Barnier: Brexit deal ‘difficult but possible’ this week
EU sources suggest ‘cautious optimism’ after further UK concessions on Irish border
The EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, has said that securing a deal at this week’s EU summit will be difficult but “still possible” after Boris Johnson made fresh concessions on the crucial issue of the Irish border.
Downing Street tabled new proposals on Monday leading EU sources to suggest there was now “cautious optimism” that a deal could be in the making. There remains serious doubt, however, that the withdrawal agreement will be ready for leaders to sign off by Thursday given the complexity of the issues at the heart of the talks.