EU has to maintain ‘pragmatism’ with UK, German top official says, citing lack of progress in trade talks

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Brussels is negotiating UK financial firms’ access to the EU separately from trade deal talks. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says these talks are “making good progress,” a view that contradicts that of Kukies.

The trade and security discussions are now being held in Brussels, after a week in the UK capital, and critical issues are still common rules and standards for firms, as well as rules governing state subsidies and the fisheries, according to von der Leyen.

The row over fishing quotas has persisted as a major stumbling block, with Paris insisting the EU should not bow to UK demands. French Europe Minister Clement Beaune went further by saying, “the face of Brexit will be the face of our fishermen,” and adding that their interests should be protected.

Despite the current disagreements, however, Brussels hopes to start the ratification process in mid-November, according to European Council President Charles Michel.

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