The latest round of talks between London and the EU, which have been underway in person in Brussels since 29 June, ended quietly on Thursday 2 July with a communiqué from UK and EU negotiators David Frost and Michel Barnier respectively.
The discussions, which were held in limited mode, will resume next week in London before a new, more classic round on 20 July. In any case, the two men came to the same conclusion at the end of this restricted cycle: the “differences remain”.
“This week, David Frost and I continued our discussions with a limited number of experts on each side. [...] However, after four days of discussions, serious differences remain”, Michel Barnier said.
David Frost confirmed that the discussions had put into perspective “the significant differences that continue to remain between us” on important issues.
The EU listened “carefully” to Britain’s red lines: no role for the European Court of Justice in the UK; no obligation for the UK to continue to be bound by EU law; and a fisheries agreement that shows that Brexit makes a real difference, Mr Barnier said.
The EU wants to be listened to in return and will not endorse any economic partnership without strong guarantees for a level playing field, a long-term solution for European fishermen, and a comprehensive and effective institutional framework, he added. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)