The British newspaper “The Guardian” said that the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said that the disagreement over the European Union’s access to British fishing waters could dampen hopes for concluding a trade deal after Brexit, as it was said that the agreement is “very close, but .. far away”.
In a speech to the European Parliament, the President of the European Commission said that the issue of domestic support, which had long been a thorn in the side of negotiators, had been resolved..
She stated that legal assurances of not compromising environmental, social and labor standards have also been secured, with fruitful discussions continuing about “future immunization” against unfair competition that provide a clear path to an agreement..
But von der Leyen told MEPs that remaining disputes over future arrangements for European fishing fleets in UK waters could spoil nine months of negotiations before the negotiations’ deadline.
“The debate is still very difficult,” said von der Leyen. We do not question the sovereignty of the United Kingdom over its waters. But we demand predictability and stability for our fishermen and our fishermen.
In all honesty, sometimes I feel like we just won’t be able to solve this question. But we must keep trying to find a solution. It is the only responsible and correct course of action. “.
The Guardian newspaper said that the United Kingdom wants the authority to close European boats ‘access to its waters, but the European Union is seeking three months’ notice for its fleet, with the possibility of compensation or the ability to take retaliatory measures..