The pandemic has forced Europe and the rest of the world to forget about Brexit, but the problem has not gone anywhere. Negotiations between London and Brussels have been very difficult therefore the trade agreement has not been signed yet. The chances are high that a hard Brexit scenario will unfold.
Based on a mutual settlement, the UK-EU trade deal must be done by October 15. However, the parties have made little progress in their effort to tackle the issue. Interestingly, October 15 has not been the first such a deadline. Earlier, Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised either to sign the agreement or to leave everything as it was at least until the end of summer. The previously set date expired, nothing terrible happened, and the talks continued. Today, a great number of independent observers are inclined to believe that the deal will be arranged. Most likely, a free trade agreement will be signed at the very last moment. According to a source familiar with the discussions, Boris Johnson is keeping a negotiating stance. By setting deadlines and strict boundaries, the British prime minister is trying to make a higher bet with the European Union as truly important matters are at stake.
Clearly, the parties do not intend as well as they cannot cut ties completely. However, they are not willing to make concessions as well. After all, Brexit has been the result of London's demands for a special status within the European Union.
