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In what sources described as a “pessimistic” assessment of the trade talks, Ursula von der Leyen told them to prepare their capitals so that the “high probability” trade talks with Britain end in failure. The head of the European Commission admitted that she had failed to break the post-Brexit stalemate on fishing rights and common standards after an irritable dinner with the prime minister. Fearing the worst, EU leaders began to speak out of their anxiety about the impact a no-deal Brexit could have on their countries.
In the only meeting of leaders at the European Council summit, Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin said that a deal was best for the bloc.
Increasing pressure on European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen and Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier told colleagues that failure to reach a trade deal would be a “great loss for Ireland, the EU and the UK” , according to a source familiar with the discussion.
Speaking after the meeting, Martin said a no-deal Brexit was the “prevailing mood at the moment” among EU leaders.
He said: “People recognize the enormous challenges that remain now in terms of reaching an agreement, suffice it to say that people feel and believe in all member states that this will be a very challenging task.”
Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said he believed a deal was still possible despite the sadness that had gripped Brussels.
“We still believe that it is possible to reach an agreement with a future trade agreement.
“We are as prepared as we can for all the results of the negotiations.
“Hopefully Britain will be a partner to the EU, working together with us against a friend moving in a different direction on the basis of a failed negotiation and a blame game and acrimony that would follow.”
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas added: “In the end, the talks will not fail because it takes a few more days.
“We believe that an agreement is difficult but still possible.”
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, whose country is highly exposed to a no-deal Brexit, told reporters that he expected a “huge” blow to trade.
Rutte warned that the Port of Rotterdam and Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport are at risk of potential disruptions.
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Dutch Prime Minister Mr. Rutte said: “I would like to invite you to stay in London and work hard. Capitals do not negotiate, Michel Barnier does ”.
British officials responded to bureaucrats in Brussels for failing to acknowledge that it was time for political leaders to intervene at the last minute.
A leading UK source said: “Clearly, we are at a time where politicians must take responsibility and try to find a route.
“If the EU just wants to go through the Commission, that is what we will do.”
Despite the imminent risk of a no-deal Brexit, President Macron refused to give ground in the battle for access to Britain’s coastal waters.
He told reporters that he was unwilling to “give up my share” of opportunities for French fishing boats on UK fishing grounds.
Macron said: “I’m not asking for my cake and no. All I want is a cake worth its weight. Because I won’t give up my share either.”
And the French leader also insisted that his thinking was “coherent.”
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