EU-UK talks in Brussels end earlier than planned

Negotiations in Brussels on the post-Brexit relationship between the two sides were expected to last from Monday to Friday, with the participation of small teams. But they are over today.

“Our goal was to successfully and quickly bring the negotiations on track to reach an agreement,” said Michel Barnier, head of the European Union’s negotiating delegation. “However, after four days of discussions, there are still serious differences of opinion.”

David Frost, Head of the British Delegation, also acknowledged that there were still serious disagreements between the two sides on a number of important issues.

After the difficulties caused by the new coronavir pandemic, when face-to-face talks were not possible, “the EU hoped to bring new dynamism” to the negotiation process, Barnier said.

The British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also said before the start of the talks that he wants to bring new impetus to the talks.

Both sides announced today that they are committed to reaching an agreement and look forward to further discussions in London next week.

The next official round of talks is scheduled to begin on July 20.

Britain left the EU on 31 January, and both sides have time until the end of the year to agree on their future relationship. However, in fact, in order for the new trade agreement and the framework agreement to enter into force on 1 January next year, the negotiating parties must sign it no later than October.

At present, the United Kingdom is still part of the EU’s internal market and customs union, forced to comply with the bloc’s rules and contribute to its budget. However, if no agreement is reached during the transitional period, trade between the two parties will henceforth be governed by World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, which provide for various customs barriers.

Britain has formally rejected the possibility of extending the transition period after leaving the EU.