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The top leader of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, received the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson, at the EU headquarters in Brussels on Wednesday evening.
After a three-hour dinner, Johnson left the Berlaymont building shortly after 11 p.m.
– We had a lively and interesting discussion about the circumstances surrounding the unsolved issues on the list. We have a clear idea of the other’s position. The distance remains great, von der Leyen said in a written statement after the meeting.
Sunday is the deadline
After the meeting ended, Johnson’s office sent a notice that Sunday would be the deadline to find out if there was any intention to hold talks.
– The Prime Minister and Ursula von der Leyen agreed to continue talks in the coming days between their negotiating teams. The Prime Minister does not want to leave any untested path towards a deal. The prime minister and von der Leyen agreed that the final decision on the future of the talks should be made before Sunday, the Downing Street statement said.
Von der Leyen also noted that the weekend will likely be the last deadline.
– We agreed that our negotiators will meet again immediately to try to resolve these crucial issues. The goal is to make a decision before the end of the weekend, he said.
The London statement, which was sent to journalists a few minutes after Johnson left the EU headquarters, states that the parties had a frank conversation, but that significant obstacles remain in the negotiations.
– There is a very big gap between the parties. It is not yet clear whether they will be able to reach the goal, says the source.
PHOTO POSITION; EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Boris Johnson removed their headscarves from photographers before attending dinner on Wednesday.
Photo: Olivier Hoslet / AP / NTB
Three areas
A few hours before leaving London, Johnson said a good deal with the EU was still possible.
Upon arriving in Brussels, Johnson and von der Leyen posed for photographers in the Berlaymont building. They took off their handkerchiefs for a while, before going in to eat and talk.
From their distributors, the two of you have received a list of the toughest questions to ask. Von der Leyen is scheduled to brief EU leaders at a summit on Thursday.
New Year
Since Britain formally left the EU on January 31 this year, the two sides have been negotiating a trade deal and the future relationship between them. The goal is to implement a solution before the next turn of the year.
In connection with retirement, a transition period was added. Until December 31 of this year, the United Kingdom would continue to be part of the same agreements and agreements that applied before Brexit. This includes participation in the internal market and the EU customs union. Trade agreements with third countries apply indefinitely.
Freedom of movement between countries also applies until further notice. But from the turn of the year, the British must pay attention to the same rules as travelers from so-called third countries when visiting the EU. The same applies to EU citizens traveling to the UK.
Hard point
Last winter’s cancellation agreement envisaged that the short 11-month transition period could be extended up to two years. The British have always said no to that.
While the border between British Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland was one of the most difficult issues when the withdrawal agreement was in force, other issues have dominated the new negotiations.
Since the talks began in March, the rules of competition, the fishing and the application of a possible agreement have been the most difficult points.
