Brexit trade talks impasse
Negotiators are unable to resolve key problems between the sides
LAST week’s scheduled talks between the EU and the UK on a post-Brexit trade agreement made very little progress.
In fact, one of the few points that the two sides appeared able to agree on with real clarity was their inability to move forward.
The EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier said at the end of the week’s discussions that ‘serious divergences remain’.
Mr Barnier’s comments were echoed by his UK counterpart, David Frost, who noted that ‘significant disagreement’ remained on important issues.
The latest round of talks is the first to be held in person since the beginning of the Covid-19 crisis.
Mr Barnier reminded that two weeks ago UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and EC president Ursula von der Leyen had sought to ‘inject new dynamics in the talks’.
“Our goal was to get negotiations successfully and quickly on a trajectory to reach an agreement,” stated Mr Barnier.
The ‘EU engaged constructively’, he noted, but the two sides remain at odds over key issues.
According to the French politician, these sticking points include fishing rights, ‘open and fair competition among our businesses’, ‘an overarching institutional framework’ and ‘effective dispute settlement mechanisms’.
Mr Frost noted that the face-to-face talks had given ‘extra depth and flexibility’ to discussions on a full range of issues over trade and a future partnership.
“But they have also underlined the significant differences that still remain between us on a number of important issues,” he added.
“We remain committed to working hard to find an early understanding on the principles underlying an agreement.”
Despite the differences, Mr Barnier stated: “We continue to believe that an agreement is possible and in everyone’s interest.
“We look forward to the next round of negotiations in the week of July 20.”
In the meantime, low level talks were scheduled in London this week.
The UK has ruled out extending the December deadline to reach a deal.