The Brexit talks between the United Kingdom and the European Union have reached a critical juncture. After months of negotiations, the two sides are still far apart on key issues such as the Irish border, citizens’ rights, and the UK’s financial obligations.
The UK is set to leave the EU on March 29, 2019, and the two sides have been negotiating for months in an effort to reach a deal that will ensure a smooth transition. However, the talks have been hampered by disagreements over the Irish border, citizens’ rights, and the UK’s financial obligations.
The Irish border has been a particularly contentious issue. The UK has proposed a “backstop” solution that would keep the border open, but the EU has rejected this proposal. The EU has instead proposed a “customs union” that would keep the border open but would also require the UK to abide by EU rules and regulations.
The UK has also been at odds with the EU over citizens’ rights. The UK has proposed that EU citizens living in the UK should have the same rights as British citizens, but the EU has rejected this proposal. The EU has instead proposed that EU citizens should have the same rights as British citizens, but with some restrictions.
Finally, the UK and the EU have been unable to agree on the UK’s financial obligations. The UK has proposed that it should pay a “divorce bill” of around £39 billion, but the EU has rejected this proposal. The EU has instead proposed that the UK should pay a “transition payment” of around £20 billion.
With the March 29 deadline looming, the two sides are now in a race against time to reach a deal. If a deal is not reached, the UK will leave the EU without a deal, which could have serious economic and political consequences.
The UK and the EU have both expressed a desire to reach a deal, but the two sides remain far apart on key issues. It remains to be seen whether the two sides can bridge the gap and reach an agreement before the March 29 deadline.
