EU sources downplayed reports in the British media Friday that chances of a Brexit deal were looking more optimistic, the Guardian reported.
EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier told ministers from the 27-member bloc there was 鈥渁 more open atmosphere at the negotiating table,鈥� but 鈥渟ubstantial differences of opinion remain, particularly on a level playing field,鈥� according to diplomatic sources in Brussels.
Britain wants more intensive 鈥渢unnel鈥� negotiations before a leaders summit Oct. 15, the date Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the two sides needed a deal or he would walk.
鈥淲e cannot trust this prime minister鈥檚 word, so the EU member states are not yet willing to go blind into a tunnel negotiation and see what happens,鈥� one source was quoted by the newspaper. 鈥淚t will take more than David Frost [the UK鈥檚 chief Brexit negotiator] telling us Johnson wants a deal.鈥�
Another said: 鈥淭here is better mood music but no substance yet from London to justify it.鈥�
The UK wants to apply World Trade Organization rules on state aid, but the EU says that does not go far enough to secure fair competition.
European Council President Charles Michel tweeted Friday: 鈥淔rom now on, we will better enforce the level playing field, in a market open to those who respect its standards. Whether they leave our union or want to move closer to it.鈥�
An article Friday in the Spectator, which is close to the government and used to be edited by Johnson, said Downing Street could see 鈥渁 deal is coming into view.鈥�
The view was not shared by EU officials, and even UK government sources played down the prospect of an immediate breakthrough, with one saying 鈥渢here remains a lot of work to do and either outcome is still possible,鈥� and that the EU had to be 鈥渞ealistic.鈥�
The source said 鈥渄ifferences on fisheries and the level playing field remain significant 鈥� if the gaps in these areas are to be bridged, the EU鈥檚 more constructive attitude will need to be translated into more realistic policy positions in the days to come.鈥�
EU sources were pessimistic, with one official saying: 鈥淭here hasn鈥檛 been any major progress in the last informal talks. Maybe there will be a breakthrough but there isn鈥檛 anything there yet.鈥�
By Karim El-Bar in London
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr