China News Service, November 29, reported that there is only one month left before the end of the transitional period for Brexit. However, due to differences in key issues such as fishing rights, Britain and Europe have been unable to reach an agreement on a future trade agreement.
On the 28th local time, Barnier, the chief negotiator of the European Union, resumed face-to-face consultations with British negotiator Frost in London, and the negotiations entered a critical moment.
On January 29, local time, the European Parliament approved the "Brexit" agreement.
The picture shows the parliamentarians holding high the banner of "Forever Unity" after the voting.
China News Agency issued photos for EU
"We are not far from the moment of determining success or failure"
According to the report, this is the first face-to-face consultation between Barnier and Frost after a person on the team was diagnosed with the new crown virus and must self-isolate.
If the negotiations fail to reach an agreement, trade between the UK and the EU will be subject to tariffs on goods in accordance with WTO regulations.
On the 27th local time, Britain and Europe warned that this consultation might not be successful. Barnier said in a tweet that “major differences still exist.”
A European source familiar with the closed-door consultation revealed that Barnier said later, "We are not far from the moment of determining success or failure."
Frost tweeted, “Everyone asks me why we continue to negotiate. My answer is that it is my duty to do my best to determine whether an agreement is possible. Time is running out, but the agreement is still It may be reached. I will continue to negotiate until there is clearly no agreement."
Data map: Britain issued a newly minted 50 pence coin to commemorate Britain's departure from the European Union.
The commemorative coin is engraved with the words "Share peace, prosperity and friendship" and the date "January 31, 2020".
The EU intends to make concessions on issues such as fishing rights?
The British "Daily Telegraph" quoted sources as revealing that the EU is prepared to make concessions on the issue of fishing rights.
According to reports, Barnier proposed to return 15% to 18% of the European fleet's fishing quota in British waters to the United Kingdom.
According to the report, the British side considers this proposal unacceptable because it means that the EU still requires 80% of the fishing quota in British waters.
The source said that Britain will not "sell" its sovereignty.
According to previous reports, the current differences between the UK and the EU are mainly centered on two major issues. The first is the right to fish in British waters, and the second is the regulatory difference between the UK and the EU.
Some EU diplomats have stated that the UK must accept the EU’s requirements on the second issue before the EU will consider concessions on the issue of fishing rights, otherwise there is no need to talk about it.