Brexit talks: EU ultimatum fizzles out, negotiations continue

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Brexit negotiations in Brussels: no intention to give in

Photo: POOL / REUTERS

Despite British plans to unilaterally change the Brexit agreement, the European Union wants to continue working with London on the planned trade pact.

This was announced by EU Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic in Brussels.

An ultimatum set by the EU to move away from the breach of contract is apparently ineffective: The British government has shown no intention to give in, Sefcovic admitted.

After the UK leaves the EU, a trade agreement is to be in place by the end of October to regulate economic relations from 2021, when the transition period has expired.

However, Brussels is outraged that London wants to override the agreed exit agreement with an "internal market law".

Specifically, there are several key provisions on Northern Ireland in the Brexit Treaty (read more here).

"Extremely serious violation" of the Brexit agreement

Sefcovic had set a deadline until the end of September - Wednesday - to withdraw the controversial clauses.

At a meeting of the so-called Joint Committee, however, the British Minister of State Michael Gove gave no indication that Britain was ready, said Sefcovic.

The commission vice called the plans a "breach of trust".

The passage of the internal market law is "an extremely serious violation" of the Brexit agreement, said Sefcovic.

The EU will inform "in due course of the next steps" on the legal procedure against the British project.

In this case, it is possible to take legal action before the European Court of Justice or to appeal to the dispute settlement body of the withdrawal agreement.

If the EU gets right there, fines could be imposed on Great Britain.

Gove himself confirmed that the clauses planned by the UK government would remain in law.

This is necessary as a "safety net" and is supported by Parliament.

The British House of Commons is due to vote again on Tuesday on the planned internal market law.

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Michael Gove (2nd from left) leaving a meeting: "These clauses will remain in the law"

Photo: Francisco Seco / AP

Despite the dispute over the internal market law, negotiations on the next agreement should continue as planned.

The last round for the time being is scheduled for Tuesday to Friday.

The trade agreement is of paramount importance for EU companies.

At the end of the year, the UK is also leaving the EU internal market and the customs union after a transition phase.

Without a contract, a hard Brexit threatens with tariffs and other major trade barriers.

After leaving the EU until the end of the year, Great Britain is still in the EU internal market and the customs union during a transition phase.

During this time, both sides want to negotiate their future relations and, in particular, agree on a trade agreement.

The talks on this have not progressed for months.

The ninth and, for the time being, last round of negotiations begins on Tuesday.

A breakthrough appears extremely unlikely given the hardened positions.

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asa / dpa