DUBLIN- On Wednesday, European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen said that the decision on whether more time will be needed for a trade agreement negotiation between Britain and UK after exiting the bloc, ultimately lies with Britain.
Britain is on the route to leaving the EU on January 31st after agreeing on a deal last year but during the agreed-upon transition period till December 2020 end, Britain shall remain bound to the bloc’s rules.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is certain that more time will not be needed, even though significant doubt is cast on this by von der Leyen on a trade deal feasibility agreement over the period of the next 11 months.
An extension can be requested only by one of the two parties- the United Kingdom. This ultimately can only be ascertained by seeing mid-year progress on the decision.
Brussels is prepared to move as quickly as possible von der Leyen’s meeting with Johnson last week. While both parties can formally request an extension, a common agreement is required.
If the transition period does not extend beyond 2020, EU-Britain trade relations in 2021 can be governed by whatever agreement will be worked on by the end of this year or rules from the World Trade Organisation.
After Brexit, Johnson also insists on avoiding customs checks between the UK and Northern Ireland. Von der Leyen, on the other hand, believes that the border controls between the UK and Northern Ireland are clearly elaborated upon in the agreed-upon divorce agreement.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field.
