Brexit deal talk surfaces among diplomats in Brussels

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Europe

Diplomatic activity is increasing in Brussels amid speculation about an interim Bexit deal ahead of an EU summit later this week.

“There could be a deal,” Reuters quoted a senior EU diplomat as saying on Monday. Another however played down talk that good progress in negotiations with Britain over the weekend had reached the point of assuring the UK of a transition deal after it leaves the European Union.

‍Diplomats handling Brexit talks for EU member states in Brussels were summoned to an urgent meeting by EU negotiators on Monday, diplomats and officials said.

British Brexit Secretary David Davis will meet the EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier in the city after 11 a.m. (1000 GMT) as the two sides try to hammer out an interim deal before leaders meet for a summit on Thursday.

The envoys will meet before Davis meets Barnier.

European chief negotiator Michel Barnier (R) with British Brexit Secretary David Davis. /VCG file photo

Following the talks, the European Commission also scheduled a news conference on the Brexit negotiations with Britain for 12:45 p.m. (1145 GMT) in Brussels on Monday.

The Commission statement on the news conference did not specify that Davis and Barnier would speak, though that has typically been the format when rounds of negotiation have concluded.

Several EU officials and diplomats said intense talks over the weekend aimed, among other things, at resolving serious differences over the Irish border had made good progress.

But one senior EU source involved in discussions said talk of a deal being agreed was “hype.” Spokesmen for Barnier and the British government declined official comment.

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Source(s): Reuters