The post-Brexit trade negotiations initiated since Thursday between the United Kingdom and the European Union will continue until Wednesday in London and will then move to Brussels on Thursday, but "
we are still far from an agreement
", indicated on Sunday October 25 several European sources to AFP.
Read also: Brexit: London aims for a free trade agreement with the EU "as soon as possible"
The EU has refused the principle of a negotiation tunnel, because member states need to be informed of the state of play of the discussions, explained a European source.
European negotiator Michel Barnier will travel back and forth between London and Brussels next week, two European officials said.
Fishing, one of the most difficult points
Several avenues are being studied by the negotiators on the three difficult points: the alignment of standards and the rules of the game in matters of competition, the settlement of disputes and fishing.
The EU refuses to set deadlines for the negotiations, but an inventory is planned for mid-November, it was said.
Negotiations resumed Thursday in London after a week of tension.
The two negotiators, Michel Barnier and the Briton David Frost, have decided to intensify their discussions and work on draft texts in order to find an agreement applicable on January 1, at the end of the transition period following their historic divorce. last January 31.
Read also: Brexit: EU calls on London to give up all "negotiation tactics"
"Clearly, significant differences remain between our positions on the most difficult subjects but we are ready with the EU, to see if it is possible to bring them closer during intensive discussions,"
said a spokesperson for the Prime Minister on Thursday. Minister Boris Johnson in a statement
.
"It is quite possible that the negotiations will fail,"
he warned, however.
Read also: Brexit: what is Boris Johnson really playing?
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