THE EU’S KEY DEMANDS
Fishing
Brussels wants European fishermen to continue fishing in British waters in return for access to EU waters – and for a deal to be done by July. But Boris Johnson is prepared to make this a showdown issue with British waters reserved for British fleets. Environment
EU leaders say the UK must uphold all of its environmental standards that are in force by December 31, 2020 and commit to the EU’s climate change targets “where relevant”. Britain has stressed it won’t back-pedal but campaigners fear that, without legally binding clauses, it could as part of trade deals with countries like the US. Workers’ rights
The document says Britain must not lower any labour or social protection laws below
EU levels – including workplace rights, health and safety and consultation rules. It could be a thorn in the side of UK hopes to diverge from Brussels rules.
Business competition
The EU’s priority is the “level playing field” that would guarantee the UK couldn’t use Brexit to undercut its neighbours and scoop up business.
But the UK is backing off the aim with talk of an Australian-style deal. It fears signing up could limit its abilities to strike trade deals. Security and police Both sides want to avoid any breakdown in the relationship that targets continent-wide crime such as drug and people trafficking, terrorism and counterfeiting. British police can still use EU systems to check records of foreign nationals, or alerts on wanted people. With no agreement access could be trickier. State aid
Brussels will push the UK to follow EU rules on the amount of government support that can be given to industries. It is these rules that have prevented European governments giving help to their steel industries, for example. Courts
One of Mr Johnson’s key red lines has been removing Britain from the influence of European courts. The EU isn’t playing ball. But the EU and the UK will have to agree to a dispute settlement system. Brussels insists the European Court of Justice must have final say on rulings that require EU law to be interpreted. Financial services Lots of money has been made in the City of London by sucking up EU-wide business. The EU is keen to take advantage of companies looking to move out of the UK. Northern Ireland
Brussels says any agreement should be “without prejudice” to the Northern Ireland protocol, which aims to avoid a hard border. The PM has reportedly ordered his team to find ways to “get around” it. Cultural objects The EU wants the return of “unlawfully” removed cultural objects such as the Elgin Marbles to be on the table. No 10 has said their future isn’t up for debate.