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EU's Brexit Negotiator Sees Narrow Path to Trade Deal Amid Fishing Rights Dispute

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

European Union negotiator Michel Barnier has identified a narrow path to a trade deal with the UK in the coming days, contingent upon resolving the contentious issue of fishing rights in British waters. Progress has been made on fair competition rules, but the two sides remain at an impasse on fishing rights, which may be the most intractable issue in the talks. An overall future relationship deal is possible in the coming days if the fishing dispute can be resolved, according to EU diplomats.

Key Takeaways:

  • The EU's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, has identified a narrow path to a trade deal with the UK, contingent upon resolving the fishing rights dispute.
  • Progress has been made on fair competition rules, with the UK agreeing to work with the EU in designing a mechanism to preserve fair competition.
  • The two sides remain at an impasse on fishing rights in British waters, which may be the most intractable issue in the talks.
  • An overall future relationship deal is possible in the coming days if the fishing dispute can be unblocked.
  • The UK has dialed down its rhetoric about the risks of a no-deal outcome, with Boris Johnson's office saying on Tuesday that "no deal is a potential outcome."
  • The negotiations are taking place against the backdrop of a looming deadline, with less than three weeks remaining until the UK leaves the EU single market.
  • The trade talks have made progress on several key areas, including the level playing field guarantees for companies.
  • The UK and EU are locked in a debate over the rights of EU boats to fish in British waters, with both sides dug in on their positions.

Statistics:

  • Less than three weeks remain until the UK leaves the EU single market, with or without a trade deal.
  • Tariffs on goods and EU boats being expelled from their traditional fishing waters would be the consequence of failure in the negotiations.
  • 1 January 2021 is the deadline for a trade agreement to be in place, according to EU diplomat Michel Barnier.
  • The EU's Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, has spent the weekend working with national ambassadors and EU parliamentarians to find common ground on the trade talks.

Sources:

  • Michel Barnier's presentation to EU national ambassadors and MEPs
  • EU diplomat's statement on the narrow path to an agreement
  • European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's announcement on Sunday that talks would continue after the weekend
  • Boris Johnson's office statement on Tuesday that "no deal is a potential outcome"
  • The UK's Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee hearing on the UK's preparedness for a no-deal Brexit
  • The EU's Brexit negotiation timeline

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