Brexit: Europeans expect British concessions
Michel Barnier, the main European negotiator for Brexit alongside Charles Michel, the President of the European Council in Brussels, October 15, 2020. Kenzo Tribouillard / Pool via REUTERS
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2 min
The British government did not get the current European summit to sign an agreement on the future Euro-British relationship although the Brussels deadline of October 15 was set by Downing Street.
This is not a surprise because in the opinion of the Europeans the negotiations are nowhere.
The heads of state and government of the 27 have called on Boris Johnson to make an effort and are ready to do so too.
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For Europeans, Boris Johnson's government must take the necessary steps to reach an agreement on the future Euro-British relationship and above all the United Kingdom must honor its word and apply the exit agreement already signed.
We must give new impetus to the talks, believes the chief negotiator of the European Union Michel Barnier.
He will resume discussions next week in London;
he now mentions
concessions on fishing
, a major sticking point between the Union and the United Kingdom: “
I indicated as early as July an opening to be discussed.
I didn't really have a reciprocal opening.
We know very well that we are going to have to make an effort.
This effort must be reasonable, it must preserve the fishing activities of European Union fishing companies.
What we are asking the British for access to their waters for our fishing companies is in a proportionate and reciprocal manner, opening up important sectors of the European single market to British companies.
"
The two other subjects of dispute are the future management of disputes in the free trade agreement and guarantees for fair competition.
Everyone here hopes for a solution before December 31, but many of them point out that the Union is now ready for
no agreement
.
► See also: Post-Brexit negotiations enter a critical phase
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