EU leaders are then likely to hold an emergency summit in November
The pressure is starting to ramp as it would seem. The sources cited by Reuters here are saying that the EU have low expectations that negotiations can be wrapped up before the EU Summit in October and that last-ditch efforts/talks will be needed in November and December to consider any Brexit agreement.
Do take note that UK Brexit secretary Dominic Raab and EU Brexit chief negotiator Michel Barnier are set to meet each other in Brussels later at 1230 GMT.
Back to the report, the diplomats (Reuters sources) cited are saying that the Irish border remains a key sticking point and that November discussions are looking more likely. Anyway, here are the key dates to look out for in terms of possible discussions between EU leaders on Brexit as we close out the year:
- 18-19 October - EU Summit
- 13-14 December - EU Summit
However, EU leaders will also be attending an informal gathering in Austria on 19-20 September - which were the dates earlier touted to be used for Brexit talks if they are to use the October summit to discuss on trade issues with the US instead.
