Brexit deal: EU-Britain to take decision by weekend, says Ursula von der Leyen
Story highlights
Post-Brexit trade deal negotiations are at a crucial stage as time is running out for both sides to secure a deal
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said that European Union (EU) and Britain will come to a decision on the post-Brexit deal by the end of the coming weekend. She tweeted her statement after her latest interaction with UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Although von der Leyen said the discussion was "lively and interesting", she noted that positions of Britain and the EU "remain far apart"
Ursula von der Leyen tweeted her statement after her interaction with Johnson
We had a lively & interesting discussion on the state of play on outstanding issues.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) December 9, 2020
We understand each other’s positions. They remain far apart.
The teams should immediately reconvene to try to resolve these issues. We will come to a decision by the end of the weekend. pic.twitter.com/jG0Mfg35YX
The emergency meeting between Johnson and von der Leyen to seek a post-Brexit trade deal has ended without breakthrough as "very large gaps remain" between the two sides, British media reported late Wednesday.
Brexit transition period ends at the end of this year.
The trade negotiations are at a crucial stage as time is running out for both sides to secure a deal.
Failure to reach a free trade agreement means bilateral trade will fall back on World Trade Organization (WTO) rules in 2021.