Prime Minister Boris Johnson will insist on wishing to conclude post-Brexit trade negotiations with the European Union in a flash time during a meeting in London on Wednesday with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, a gamble considered difficult by Europeans. This is the first interview between the Conservative head of government, elected by a large majority in December on the promise to leave the United Kingdom from the EU on January 31, and Ursula von der Leyen since taking office on last month.
Once out of the European fold, after forty-seven years of an eventful common life, a transition period will open for the United Kingdom until the end of 2020, supposed to allow a smooth separation, during which the British will continue to 'apply and benefit from European rules - without sitting in European institutions or having a say in decisions. The divorce agreement between London and Brussels provides that this period may be extended to two years if the parties fail to conclude, within this period of time, the complex agreement which will govern their long-term business relationship. .
An ambitious calendar
But Boris Johnson firmly excludes it. "After waiting more than three years to achieve Brexit, both British and European citizens rightly expect negotiations on an ambitious free trade agreement to be completed on time," he said. It aims for an "ambitious" trade agreement, "not an alignment" with EU rules, according to the press release.
For his part, Ursula von der Leyen has already expressed concern about this calendar. EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier also said that agreeing and ratifying a post-Brexit relationship in eleven months would be "a huge challenge". If he wants to achieve it, Boris Johnson will have to show "flexibility" in the negotiations, warned French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday, referring to an "ambitious timetable".
Boris Johnson wants to anchor in the law implementing the exit agreement negotiated with Brussels, which the British deputies resumed consideration this week, the ban on extending the transition period after 2020. The bill should be voted on Thursday in the House of Commons for promulgation within two weeks. The European Parliament will then have to decide.
World
Ursula von der Leyen to travel to London on Wednesday to meet Boris Johnson
World
Johnson's Brexit deal wins first vote in new parliament
- EU
- European Commission
- UK
- Boris Johnson
- Brexit
- World