Thread by @BrunoBrussels

#Brexit
EU now see G7 as moment “there will be noise” on Brexit as Johnson holds talks with Juncker/Macron/Merkel/Conte
From Frost meeting last week it was clear UK does not have a plan for new talks
“No deal appears to be UK government’s central scenario,” said senior official

One ambassador said, “there is no desire to negotiate at all,”
UK asking for new EU mandate
“Will [EU] change the mandate? No. Change to what? What is the UK mandate ? There is not one,” said senior official

Frost also admitted that even without the backstop, the ERG could well block a deal
“Even if EU gave up the backstop there is no alternative”

“Message has now gone loud and clear to capitals, it was useful to hear it form horse’s mouth (Frost). Reality is sinking in,” said senior diplomat
"Johnson has been so public and categorical it is hard to see how his government goes back on it”

Said an ambassador: “The question of what the British parliament does in early September is now the big one.”

Biggest surprise for the EU last week was change of UK position on future relationship
Frost said UK plan after no deal was to “begin negotiating a conventional free trade agreement”

Source: “This is a downgrade of the offer in EU mandate, which is for a comprehensive agreement that eliminates tariffs accompanied by level playing field arrangements.

“A conventional FTA reduces tariffs only and does not eliminate them. Not having level playing field or alignment in a deal with UK will not fly.”

EU no deal preparation to be stepped in September with big communications campaign (mirroring the UK’s)
Legislation is in place to mitigate impact on EU. “There will be disruption”

EU insists it is as ready as it can be for no deal Brexit in terms of mitigating measures and logistics but there is unease about the politics
European Council has yet to (in detail) discuss the EU's posture in the event of no deal
thetimes.co.uk/article/eu-fea…