Juncker gives Johnson the last Brexit plan a Chance. The European Commission will study the new British Brexit proposal ‘objectively’.

President Jean-Claude Juncker said that in a telephone conversation with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

The Netherlands also wants to take a closer look at the new British proposal.

Johnson came to the EU today with his own “last bid” to break the Brexit deadlock.

In it, he wants to replace the so-called backstop with a complex solution that sets two boundaries around Northern Ireland.

Juncker said in the telephone conversation that he is happy with Johnson’s “determined steps” to a mutual Brexit agreement.

He also wants a deal with London but also sees the necessary ‘problematic points’ that still have to be worked out.

This concerns, in particular, the backstop,

 the insurance policy to keep the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland open at all times after the Brexit.

The British government said earlier today that it was ready for an intense period of negotiations.

This new proposal must be leading, according to a government spokesperson.

If the EU turns out not to be interested, the UK will leave the EU on 31 October without agreements,

 the spokesman threatened again.

Crucial days ahead
The coming days will be crucial to find a way out of the Brexit deadlock, says political reporter Fons Lambie.

According to him, the EU is fully prepared to postpone the Brexit, but the British still have to request that.

It is doubtful that the current Prime Minister Johnson will do this.

Also, it is awaiting the reaction of the Irish Prime Minister Varadkar himself to the new British proposal.

“But he has already said he is not very hopeful and sees no basis for a deal,” says Lambie,

 who further expects that the EU will not compromise on its successful internal market.

In two weeks there will be a European summit in Brussels that will be all about Brexit. Lambie:

 “Brussels is slowly getting the feeling that Johnson is not going to arrange a deal at all,

 but wants to create drama so that he can walk away demonstratively.”

Rutte and Merkel: stay united
Prime Minister Mark Rutte will also first carefully examine Johnson’s proposal.

He said that today during a visit to German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin.

Rutte and Merkel also emphasised the importance that the EU countries remain united.

“For us, it is essential that we stay together as 27,” Merkel said about the member states.