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“In some places there was movement, in other places there is still a lot of work to be done,” he told reporters. “For us, it is important that Ireland can continue to live in peace, that we secure the single market, but we know that Great Britain aspires to a certain measure of independence, that it is no longer a member of the European Union. In this spirit we have asked it Michel Barnier to continue the negotiations, “he added, referring to the bloc’s chief negotiator.”
“We have asked Britain to remain ready for a compromise on a deal,” Merkel added.
The German chancellor said that if necessary the EU “will live without” an agreement.
But he added: “I think it would be better to have that agreement.”
It comes after EU leaders called for post-Brexit trade talks to continue beyond the end of the week, a deadline suggested by Boris Johnson.
The two-day summit started on Thursday in Brussels.
EU leaders demanded that the UK “make the necessary moves” towards a deal.
Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief negotiator, said intensive talks should aim to reach an agreement by the end of October.
However, his British counterpart Lord David Frost said he was “disappointed” by the EU’s approach.
READ MORE: Brexiteer points out why Boris NEVER took the no-deal threat seriously
The leaders agreed that the 27 member states and the EU institutions “will intensify their preparation and preparation work at all levels and for all outcomes” before the end of the transition period.
At a press conference, Barnier said the EU was ready to continue negotiations “until the last possible day.”
He added: “We want to give these discussions every chance of success to secure an agreement.”
The EU’s chief negotiator also proposed a two-week extension to Johnson’s October 15 deadline.
Barnier said his team would travel to London for talks next week and set up negotiations in Brussels the following week.
Both the UK and the EU are asking each other to compromise on key issues like fisheries and limits on government subsidies to businesses.
The two parties are seeking an agreement to govern their business relationship after the Brexit transition period ends in December.
The president of the European Council, Charles Michel, said that the bloc was “100% united”.
Speaking at a press conference, he added: “We are united and determined to reach an agreement, but not at any cost.”
Barnier also reiterated the position, adding that differences between the two sides still persist.
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