Tough negotiations with Great Britain stir up concerns

After Brexit, Brussels and London are making little progress towards a partnership agreement. The start of the third round of negotiations is accompanied by gloomy forecasts.

Brussels (dpa) - The German economy warns of the failure of negotiations on an EU trade agreement with Great Britain.

"The progress of negotiations so far is absolutely inadequate," criticized the Federal Association of German Industries at the start of the third week-long round of negotiations on both sides. "Unfortunately, it is realistic that the negotiators will be empty-handed again at the end of this week."

Great Britain had left the EU at the end of January, but is still part of the European single market and customs union until the end of the year. In this transition phase, future economic relations are to be regulated in an agreement. Otherwise, customs duties, strict controls on goods and other difficulties for the economy are threatened.

However, two rounds of negotiations since the beginning of March have made little progress. The third round began on Monday - by Friday, the negotiators are to discuss dozens of detailed questions in video conferences. But the positions are far apart. The crux of the EU is that the UK accepts the same social and environmental standards to avoid distortion of competition. Brussels also calls for a quick agreement on fishing rights.

The Federation of German Industries criticized that the tactics of the British government did not do justice to the seriousness of the situation. London must take into account the concerns of the economy. "Ending the Brexit transition phase at the end of the year without an agreement would turn an already difficult economic situation into a catastrophic one."

The transition phase could be extended by a year or two if both sides agree to this by the end of June. But the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is strictly against it. The SPD European politician Katarina Barley does not believe in an extension of the deadline, but does not consider a swing possible. "Boris Johnson has already shown that he is capable of twists and turns," said Barley on the RBB information radio.

Barley said pessimistically: "Mistrust is now high." The British should not benefit from one-sided advantages. "You cannot have access to the internal market and at the same time undercut European standards when it comes to occupational safety, consumer protection, environmental protection and thus gain an advantage. It will not work under any circumstances."

FDP politician Nicola Beer said in the SWR that she had "no hope" because of the British stance that an agreement would be possible by the end of the year. Beer is also in favor of extending the transition period. This was also demanded by Greens MEP Anna Cavazzini. She also complained that the UK refused to make compliance with the Paris Agreement a key issue in the trade agreement.