The United Kingdom and the European Union intend to continue the trade talks even if the transition period that ends on December 31 is over. Both sides have confirmed there will be no change of the Brexit date.
According to EU Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier and to UK Chief Negotiator David Frost, the sides stay in touch on a daily basis and the deal-making process goes on.
Brussels points out fundamental differences that remain between the parties on the issues that negotiations have centred on. These are fishing rights, the governance of a deal, and the "level playing field" conditions aimed at preventing unfair competition. Meanwhile, some progress has been made in the drafting of legal texts. The EU is still focused on signing the agreement. At the same time, Brussels is not ready to make concessions to the UK on any occasion and insist that this is a partnership agreement.
EU Commission spokesman Daniel Ferrie says that the UK will leave the single market and customs union by January 1, 2021. He believes that there is no way to extend the transition period and hopes to make a trade pact by this date.
Notably, the UK is unlikely to leave the EU without a deal. The parties have the Brexit agreement that defines the relations between the sides. It will remain regardless of the negotiation results. These arrangements should help both individuals and businesses prepare for the break of the partnership.
