‘Don’t expect ANYTHING groundbreaking’ Barnier dismisses hopes of Brexit progress

Mr Barnier told European commissioners not to expect any breakthrough on discussions, which start today, according to Politico. 

These worrying words of warning come just weeks before a summit in December, which is seen as critical and at a time when Prime Minister Theresa May is hoping that European Union leaders will agree to talk about future trade with the UK. 

Mr Barnier also shared a calendar of the upcoming talks, which starts with a meeting on the “state of play on negotiators and preparation of round six”.

The timeline also include trade issues, however there are fears that the EU leaders will not want to discuss such deals until Mrs May has made a divorce bill offer to the bloc. 

To break the deadlock the UK needs to make an offer on the Brexit bill that is good enough to satisfy EU leaders. 

Brussels believes the UK should pay around £53billion (€60billion) to the bloc. 

Talks have stalled since Theresa May’s Florence speech, with EU chiefs saying her offer of £17.5bn (€20bn) was not good enough.

The other main divorce issues on the table are the rights of EU citizens in the UK and the Irish borders. 

There are also planned meetings economic and security cooperation with third countries and an internal preparatory discussion relating to transition and framework for future relationship.

Mr Barnier’s comments of a lack of progress expected are the opposite to those of the Brexit Secretary David Davis.

Mr Davis said he was seeking an “intensification” in the negotiations in these sixth round of formal negotiations.

The UK is keen for talks on transition to commence as soon as possible so that businesses can prepare a year before the departure from the EU. 

The EU diplomats have begun work on two versions of draft summit conclusions for the gathering of European leaders in December; one for the possibility of a breakthrough and another one for remaining in the same position.