Johnson and von der Leyen Meet for the First Time... 'Differences in Positions' Over Future Relationship Negotiations

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Ahead of the Brexit deadline on the 31st, the leaders of the UK and the EU met face-to-face for the first time. However, both sides continued to repeat their own positions regarding the transition period, making it difficult to find any tangible outcomes from the meeting. Regarding the future relationship negotiations that will intensify after Brexit, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson emphasized "completion within the year," while EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed that it is "impossible" to finalize all negotiations, revealing ongoing differences in stance.

According to BBC and other sources on the 8th (local time), Prime Minister Johnson and President von der Leyen met in the afternoon at 10 Downing Street, the Prime Minister's residence. This was their first meeting since von der Leyen took office earlier last month. Although the content of their direct conversation has not yet been disclosed, it is speculated that the meeting was closer to a working-level negotiation rather than a formal introduction. This is likely because both sides exchanged views on the major issue of the Brexit timeline during their first meeting.

The UK Prime Minister's Office stated that Johnson emphasized the need to complete the future relationship negotiations, which will intensify after Brexit, within this year during the meeting. The office said, "Both sides had a positive first meeting," and "The Prime Minister made it clear that the transition period will not be extended beyond December 31, 2020." Prior to meeting Johnson, President von der Leyen gave a speech at the London School of Economics, stating that the transition period is effectively only 9 to 10 months and that it is "basically impossible" to comprehensively complete the future relationship negotiations within that timeframe. It is believed that von der Leyen conveyed a similar message during her meeting with Johnson.

According to the agreement, even after Brexit is implemented, the current system will be maintained until the transition period set to end at the end of this year. During the transition period, both sides will conduct future relationship negotiations, including trade agreements, security, and foreign policy. According to EU law, these negotiations will begin in March, after all Brexit procedures are completed. Currently, if the negotiations are not completed within the deadline, the transition period can be extended once for up to two years.

However, Johnson is expected to soon pass a bill in Parliament that includes provisions preventing the extension of the transition period, added last month to the Withdrawal Agreement Bill (WAB). This suggests the possibility that the transition period may not be extended even if negotiations fail. In terms of trade, if no agreement is reached within the transition period, the World Trade Organization (WTO) framework will apply, effectively resulting in a 'No Deal' Brexit.

The EU has expressed concerns that the transition period is too tight. President von der Leyen emphasized, "The transition period is very tight," and if it cannot be extended, priorities must be set. Regarding trade negotiations, she said, "We hope for a new trade agreement without tariffs, quotas, or dumping," adding, "Ideally, this discussion should take place before this summer."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.