Brussels Sees a "narrow Path" Towards The Brexit Deal And Points To Fishing As The Main Obstacle

Brussels sees possibilities of agreement. After the deadline, in a final effort, with two weeks left until January 1, at which time the transition period ends and the United Kingdom will be outside the European Union with all the consequences. The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said this Wednesday in the European Parliament that there is “a path, albeit a narrow one” towards an agreement. And he says it in a few hours in which in Brussels, after Sunday’s conversation between Von der Leyen and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, some kind of turning point is expected.

Of course, for the first time, Von der Leyen points out fishing as the main stumbling block. In other words, governance-related issues – how to monitor compliance with the trade agreement and how conflicts are resolved – can be addressed.

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“Our teams are working to reach an agreement, day and night, sometimes with everything against it,” said Von der Leyen: “I cannot tell you whether there will be an agreement or not. But I can tell you that now there is a way to an agreement The road may be narrow but it is there. So it is our responsibility to keep trying. The good news is that we have found a way out of most problems. “

Von der Leyen, however, has stated: “Two issues remain outstanding: equal conditions [levelplayingfield[levelplayingfield that there is no unfair competition – and fishing. “In relation to equal conditions, the president of the Community Executive has stated:” Our objective is simply to guarantee fair competition in our own market. “And about fishing?” The discussion it is still very difficult. We do not question the sovereignty of the United Kingdom over its own territorial waters, what we ask of you is predictability and stability for our fishermen and our fisherwomen. And honestly, I sometimes have the impression that we are not going to be able to solve it, but we have to keep trying. It is the only responsible way to act. “

“The next few days will be decisive,” he has settled. And he has sought the complicity of the European Parliament, which must ratify the agreement in record time if it ends up being closed: “I want to sincerely thank you for your support and understanding. I know that if we reach the agreement, I can count on you to ensure a good result. We must walk the last few kilometers with the same shoes. “

Meanwhile, the 27 have approved the contingency measures proposed by the European Commission in the event of a non-agreement, whose entry into force depends on the reciprocity of the United Kingdom.

The contingency plans, which many Member States have been calling for, deal with connections and air and road traffic safety and fishing.

Refering to basic air connectivity, A regulation is proposed to guarantee the provision of certain air services between the UK and the EU for 6 months, provided the UK guarantees the same.

In relation to aviation security, A regulation is proposed to ensure that various product safety certificates can continue to be used on EU aircraft without interruption, thus avoiding the grounding of EU aircraft.

The EU also proposes, on basic road connectivity, a regulation on the carriage of goods by road and on the carriage of passengers by road for 6 months, provided that the UK guarantees the same to EU carriers.

AND regarding fishing, Brussels’ proposal is to create the appropriate legal framework until December 31, 2021, or until a fisheries agreement has been reached with the United Kingdom, whichever date is earlier, for continued reciprocal access by vessels from the EU and UK to each other’s waters after December 31, 2020. To ensure the sustainability of fisheries and given the importance of fishing for the economic livelihood of many communities, it is necessary to facilitate the authorization procedures of vessels fishing boats.

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