The transition period for Britain’s “Brexit” will end at the end of the year. Whether the United Kingdom and the EU can reach a trade agreement within the time limit has attracted much attention. On the 4th, representatives of the United Kingdom and the European Union said after two weeks of negotiations that the two sides still have big differences on some core issues.
David Frost, the chief representative of the UK’s “Brexit” negotiations, said on social media that the negotiations have made progress, but “the two sides still have big differences on some core issues. We will continue to work hard to find a foundation that fully respects British sovereignty. s solution”.
Barnier, the EU’s chief negotiator responsible for the UK’s “Brexit” affairs, said on social media: “Although the EU is working hard to find a solution, there are still serious differences in the level of playing field, compliance management and fisheries. Be prepared for this possible situation.”
British Prime Minister Johnson stated on September 7 that October 15 is the deadline for Britain to reach a trade agreement with the European Union. After EU leaders met in Brussels on October 15, the British side once stated that the EU summit marked the end of negotiations between the two parties. If the EU does not fundamentally change its position, there is no need for further talks. After the EU stated that reaching an agreement requires “compromise between the two parties” and “willing to discuss on the basis of the legal text of the agreement,” the UK agreed to resume negotiations on the 22nd.
Analysts believe that the two parties must reach an agreement before mid-November to ensure sufficient time to complete their respective legal procedures.
Britain officially “Brexit” on January 31 this year, and then entered an 11-month transition period. If the UK and Europe fail to reach a trade agreement during the transition period, the bilateral trade will return to the WTO framework from 2021 and re-implement arrangements such as border inspection and tariffs.
