OREANDA-NEWS. The EU, in connection with the spread of coronavirus, is open to a possible extension of negotiations with the UK on relations after the United Kingdom leaves the community. This was stated on Friday by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on the air of a German radio station.

"We are open to negotiations, but the government of Boris Johnson must decide on this. We are in a strong position here", she said. “It’s in the interest of the British to remain part of the common market. We are ready for negotiations, and that’s important”, said von der Layen. According to her, the dialogue continues, including in the mode of video conferencing. Earlier, the main EU negotiator Michel Barnier was identified coronavirus.

The UK left the EU on February 1, 2020 after three years of negotiating exit conditions. Brussels and London have agreed on a transitional period until the end of this year, during which all European standards apply to the United Kingdom. During this time, the parties must agree on a document on how to build future relations.