EU: "Then we get a no-deal Brexit because of fish"

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In the negotiations between the EU and the UK on a post-Brexit trade deal, there is still no rapprochement in the dispute over fishing rights for EU fishermen in UK waters.

When it came to the issue of fisheries, negotiations got stuck even after another round of negotiations in Brussels, said an EU diplomat on Saturday evening.

There are still "the same differences of opinion," said another diplomat.

According to diplomats, the EU has now made one final offer on the fisheries issue to Great Britain.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will ultimately have to decide on this.

If Britain rejects the offer, "we get a no deal on fish," said a diplomat.

EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier: It's getting tight

Source: AP / Francisco Seco

Great Britain left the EU on February 1, but the country will remain in the EU internal market and the customs union until the end of the year.

In the meantime, the time for the timely ratification of an intended trade agreement for the time thereafter is extremely short.

Without an agreement, tariffs would be levied in mutual trade at the turn of the year - with serious consequences for the economy.

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The main points of contention for months have been fair competition, the control of a future agreement and access to British waters for fishermen from the EU.

While there had recently been significant progress on the first two sticking points, the fisheries question remained difficult.

Without an agreement, EU fishermen would no longer be allowed to cast their nets in UK waters.

EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier has meanwhile offered that EU fishermen give up almost a quarter of the value of their catch in British waters.

According to reports, the UK is demanding that EU fishermen give up significantly more than half. 

The European Fisheries Alliance (CFCA) has already reacted with alarm.

With its offer, the EU would "ring the death knell for parts of the economic sector that means so much for coastal communities across Europe".

Negotiations will resume on Sunday, but there is not much time for a breakthrough.

The EU Parliament gave both sides until midnight on Sunday to present an agreement.

Otherwise, Parliament believes that there will not be enough time to examine the text and ratify it for entry into force on January 1st.