‘Significant differences remain’ on key issues in post-Brexit negotiations between the UK and European Union, according to a joint statement.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke in a phone call today with UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson regarding the negotiations on a post-Brexit trade agreement. According to the joint statement released on Saturday evening, both sides welcomes ‘the fact that progress has been achieved in many areas’.
However, a deal is yet to be reached and significant differences still remain.
The statement said;
“significant differences remain on three critical issues: level playing field, governance and fisheries. Both sides underlined that no agreement is feasible if these issues are not resolved.
“Whilst recognising the seriousness of these differences, we agreed that a further effort should be undertaken by our negotiating teams to assess whether they can be resolved.”
On Sunday, negotiators from both sides are to reconvene in Brussels, before more talks between Mr Johnson and Ms von der Leyen on Monday evening.
The end of the transition period is fast-approaching on 31 December, with fears amongst some that a deal, even if agreed, may not be ratified in time.
If a deal cannot be reached by the end of the year, the UK would have to trade with the EU on World Trade Organization terms from 2021 in a ‘no deal’ scenario.
