The chief EU negotiator, Michel Barnier, told ambassadors and members of the European Parliament in Brussels that a trade and security pact could be struck after Britain’s exit from the European Union early this week after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a major concession over the weekend..
According to The Guardian, Barnier said that the prime minister’s acceptance of the need for a treaty-level mechanism to ensure fair competition with different regulatory standards over time has opened talks despite the tough remaining issues..
Barnier said: “For the first time,” the UK government has agreed on a mechanism for unilateral measures in the event of systemic differences that distort trade and investment. “But this mechanism has to be credible, efficient and fast. We are working on that,” he added. “
But Barnier said that the talks on the fishing deal have subsided, yet he told politicians and diplomats in Brussels that a “narrow path” could be seen to reach an agreement..
Barnier wrote on Twitter: “The next few days are important, if a conclusion is to be made [اتفاق بين المملكة المتحدة والاتحاد الأوروبي] On January 1, 2021. “Fair competition and a sustainable solution for hunters are key to reaching a bargain.”. “
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a speech in Paris: “First, there is a movement. This is good. We are talking about a fresh start with old friends. We are at the last mile to go. But it is essential. The beginning, but also with the passage of time. “
Barnier said negotiations over EU access to British fishing waters have ebbed and it could still take all of December to settle the differences.
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