing fleets after December 31.
The British argue that the UK is now an independent coastal state and should be able to prioritize its own ships.
However, most of the fish caught by UK fishermen is sold in Europe and Britain needs to maintain access to EU markets.
On Sunday there was talk of a breakthrough in fishing, but that has been denied by the British government.
Reports suggest that UK negotiators are proposing to remove pelagic fish, such as mackerel and whiting, from the fisheries aspect of the negotiations in a bid to break the deadlock on the turbulent issue.
Instead, those types of fish would be negotiated separately on a rolling annual basis with the EU and other countries, such as Russia, Norway and Iceland.
What is “level playing field” and why is it causing a problem?
The so-called “level playing field” rules are intended to ensure that companies on one side do not gain an unfair advantage over those on the other side.
In exchange for continued access to the single market, the EU seeks a high degree of alignment from the UK with its rules on workers’ rights, the environment and, in particular, state aid to businesses.
The British deny they want to undermine the EU’s measures, but say the point of leaving is that the UK can set its own standards.
Where do the governance problems lie?
The two sides still disagree on the mechanisms to enforce any agreement and resolve disputes.
The British government has insisted that the UK is an independent sovereign state and cannot accept the jurisdiction of the Court of Justice of the European Communities.
So where does this leave negotiations?
The UK’s concession that it will remove elements of the controversial Internal Market Act related to Northern Ireland in the event of a trade deal is being interpreted in some quarters as a sign that a deal could be in the works.
Boris Johnson’s excursion to Brussels is also seen as a precursor to a breakthrough, but government sources have continued to warn that not reaching an agreement remains an option.
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