Thread by @AlbertoNardelli

Brexit status update. A short thread:

- UK has not put forward any concrete proposal/text. A fundamental point that needs repeating when you read X could be a solution or Y could replace a backstop.

We have a saying in Italy: my grandmother would be a bicycle if she had wheels.

- Substance of EU27 position has not — and will most probably not — change. A backstop that keeps the border open, protects all-island economy and ensures integrity of the single market is needed. Even more so now that Ireland has indicated that it prefers no deal to no backstop

- UK position seems to have shifted a bit on Northern Ireland. But — and this is key — there is a long long way to go, no detail, and UK would need to go all the way. Even if you call it something else instead of backstop, say chocolate, the mechanism needs to achieve same effect

- If the UK goes for the Northern Ireland only backstop, the EU/27 would of course accept that (it's their original proposal after all), and there would be room for further tweaks and improvements (eg role of NI on joint committee)

- More issues:

1) there is little belief that any form of deal can get through MPs. There is no UK consensus on future relationship. Johnson position (eg on LPF) fundamentally different to May's (as close as possible), and Labour has more Brexit positions than I have shoes

2) The suspicion among officials and member states is that the talks are just theatre. At some point the EU/27 are going to ask: "where are the proposals?"

3) EU27 are unlikely to have technical negotiations with Johnson at the EUCO. Pretty much before every council, there are stories in parts of UK press about negotiations at EUCO. It never happens.

4) UK attempts to carve out bilateral mini deals and a "managed no deal" will not work. EU27 position is too united and fixed now, and it's too late for that position to change

5) There is disenchantment even among some of the UK's closest friends in the EU over the lack of communications with Johnson. May and Cameron used to test ideas, this government doesn't.

- Finally, though there are some differences on extension, and there will be a discussion at EUCO, an extension/s will most probably be granted. Multiple officials and diplomats told me this week that EU would not want to kick the UK out. No deal would be a British decision.