VdL On Brexit: 'In 3 Weeks It Be New Beginnings For Old Friends'

Speaking at a press conference alongside European Council President Charles Michel and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen restates comments from previous days, saying that:

• 'Positions remain apart on fundamental issues. On the Level Playing Field we have repeatedly made clear to our UK partners that the principle of fair competition is a precondition to privileged access to the EU market.'
• 'It is the largest single market in the world and it is only fair that competitors to our own enterprises face the same conditions. But this is not to say that we would require the UK to follow us every time we decide to raise our level of ambition.'
• 'They would remain free - sovereign if you wish - to decide what they want to do. We would simply adapt the conditions for access to our market according to the decision of the UK and this would apply vice-versa.'
• 'On fisheries here also we continue to have a gap, we haven't yet found the solutions to bridge our differences. We understand the UK aspires to control its waters the UK must on the other hand understand the legitimate expectations of EU fishing fleets.'
• 'On these and other points our negotiators are working we will decide on Sunday whether we have the conditions for an agreement or not. One way or another in less than three weeks it will be new beginnings for old friends.'

1011-12-20-euco-conclusions-en.pdf

With regards to Turkey, the EU uses harsh language [for the EU] in condemning Turkey's actions in the Eastern Mediterranean but stops short of placing sanctions on Ankara, despite heavy pressure from Greece and Cyprus.