UK-EU trade talks back on after the bloc's olive branch - The Associated Press

BRUSSELS (AP) — Britain and the European Union will resume their stalled trade negotiations at an “intensified” pace, the British government said Wednesday, in hope of striking a deal within weeks to avoid a messy economic breakup at the end of he year.

On Wednesday he said compromise would be needed from both sides to get a deal.

Barnier told the European Parliament that “despite the difficulties we’ve faced, an agreement is within reach if both sides are willing to work constructively, if they are willing to compromise.”.

The two sides have been trying to strike a trade deal since the U.K.

The bloc also accuses Britain of seeking the kind of unfettered access to its markets usually reserved for EU members.

wants access to a single market while at the same time being able to diverge from our standards and regulations when it suits them,” European Council President Charles Michel told the European Parliament on Wednesday1

If there is no deal, businesses on both sides of the English Channel face tariffs and other obstacles to trade starting Jan.

Barnier’s emollient tone contrasted with the combative stance of Michel, who said that if Britain wants vast access to the 27-member bloc’s markets, it will have to keep its waters open to EU fishermen, something the U.K.

waters for our fishermen,” Michel said.