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The bloc has drawn up plans to intensify talks after the prime minister complained that recent rounds “lacked energy.” Ahead of a summit of European leaders in Brussels, a leaked document revealed that Michel Barnier will be ordered to resist moving forward until Britain makes significant concessions on fisheries and future state subsidy policy. The ‘draft conclusions’ reads:’ The European Council recalls that the transition period will end on 31 December 2020 and notes with concern that progress on key issues of interest to the Union is not yet sufficient to reach an agreement.
“In this context, the European Council invites the chief negotiator to continue negotiations in the coming weeks and calls on the UK to take the necessary steps to make an agreement possible.”
An earlier version of the document had asked Barnier to “intensify negotiations” to ensure that the Brexit trade deal is concluded before the end of the year.
EU leaders will discuss Brexit trade talks for the first time in more than 12 months at the European Council summit in Brussels today.
The conclusions published before the meeting are subject to change depending on how the heads of state and government finally assess future relations negotiations with Great Britain.
Johnson is willing to walk away from the Brexit talks unless today’s discussion sends a clear signal that a deal is still feasible in the coming weeks.
The Prime Minister wants a “strong and credible” signal that a breakthrough can be made after the bloc establishes its positions.
Last night he held talks with the presidents of the EU, Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel, before the summit.
A Downing Street spokesperson said: “Leaders discussed the latest state of negotiations on our future relationship with the EU, ahead of the October European Council.
“The Prime Minister noted the desirability of a deal, but expressed disappointment that no further progress has been made in the last two weeks.
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But European capitals are questioning a deal negotiated by leaders at today’s summit.
Diplomats from across the continent said there would be intense discussions, but the details will be left to Mr Barnier.
Brussels sources said France and about a dozen other member states were pushing for a hard line on the negotiations in predatory meetings before the meeting.
They are expected to insist that Britain commit to future state subsidies before the bloc agrees to step up talks further.
A senior EU diplomat said: “We want to show that we are willing and ready once the UK moves to work very, very hard to come to an agreement.”
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