Despite Stalemate in Summit Talks... UK-EU Accelerate Preparations for No-Deal Scenario

UK Prime Minister "No-Deal Likelihood Very High"... Orders Preparations
EU Proposes Emergency Plan to Prevent Disruptions in Air and Road Traffic

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Despite the meeting between UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Union (EU) Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the deadlock in future relationship negotiations following Brexit (the UK's withdrawal from the EU) has not been fully resolved, prompting the UK and the EU to accelerate preparations for a 'No Deal' scenario in which no agreement is reached.

According to Bloomberg News and others on the 10th (local time), Prime Minister Johnson instructed ministers to prepare for a high possibility of a No Deal Brexit. He expressed hope that if the EU introduces new twin regulations to the UK, they could be applied immediately to the UK as well, but stated that this is unacceptable, criticizing that "they want to keep the UK tied to the EU's orbit." He emphasized that he cannot accept demands to comply with the EU's regulations concerning the key issue of a level playing field.

Johnson stated, "What must be made very clear is that the solution is very, very likely to be closer to the Australia-EU relationship than the Canada-EU relationship." Canada has a comprehensive trade agreement with the EU, but Australia does not, imposing tariffs on a wide range of goods. He added, "I will not stop talking and will continue negotiations," while stressing the need for preparations.

Johnson's remarks came amid the failure of both sides to narrow differences on major trade negotiation issues despite his meeting with Commission President von der Leyen the previous day. Both sides have set a deadline of the 13th and agreed to continue negotiations. Although the EU summit is scheduled for the 10th to 11th, no special discussions on Brexit will take place.

Before Johnson's remarks, the EU Commission pressured the UK by proposing emergency measures in preparation for the possibility that the transition period could end on January 1 next year without a trade agreement with the UK. Commission President von der Leyen pointed out, "We are willing to allow (the UK) access to the single market. (However,) conditions must be fair, and an appropriate balance on fairness has not yet been achieved."

The emergency measures proposed by the EU Commission include ensuring basic mutual air and road transport connections between the EU and the UK and allowing mutual fishing access to each other's territorial waters if no agreement is reached in negotiations. They proposed regulations to guarantee some air services between the two sides for the next six months and basic connectivity rules related to road freight and passenger transport. Regarding fisheries, they suggested regulations to establish an appropriate legal framework until December 31 next year or until an agreement is reached.

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