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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she sees clear progress in protracted trade talks with the UK, with low hopes that a post-Brexit deal could be reached before the deadline of December 31.
Speaking in the European Parliament on Wednesday, Von der Leyen confirmed that the major issues had been reduced to just two – fair competition in the EU market and fishing rights for EU vessels in the waters British.
Although she was still only talking about a “very narrow” path to an agreement, she added that nonetheless “I can tell you that there is a path to an agreement”.
He was still far more optimistic than previous comments from British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and even any assessment of success in recent months.
“Now it is about being so close and yet so far,” von der Leyen told the European Parliament, which will have to approve any deal negotiated with the UK.
Britain left the 27-nation bloc in January, but for the rest of the year it is still in a period of transition which has maintained all trade ties with the EU.
“The clock puts us in a very difficult position,” said von der Leyen.
The path to follow
Von der Leyen said European negotiator Michel Barnier and his British counterpart David Frost had made progress in resolving state aid rules for businesses and that the modalities for managing the deal “are now in great shape. part resolved “.
But she remained pessimistic about the fish. Britain insists that, when it leaves the EU’s single market at the end of the year, it will regain full control over access to its waters.
EU member states are keen to maintain quotas for their crews fishing in UK waters and they want a long-term deal to ensure stability.
So far Britain has offered only reduced access and annual quota renegotiations.
“When it comes to fishing, the discussion is always very difficult,” said von der Leyen.
“And in all fairness, sometimes I have a feeling that we won’t be able to resolve this issue.”
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