Prime Minister Boris Johnson only wants to conclude a trade deal with the European Union if the United Kingdom is not forced to comply with all European rules. The EU is willing to go far, but maintains its own standards.

Johnson said in a speech in London that he wants a deal like Canada has, but is willing to settle for the same deal that Australia has with Brussels. This seemed to imply Johnson’s willingness not to conclude a trade agreement with the European Union, because Australia does not have that either.

In his speech, Johnson insisted on protectionism that he sees rising in various countries and also in the EU.

According to the British Prime Minister, free trade is actually something good and the tensions that have arisen in the world as a result of all kinds of rates are damaging to the world economy.

The EU is prepared to conclude an “ambitious” free trade agreement with the United Kingdom, without quotas and charges, on condition of open and fair competition, the EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier said in a response to Johnson.

All goods entering the EU in the future must comply with EU health and safety rules and with European social and environmental norms and standards. The key to this “special offer” lies with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Barnier said in an explanation in Brussels.

The Frenchman said this when presenting the draft mandate for the negotiations on the future relationship between London and Brussels. The Member States and the European Parliament must first agree with Barnier’s proposals before negotiations can begin.

Due to the Brexit, after the transition period ending December 31, the British will no longer have access to the European internal market and customs union.

An agreement must also be reached on fishing in British waters. Johnson said Monday that the United Kingdom wants to keep control over access to its own waters for fishing. He suggested renegotiating this annually.

According to Barnier, the future treaty must rest on three pillars, with the economic relationship as the central pillar. In addition, the EU wants to work closely together on security. The third pillar is the management and supervision of the agreements.

The EU maintains the European Court of Justice as a referee. Something the British want to get rid of. Barnier warned that, with or without a treaty, the trade relationship between the 27 EU countries and Great Britain will no longer be the same.

“There will be customs formalities, origin rules, certification. They will soon be two markets. Entrepreneurs must prepare for this. “

This weekend it already leaked in the British media that Johnson is also planning to introduce full customs and border controls for goods from the European Union. With this intention, the British Prime Minister is trying to increase the pressure on negotiations with the EU.