Framework, the typical seven-year EU budget which is to start in 2021. This time without contributions from the UK, the countries are wondering how to cover the deficit. Brexit negotiations are more frequent now, with the issue of a non-border on the isle of Ireland taking the fore. The European Commission published a draft Withdrawal Agreement, setting out inter alia the main points on what was agreed upon in the first Phase of negotiations (EU citizens in the UK, budgetary obligations, Ireland) and the transition phase during which a new deal is to be attained. The draft suggests as an option putting a “customs border” between the UK mainland and Northern Ireland to avoid a hard border on the isle of Ireland. You can imagine the reactions in the UK. Before the draft Withdrawal Agreement is officially presented to the UK (for which the time and place is currently unknown), it will make its rounds amongst the other EU Member States and the European Parliament.
