The European Parliament, in Strasbourg.

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FREDERICK FLORIN / AFP

The day after the deadline for the end of negotiations, set at Sunday midnight, MEPs now believe that it will be "impossible" to ratify a possible post-Brexit agreement in time for it to enter into force on January 1.

“The Westminster political games wereted too much time.

It is now impossible for Parliament to assess a deal before the end of the year.

We will not approve any text, it is too important, “said Monday the leader of the EPP group (right) in the European Parliament, Manfred Weber, on Twitter.

Political games from Westminster have wasted too much time.

It is now impossible for Parliament to assess a deal before the end of the year.

We will not rubber-stamp any text, it is too important.

As the only directly elected EU body, we should not rush our decision.

#Brexit

- Manfred Weber (@ManfredWeber) December 21, 2020

Ten days before the final break

Deeming it necessary not to "rush" a decision on a possible text, he promises that the hemicycle will remain a "constructive partner" and refers to "other procedures" for a possible treaty to enter into force, only 10 days away. the final break between the EU and the UK.

An agreement reached in extremis could, for example, be applied provisionally on January 1, with a posteriori ratification by the European Parliament.

But according to several European sources, such a scenario is technically possible only if a compromise is found before Christmas, otherwise a "no deal", at least for a few days, appears inevitable.

"There will in fact be a" no deal ", technical or not, but on January 1 there will be a big stall, we have to prepare for it", has also warned the French Nathalie Loiseau (Renew, liberals) .

The question of fishing

The group of MEPs who are following the negotiations for the European Parliament were to meet at 8.45 am GMT "to assess the situation and discuss the next steps", said its president, the German David McAllister (PPE).

Negotiations, which come up against the thorny issue of European fishermen's access to British waters, is due to resume on Monday.

A trade deal must be found before the UK - which officially left the EU on January 31 - leaves the European single market and customs union on December 31 at 23:00 GMT.

Otherwise, trade between the EU and London will be carried out according to the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO), synonymous with customs duties and quotas, with serious consequences for economies already shaken by the pandemic. .

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