Von der Leyen and Johnson Will Draw Up A Brexit Balance on Saturday

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has a video meeting with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Brexit on Saturday.

 

The two will discuss the state of play in the negotiations and the next stages, her spokesman said.

The last round of negotiations will be held this week. So far, there is no prospect of an agreement on the trade relationship after this year when the transition period ends after the British departure.

The European Commission announced this week that it would start a so-called infringement procedure against the United Kingdom because of the controversial Brexit law that the country has passed.

According to Brussels, this internal market law is contrary to agreements in the withdrawal treaty concluded with the EU. London has a month to respond to the warning.

The fact that the head of the European Commission and the British Prime Minister will meet is seen as a positive step. The meeting may lead to more intensive discussions about compromises around the most significant bottlenecks.

Bloomberg news agency reports that some progress was made last week on two obstacles to a deal. It concerns the state aid rules that the British must adhere to after Brexit, and how compliance with the agreements between London and Brussels is enforced.

Another sore point, access to UK waters for EU fishermen, has reportedly continued to cause much disunity. Failure to reach an agreement on this may jeopardize a comprehensive trade agreement.