Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the EC during the debate on the Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 10-11 December 2020 informed the MEPs on the progress of negotiations between the EU and the UK on their future relations. This transcription speech is the result of an automatic process. Check Against delivery.

Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 10-11 December 2020 on EU - UK negotiations updates: extracts from the statements by Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the EC

SOUNDBITE (English), Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the EC, <p>Honourable members allow me to end with a brief update on the unfinished business of this year, our future partnership with the United Kingdom. As I speak, our teams are working to try to reach an agreement, working day and night, sometimes against all odds. And I want to to pay tribute to all of them. And I want to thank in particular our chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, for his dedication and resilience.</p>  <p></p>

SOUNDBITE (English), Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the EC, And as things stand, I cannot tell you whether there will be a deal or not, but I can tell you that there is a path to an agreement now. The path may be very narrow, but it is there. It is therefore our responsibility to continue trying. The good news is that we have found a way forward on most issues. But this is now. A case of us being so close and yet being so far away from each other, because two issues still remain outstanding. You know them the level playing field and the fisheries.

SOUNDBITE (English), Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the EC,Now, first, on the level playing field, our aim is simply to ensure fair competition on our own market. Very simple. And this is why we need to establish robust mechanisms. The architecture, we are working on rests on two pillars state aid and standards. On standards, we have made progress based on common principles, guarantees of domestic enforcement and the possibility to autonomously remedy the situation where needed. 

On standards, we have agreed a strong mechanism of non regression. That's a big step forward. And this is to ensure that our common high labour, social and environmental standards will not be undercut. And of course, difficulties still remain on the question of how to really future proof fair competition. But I am also glad to report that issues linked to governance by now are largely being resolved.

SOUNDBITE (English), Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the EC, On fisheries. The discussion is still very difficult. We do not question the UK, sovereignty on its own waters, but we ask for predictability and stability for our fishermen and our fishermen. And in all honesty, it sometimes feel that we will not be able to resolve this question. But we must continue to find a solution. And it is the only responsible and right course of action.

SOUNDBITE (English), Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the EC, Honourable members the next days are going to be decisive. And I know I have said this before and I know deadlines have been missed time and again, the clock puts us all in a very difficult situation. Not least this parliament, and its right to exercise democratic scrutiny and ratification. That is why I want to sincerely thank you for your support and your understanding. And I know that if we do get there, I can count on you to ensure a good outcome. 

SOUNDBITE (English), Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the EC, As in the past. We must all walk these last miles in the same shoes. Thank you so much. And long of Europe. 

Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 10-11 December 2020 on EU - UK negotiations updates: extracts from the statements by Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the EC

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