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Brexit Timeline: The Final Dash for a Historic Trade Agreement

Britain’s Departure From the EU Sets Clock Ticking: Timeline

U.K. and European Union negotiators are heading into the final stages of an intense, eight-month negotiation to secure to a comprehensive trade and security agreement.

To reach a deal, both sides still need to find compromises on state aid and fishing -- the two big areas of disagreement that have so far prevented a deal being struck.

Here’s a guide to how the final days of discussions could pan out.

DateEvent
Monday Nov. 16Talks resume in Brussels
Thursday Nov. 19EU leaders hold a video-conference call
Friday Nov. 20EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier set to brief EU diplomats on progress. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen may hold a call thereafter -- but this hasn’t been confirmed.
Monday Nov. 23Talks resume in London -- officials hope to make a breakthrough early in the week and reach an agreement.
Thursday Dec. 10-11EU holds a summit. If a deal hasn’t been signed by now, expect preparations for Britain’s messy exit from the single market to figure prominently.
Wednesday Dec. 16European Parliament scheduled to vote on any deal. But this could be delayed to between Christmas and the New Year.
Thursday Dec. 31End of Brexit transition period. The final, immovable deadline. If the two sides haven’t signed a trade deal, Britain will default to trading with the EU on World Trade Organization terms.

©2020 Bloomberg L.P.