Coveney Says Post-Brexit Trade Deal ‘Likely, But It Won’t Be Easy’

FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER Simon Coveney said a post-Brexit trade deal is “likely” but it won’t be easy.

He described the talks between the EU and the UK as currently in a “very serious area” and said he “has no illusions about the challenges” as they try to reach an agreement.

He said the next 10 to 14 days is the “realistic” timeline now “to complete this.”

“We might get a deal, but it won’t be easy,” Coveney said.

Talks between the EU and the UK on a post-Brexit trade deal will take place in Brussels from Thursday.

The EU, led by Michel Barnier, and the UK, led by David Frost, have been meeting in London since negotiations resumed last week.

Coveney made the remarks today during an Irish Farmers’ Journal webinar.

The Fine Gael TD said the EU is working towards a “no trade deal Brexit” and that there will be “no more time extensions” when it comes to negotiations.

“There is no longer a no-deal Brexit, so we are now fighting for a no-deal Brexit that, from an agricultural perspective, would be very damaging on many, many levels,” he said.

“We have to be ready for January 1, there will be no more extensions of time, no more transition periods.

“Time’s up at the end of the year.”

He said there will be a new trading environment on January 1, whether or not a trade deal is reached.

“If there is no trade agreement, it will be based on WTO standards,” he said.

“If there is a trade agreement that will avoid tariffs and quotas but, unfortunately, we will still have many interruptions in trade.”

He warned that many companies will take “some getting used to” and that they need to prepare for January 1.

“This is a new reality, we wish it wasn’t happening, but it is,” he said.

“Companies have 65 days to act together.”

Coveney added: “Can we make a deal? If we can. This is doable but difficult. “

He said that if a trade deal was not reached, it would be difficult for Irish exporters to remain competitive in the UK.