As noted in a brief statement by European Commission, EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier held “constructive technical-level talks” with UK over the weekend. However, “a lor of work remains to be done” and technical level discussions will continue on Monday. Barnier is set to brief EU27 minutes at the General Affairs Council on Tuesday.
On the other hand, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s spokesperson said “The Prime Minister said there was a way forward for a deal that could secure all our interests … but that there is still a significant amount of work to get there and we must remain prepared to leave (without a deal) on October 31.”
Reuters quoted a unnamed EU diplomat saying that “differences persist on customs” regarding the Irish border. And, there are “small chances” for a text to be ready for EU summit this week. More time is needed to continue to discussions. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker also said in an interview that “it’s up to the Brits do decide if they will ask for an extension… “But if Boris Johnson were to ask for extra time – which probably he won’t – I would consider it unhistoric to refuse such a request.”
