May 11, 2020, marks a new round of post-Brexit talks between the United Kingdom and the European Union. This penultimate round of trade talks provides a platform for the UK and EU to resolve discords around fisheries, transportation and aviation, energy, and the trade of goods and services. Both parties are due to decide by the end of June whether the current deadline for negotiating an agreement should be extended beyond the end of December 2020. Thus far, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson appears opposed to an extension, even if requested by the EU. As of May 2020, the UK is in a transition period under which it must follow most EU regulations.
Amid the ongoing negotiations, the two sides differ on fisheries, competition rules, police co-operation, and how a deal would be enforced. The EU is pursuing a comprehensive deal with a particular interest in British fishing waters and fair competition rules. London, however, appears more interested in a narrower trade agreement with key interests that include electricity and gas trading and nuclear energy cooperation.
