Brexit: Boris Johnson says he still believes in a deal with the EU

United Kingdom and Gibraltar European Union membership referendum

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British Prime Minister Boris Johnson still considers it possible to reach an agreement with the European Union on leaving the EU. Before his meeting with outgoing European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker on Monday in Luxembourg, he wrote in the British newspaper "Daily Telegraph" that the next few days are crucial.

"If we make enough progress in the next few days, I want to go to this crucial EU summit on 17 October and finalize an agreement that protects the interests of businesses and citizens on both sides of the canal and on both sides of the Irish border." Johnson wrote. "I believe passionately that we can do it."

However, Johnson left no doubt that, as of 31 October, he would leave the EU without an agreement - even though Parliament passed legislation requiring the UK to ask the EU to postpone Brexit in such a case , "It's not and it was not what I wanted, but our preparations are very extensive," Johnson wrote with a view to a hard Brexit.

Johnson wants to beat Brexit - like the incredible Hulk

On Sunday, Johnson had already made a bizarre comparison headlines: "The more angry Hulk, the stronger Hulk," he told the "Mail on Sunday", referring to the cartoon character. "Hulk has always escaped, no matter how tight he was - and that's the way it is with this country." Commenting on the Brexit appointment, Johnson said, "We'll go out on October 31, and we'll do it."

From diplomatic circles in Brussels it was said on Sunday, the British government was obviously at the end of their Latin. "A solution does not get any easier that way."

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Johnson and Juncker are meeting on Monday lunchtime for a working lunch, it's the first time they've met in person. The EU's chief negotiator for Brexit, Michel Barnier, is also there. Johnson then meets Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel and holds a press conference scheduled for around 3:15 pm.

Controversial issues include the question of how, despite Brexit, a fixed EU external border between Ireland and Northern Ireland can be avoided. For a new division of the only 20 years ago pacified island could cause unrest. The EU insists on a "backstop" clause stating, if need be, that the whole of Britain should remain in the EU Customs Union. Johnson wants to delete that because otherwise Britain could not make its own trade policy. He wants alternative solutions. How they should look, however, is unclear.

Regardless of the outcome of the Juncker Johnson meeting on Monday, both sides are in favor of continuing talks this week. Johnson hopes to reach an agreement at the EU summit in Brussels on 17 and 18 October - just two weeks before the date of departure.