EU and UK agree new push for Brexit deal in July

(BRUSSELS) - EU leaders and British prime minister Boris Johnson agreed in a videoconference Monday to intensify Brexit talks in July to create the best conditions for concluding and ratifying a deal by the end of 2020.

Mr Johnson met the EU Council president Charles Michel, Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen and Euro-Parliament head David Sassoli to take stock of progress in the trade negotiations with the aim of agreeing ways forward on the future relationship.

In line with provisions of the Withdrawal Agreement, both parties noted the UK's decision not to request any extension to the transition period, which is due to end on 31 December.

They also welcomed what they called 'constructive' discussions on the future relationship that had taken place under the leadership of lead negotiators David Frost and Michel Barnier, which they said allowed both sides "to clarify and further understand positions".

Four rounds of talks have now had been completed and texts exchanged, despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite this, "new momentum" is now required, the parties agree.

They underline their intention to work hard to deliver a relationship which would work in the interests of the citizens of the Union and of the United Kingdom.

They also confirm their commitment to a "full and timely" implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement.

Many in the EU are not too impressed by the British stance, despite these words.The EU is clear that its main aim is that a future trade doesn't include border and custom checks should be on a 'level playing field'.

After the meeting, Council president Charles Michel tweeted that "A broad & ambitious agreement, in line with #EUCO guidelines, is in our mutual interest." He welcomed any new momentum in the talks, but he is "Ready to put a tiger in the tank but not to buy a pig in a poke. Level playing field is essential."

Earlier, in a resolution on Friday, MEPs had united behind the EU's stance, rejecting what they saw as the UK government's current piecemeal approach. The text said that having the UK cherry-pick certain policies and its access to the single market after Brexit was "unacceptable" for the EU.

MEPs said that the European Parliament's consent to any future trade agreement with the UK is conditional on the British government agreeing to a level playing field (common rules and standards) in the area of, among others, environmental protection, labour standards, and state aid, and on the conclusion of an agreement on fisheries.

The draft noted that the UK has so far not engaged in negotiations on the provisions ensuring equal competition.