Michel Barnier: The post-Brexit deal is unlikely to be reached in 2020

Negotiations on future relations between the European Union and the UK are unlikely to end this year, said EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier.

“The schedule before us is extremely challenging. We just can’t expect to agree on every aspect of this new partnership in less than a year”, said the EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier in Stockholm.

The statement comes a day after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson informed European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen that Britain would not extend the country’s transitional period фор Brexit after the end of the year.

“Therefore, negotiations should focus on the most important issues that can be resolved by the end of 2020”, said Barnier. The commission must be ready to propose a negotiating mandate for EU member states by 1 February so that talks with the UK can begin “at the end of February or the first days of March”, added the EU official.

The EU’s top priorities this year include building “a new capacity that allows us to work together”, creating “very close security relations” and an “economic partnership based on a level playing field”, said also Michel Barnier.

“We will insist on a trade partnership with zero duties, zero quotas, but also zero dumping. We are ready to do our best, to make the most of the 11 months”, finished his statement, Michel Barnier.