UK-EU to Continue Future Relationship Negotiations Until 13th... "No-Deal Possibility Remains"

Dinner Talks Between Johnson and von der Leyen in Brussels on the 9th
"Active and Exciting Discussions... Significant Differences in Positions"

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson (left in photo) and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Union (EU) Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have agreed to resume future relationship negotiations once again after a face-to-face meeting following Brexit (the UK’s withdrawal from the EU). This shows their determination to hold on to the negotiation process until the end, but differences in key issues remain, leaving the possibility of a 'No Deal' scenario where the transition period ends without any agreement.

According to Bloomberg and other sources on the 9th (local time), Prime Minister Johnson and President von der Leyen held a dinner meeting for about three hours at the EU headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, and decided to continue future relationship negotiations until the 13th. Although their dialogue did not resolve the deadlock in negotiations, they agreed on the necessity of further talks and plan to make a final decision on the 13th.

President von der Leyen tweeted immediately after the meeting, describing it as "an active and exciting discussion" and said, "We gained a clear understanding of each other's positions." However, she acknowledged that significant differences remain between the two sides and explained, "We agreed that the negotiation teams must immediately reconvene to resolve issues on key matters and will make a decision this weekend."

After the meeting, the two leaders did not issue a separate statement, and Prime Minister Johnson hurriedly returned home after 11 p.m. It is known that the two leaders spoke quite frankly at the meeting, openly sharing their positions, and Johnson indicated that it would be best to use every possible option to try to reach an agreement.

Initially, Prime Minister Johnson intended to significantly narrow the differences between the two sides through this meeting, but it is reported that he left confirming that reaching an agreement would not be easy. Foreign media, citing UK and EU sources, reported that "a very large gap remains between the two sides" and "it is still unclear whether the gap can be bridged."

Since the UK left the EU on January 31, both sides agreed to complete negotiations on the future relationship, including trade agreements, within the transition period set to end this year to ensure a smooth Brexit process. However, they have yet to narrow differences on key issues such as creating a level playing field, governance for resolving future disputes, and fisheries.

If the two sides overcome their differences, the agreement will cover matters related to trade, energy, transport, fisheries, and more. However, if no agreement is reached by the end of the year, trade barriers such as tariffs will arise, raising concerns that the UK will effectively leave the EU without any agreement, resulting in a 'No Deal' Brexit.