EU, Britain should consider extending negotiations on Brexit beyond 2020: EU Prez

Brussels, December 27: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said the European Union and Britain should consider extending the negotiations on Brexit beyond 2020.

 

'Les Echosa' European Commission von der Leyen expressed concern over limited time for implementation of the proposed deal. Britain is scheduled to leave the EU on January 31. If it does, it will be the first time a country leaves the world's biggest trading bloc.

Negotiations between the remaining members and the British government on future trade, fisheries, education and transport relations can only begin after that date and must conclude by the end of 2020.

Von der Leyen said that both sides should seriously consider whether the negotiations are feasible in such a short time, and agree on an extension to the transition period.

But British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has insisted he would not agree to any delays.

Under Article 50 of the European Union's Lisbon Treaty rule book, which governs how countries leave the bloc, any new extension to the departure process must be agreed by 30 June 2020.