EU diplomats wondering whether Boris Johnson wants to drop the Brexit transition extension.
He doesn’t. But the confusion is a microcosm of the current state of Brexit talks.
EU is uncertain about British intentions. UK is making promises that look very hard to keep. 1.
He doesn’t. But the confusion is a microcosm of the current state of Brexit talks.
EU is uncertain about British intentions. UK is making promises that look very hard to keep. 1.
To recap: after Brexit UK goes into transition period until end 2020.
Transition can be extended until the end of 2022, *if EU agrees, *if UK pays contributions to EU budget and *negotiates a deal on fishing rights.
Obviously a very hard sell domestically for any UK gov. 2.
Transition can be extended until the end of 2022, *if EU agrees, *if UK pays contributions to EU budget and *negotiates a deal on fishing rights.
Obviously a very hard sell domestically for any UK gov. 2.
British negotiators apparently wanted to delete transition extension reference in re-written Irish protocol, per EU sources.
EU diplomats were left asking: does that mean the UK wants to delete from withdrawal agreement, therefore no option to extend the transition? 3.
EU diplomats were left asking: does that mean the UK wants to delete from withdrawal agreement, therefore no option to extend the transition? 3.
Answer: no, UK plans to leave extension option unchanged, but says has no intention to use it.
Gov spokesperson said: “The current withdrawal agreement provides for an extension of the implementation period. The Government has no intention to extend beyond December 2020.” 4.
Gov spokesperson said: “The current withdrawal agreement provides for an extension of the implementation period. The Government has no intention to extend beyond December 2020.” 4.
But taking extension out of Irish protocol fuels EU view that Boris Johnson’s renegotiation effort is at least partly about domestic presentation.
All along the EU has had nagging doubt negotiations are just a play in the no-deal blame game. 5.
All along the EU has had nagging doubt negotiations are just a play in the no-deal blame game. 5.
No transition extension means UK EU free trade deal must be agreed in 14 months (and everything else: security and police co-operation, foreign policy, etc).
*And sort out alternative arrangements for Irish border experts do not think feasible in this time frame. 6.
*And sort out alternative arrangements for Irish border experts do not think feasible in this time frame. 6.
More talks today but no one hopeful of breakthrough. EU side thinks Frost has no mandate to agree changes that would make deal possible.
But Barnier unlikely to call time on talks - that’s a decision for EU leaders.
As always in Brexit, to be continued...
7.
But Barnier unlikely to call time on talks - that’s a decision for EU leaders.
As always in Brexit, to be continued...
7.
