Most diplomats expect weeks of posturing with little movement towards compromise. Yet a deal ought to be achievable
ON MARCH 2ND post-Brexit trade talks between Britain and the European Union formally begin in Brussels. Both sides have now published their negotiating mandates. Unfortunately, though they share the goal of a free-trade agreement like the EU’s with Canada, with no tariffs and no quotas, there are huge differences over how to reach it. And, because Boris Johnson’s government insists it will not extend the transition period beyond December 31st, little time is left to resolve differences.
On the level playing-field, Britain says it has no intention of exploiting Brexit to undercut EU labour, social, environmental or state-subsidy rules. Indeed, it often has higher standards than those set by Brussels. Yet the ability to diverge from EU rules is a main justification for Brexit. So it cannot accept legal requirements to align with EU rules or be subject in any way to the European Court of Justice.
It does not help that trust in Mr Johnson is lacking. The EU notes that he accepted the political declaration with the withdrawal treaty, which promised “robust commitments to ensure a level playing-field”, but now seems to be resiling from it. It hears ministers repeatedly insisting there will be no customs checks between Northern Ireland and Great Britain, even though these may be required because, under the withdrawal treaty, Northern Ireland will remain in the EU’s customs union.
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