The EU and UK continue talks on Brexit in Aug. and Sep.

Introduction

The European Commission (EC) and the United Kingdom will continue the talks for a trade agreement in August and September. The British main negotiator David Frost has published a letter on the website of the British Governement and tweeted about the letter; read the letter here (links open in new tab). The hope is that with these negotiations a trade agreement can still be reached before 31-12-2020. 

Summary

Earlier

Several weeks ago the EC published a press statement of Michel Barnier, the EU's chief negotiator in Brexit. In the statement Barnier expressed pessimism after the 6th round of negotiatons on reaching a trade agreement after the Brexit transition period end. Barnier mentioned the application of standards to products. Barnier stated:

" On two important subjects, transport and energy, we had intense and useful discussions. However, the UK continued to request single market-like benefits.

In addition, there is still no progress on two essential topics of our economic partnership.

First, there must be robust guarantees for a level playing field – including on State aid and standards – to ensure open and fair competition among our businesses, also over time. This is a core interest for all 27 Member States – and in my view also for the UK. [...] "

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" On the level playing field, the UK still refuses to commit to maintaining high standards in a meaningful way. "

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" And let me be very clear: A less ambitious agreement on goods and services will not lead the EU to drop its demands for a robust level playing field."

Read the full press statement of Barnier here (opens in new tab)

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