Exclusive: 'Big progress' in Brexit talks leaves EU seeing trade deal closer, sources say. The European Union diplomats said Brussels was now gearing up to negotiate until as late as mid-November. gbaczynska reports
BRUSSELS - Britain and the EU are closer to agreement on reciprocal social security rights for their citizens after Brexit, two diplomatic sources said, with one describing talks last week on an elusive trade deal as “one of the most positive so far”.
There was no breakthrough in last week’s negotiations on the three most contentious issues - fisheries, fair competition guarantees and ways to settle future disputes - but the prospects of an overall accord looked brighter. Speaking separately this week, a senior EU official dealing with Brexit said the talks were “in a decisive period” and “not far away from the endgame”.
The EU has so far said a deal must be finalised by the end of October to leave time for ratification by the European Parliament and some national parliaments in the bloc. Asked to comment on the EU sources’ assessment on Tuesday, a UK official said: “A deal is possible but not certain... We remain fully committed to seeking to reach an agreement by 15 October.”
These protections could be critical for as many as 5 million people, whether it be a Briton in retirement in southern France or a German employed in London.
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