The negotiations between the UK and the European Union on the conclusion of a trade agreement, which resumed in London on October 22, are proceeding in a positive manner and provide an opportunity to hope for a deal. This was reported by the Sunday Telegraph on Sunday, October 25, citing sources.
According to preliminary data, EU representative Michel Barnier is going to extend his stay in London until October 28 amid mutual concessions during negotiations. At the same time, it was initially assumed that the delegation would be in the British capital only until October 25.
The publication believes that in the second half of next week the parties will travel to Brussels to approve the latest details of the agreement. Also, Britain and the EU believe that by October 31 they need to decide whether further negotiations are appropriate.
At the moment, sources said, the parties have agreed on about 90% of positions on all topics that should be reflected in the agreement, which makes it possible to hope for a positive outcome of the negotiations.
The UK officially left the European Union at midnight on January 31st. Until the end of 2020, the country will remain in the European Customs Union and the single market.
On October 16, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that London would prepare for a scenario of no trade deal with Brussels. At the same time, the head of the British government stressed that he is ready to discuss some practical issues with European partners.
The day before, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that the European Union would like to achieve a trade deal with Great Britain, but taking into account mutual interests.
Last week, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom spoke about London’s readiness to return to trade relations with the European Union on the terms of the World Trade Organization if negotiations with Brussels on free trade fail.
Johnson and the head of the European Commission (EC) Ursula von der Leyen on October 3 acknowledged the need to reach an agreement on the future relationship between London and Brussels.
At the same time, a few days before this, the head of the EC announced that an official notification had been sent to the UK authorities about the violation of the agreement to leave the community.