The sides see the way forward to negotiate, as Johnson says there is ‘all hope’

The success of the talks between the UK and the European Union cannot be guaranteed, but a path to an agreement is in sight, said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

“As things stand, I cannot tell you whether there will be a deal or not, but I can tell you that there is a way to a deal now,” von der Leyen told the European Parliament on Tuesday. “The path may be very narrow but it is there and that is why it is our responsibility to keep trying.”

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson later told the House of Commons that there was “every hope, every chance” that a deal could be reached, provided the EU recognized British sovereignty on key issues.

The House of Commons will rise for Christmas recess this week, but MPs could be removed early if there is progress in the talks, Downing Street said Wednesday afternoon.

Signs that negotiators might be getting closer to a deal sent the British pound to its highest level in two years.

Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said there was “a continuing risk” of a no-deal outcome after he chaired a meeting of the Eurogroup on the single currency area. “We hope that a successful deal is possible, but of course we want the right deal,” Donohoe said.

Progress has been made on state aid allowing either party to act “autonomously” if they believe the deal has been broken, Ms Von der Leyen told MEPs, while noting that differences over how to ensure fair competition if EU and UK rules diverge. overtime.

The biggest obstacle now is the future of access for EU vessels to British fishing grounds, a politically sensitive issue for both parties.

“On fishing, the discussion is still very difficult. We are not questioning the sovereignty of the UK in its own waters, but we do ask for predictability and stability for our fishermen and women, ”said Ms Von der Leyen. “And in all honesty, it sometimes feels like we won’t be able to resolve this issue. But we must keep trying. “