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The EU’s top negotiator was said to be ready to “walk away” from the bloc’s demand to maintain the same level of access to Britain’s coastal waters after the Brexit transition period ended in December. But it is under pressure from influential EU fishing states, including France, Denmark, Belgium and the Netherlands, to avoid any last-minute compromises as Boris Johnson’s deadline looms over negotiations. Barnier has told the EU ambassadors that the bloc must help the Prime Minister secure a victory for Scottish fishermen by giving them a greater say in future fishing opportunities.
The Brussels bureaucrat will signal his willingness to give in, but only if Lord Frost, Johnson’s Brexit envoy, is prepared to offer further assurance on future state subsidy policy.
European diplomatic sources say the bloc is now more willing to compromise in exchange for a stronger regulatory playing field than previously proposed by British negotiators.
A high-level insider told Express.co.uk: “It is one of the realities of Brexit, let’s say an unpleasant change for us, but we understand how British fishermen across the Channel think.”
The bloc is now putting more emphasis on its demands for stricter controls on state aid and monitoring of the final deal.
During a visit to Ireland yesterday, European Council President Charles Michel signaled the compromise by suggesting that a fair fisheries deal is “important”, but a level playing field is “key” for European states.
He added: “We need our British friends to take important steps in the coming days, not just in fisheries but also in a level playing field and governance.
“Nothing is agreed until everything is agreed, the next few days are crucial, this is the moment of truth.”
The Eurocrat said the UK and the EU are facing a “moment of truth” ahead of next week’s summit of European leaders.
Brussels sources said plans are already in the works to ease President Emmanuel Macron’s opposition to Barnier’s watered-down fishing demands.
Diplomats say fishing towns to the north will blame the French leader for suddenly losing access to British waters.
A source said: “If there is no agreement, he will be responsible, and it is even worse for the French fishermen.”
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“A bad deal would be the worst result. So we are ready for a no-deal scenario and we won’t accept a bad compromise.
Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok said “it was not too late for a deal” but stressed the importance of fishing.
He said: “To be successful for our fishermen, for everyone, it is of the utmost importance that France, the Netherlands and all of Europe stick together.”
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