Counter statement from Michel Barnier, EU chief negotiator:
“After four days of discussions, serious divergences remain.
The EU side had listened carefully to UK PM Boris Johnson's statements in recent weeks, in particular, his request to reach a political agreement quickly...
“After four days of discussions, serious divergences remain.
The EU side had listened carefully to UK PM Boris Johnson's statements in recent weeks, in particular, his request to reach a political agreement quickly...
...and his red lines: no role for the ECJ in the UK; no obligation for the UK to continue to be bound by EU law; and an agreement on fisheries that shows Brexit makes a real difference.
“The EU engaged constructively, as we had already done during the fourth round of negotiations in June. We did so in line with the mandate entrusted to the European Commission by the Council, with the support of the European Parliament.
“The EU's position remains, based on the Political Declaration, that there will be no economic partnership without:
robust guarantees for a level playing field – including on state aid – to ensure open and fair competition among our businesses;
robust guarantees for a level playing field – including on state aid – to ensure open and fair competition among our businesses;
“a balanced, sustainable and long-term solution for our European fishermen and women;
an overarching institutional framework and effective dispute settlement mechanisms.
And we will continue to insist on parallel progress on all areas...
an overarching institutional framework and effective dispute settlement mechanisms.
And we will continue to insist on parallel progress on all areas...
“The EU expects, in turn, its positions to be better understood and respected in order to reach an agreement. We need an equivalent engagement by the United Kingdom.”
So, the hopes for optimism associated with the new intensified format seem premature at this point
