EU Says There Is A Path for Brexit Deal as Negotiation Continues

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said fishing rights are now the last major hurdle to a post-Brexit trade deal, as Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned the U.K. has a “natural right” to control its own waters.

With negotiations continuing in Brussels, von der Leyen told the European Parliament that a deal is possible, but difficult. “As things stand, I can’t tell you if there will be a deal or not,” she said. Johnson’s press secretary, Allegra Stratton, told reporters no deal remains the most likely outcome.

Optimism had been growing after the two sides agreed to continue discussions past their self-imposed Sunday deadline and the EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier said he saw a “narrow path” to a deal this week if differences can be bridged.

Two of Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s officials acknowledged progress has been made in the talks with the EU, but they still see no deal as the most probable outcome.

“The most likely thing now is we have to get ready for WTO terms,” Johnson’s Press Secretary, Allegra Stratton, told reporters.

Johnson’s spokesman, Jamie Davies, agreed with that verdict, but said U.K. envoys still want a deal and are striving to bridge the gaps that remain. “We have made some progress in some areas, but it still remains that there are significant gaps,” he said.

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