FILE - In this Monday, March 2, 2020 file photo, European Union chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier, right, speaks with the British Prime Minister's Europe adviser David Frost during Brexit trade talks between the EU and the UK, at EU headquarters in Brussels. EU and U.K. negotiators have yet to find a way to overcome "significant divergences" in their attempt to seal a post-Brexit compromise, a spokesman for the European Union's executive arm said on Thursday, July 9, 2020. (Olivier Hoslet. Pool Photo via AP, File)
The Associated Press
BRUSSELS (AP) - EU and U.K. negotiators have yet to find a way to overcome 'œsignificant divergences" in their attempt to seal a post-Brexit compromise, the European Union's chief negotiator said on Thursday.
Following Britain's departure from the EU's political institutions on Jan. 31, the two sides are trying to secure a new trade deal before the end of the year, when Britain will effectively exit the EU's tariff-free economic zone.
But negotiations have proved difficult. The parties appear to be far apart on a number of issues including regulations for businesses and over the fishing industry, with the U.K. adamantly opposed to EU demands for long-term access to British waters.
Following discussions in London between members of both negotiating teams, EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier noted in a message posted on Twitter that 'œsignificant divergences remain," adding that his team would 'œcontinue working with patience, respect and determination."
European Commission spokesman Daniel Ferrie said meetings will continue next week in Brussels before a full round of negotiations in the British capital in the week of July 20.
'œThe EU is engaging constructively and in good faith, as Michel Barnier pointed out earlier this week," Ferrie said. 'œWe are working hard to overcome the significant divergences that remain between us."
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Farmers from the group Save British Farming drive tractors around Parliament Square, backdropped by the Houses of Parliament and the scaffolded Big Ben tower in London, in a protest against cheaply produced lower standard food being imported from the U.S. after Brexit that will undercut them, Wednesday, July 8, 2020. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
The Associated Press
Farmers from the group Save British Farming drive tractors around Parliament Square, in London, in a protest against cheaply produced lower standard food being imported from the U.S. after Brexit that will undercut them, Wednesday, July 8, 2020. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
The Associated Press
Farmers from the group Save British Farming drive tractors across Westminster Bridge, in London, in a protest against cheaply produced lower standard food being imported from the U.S. after Brexit that will undercut them, Wednesday, July 8, 2020. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
The Associated Press
Farmers from the group Save British Farming drive tractors around Parliament Square, backdropped by the Houses of Parliament, at right, and the scaffolded Big Ben tower in London, in a protest against cheaply produced lower standard food being imported from the U.S. after Brexit that will undercut them, Wednesday, July 8, 2020. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
The Associated Press