Brussels sees a "narrow" margin to reach a pact that avoids a hard Brexit

The EU negotiator, Michel Barnier, enters the Council to brief the ambassadors of the 27, this Monday, in Brussels.JOHN THYS / AFP

The European Union is not giving up the negotiations to avoid a hard Brexit and still sees a “narrow” margin to reach an agreement with the United Kingdom.

Wrestled with dialogue under pressure, Brussels hopes the approaching abyss will force London to reconsider its rigid position on key issues such as competition policy.

According to diplomatic sources, the head of the EU negotiating team, Michel Barnier, explained to the ambassadors on Monday that the agreement is still possible if both parties are able to overcome the remaining “obstacles”, but that this will require that the Kingdom Kingdom bet on a “fair deal”.

"We are going to give every opportunity to this agreement, which is still possible," said Barnier before meeting with the diplomats of the Twenty-seven.

The French negotiator has endorsed the tone that the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, wore last Sunday when deciding to move forward to try to save a Brexit on the next 1 January 2021. Barnier, who just a week ago practically threw in the towel, sees a "narrow path" to move toward a deal.

Diplomatic sources maintain that the differences are still substantial, but also warn of certain advances.

“I cannot say what will or will not happen these days.

However, what I can say is that we are fully dedicated to trying to reach an agreement with the United Kingdom, ”commented Commission spokesman Daniel Ferrie.

Community sources explain that the main stumbling block continues to be the United Kingdom's refusal to commit to competition rules in labor or environmental matters.

Von der Leyen has again insisted on that demand in a videoconference speech on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the OECD.

"If the United Kingdom wants a seamless access to the single market of the European Union, it is welcome, but following our rules," said the president.

Otherwise, it will face “trade barriers and tariffs”.

Even so, he insists on his willingness to reach an agreement before the end of the year.

"We are in the last mile of the negotiation, but it is the most important," he added.

In any case, the EU is preparing for a turbulent exit.

"We are intensifying preparations for a no-deal scenario," said German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, who added: "All deadlines have run out, but we continue to negotiate because it seems like the right thing to do."

Brussels already approved on Friday the contingency plans to maintain a minimum continuity in air, road and rail transport in the event that there is no agreement or to keep fishing rights intact for six months in British and EU waters.

At either extreme, the European Parliament, now in a

attitude

, will have to act.

"In the event of an agreement or no agreement, it is clear that Parliament must take initiatives either to support this so-called agreement or emergency measures in the absence of a pact," says the president of the European Parliament, David Sassoli.