UK PM: new momentum needed in Brexit talks

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen on Monday agreed on Monday with UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson that "new momentum" is required in Brexit negotiations.

It comes after UK formally decided not to request an extension to the EU withdrawal transition period, despite the complications of the new coronavirus pandemic.

In the wake of Britain's political departure from the bloc, the UK and the EU are trying to secure a new trade deal before the end of the year but they remain at loggerheads on several key issues.

Following a short meeting between Johnson, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, EU Council Pesident Charles Michel and David Sassoli, the President of the EU Parliament, the leaders said in a joint statement that talks should intensify “to create the most conducive conditions for concluding and ratifying a deal before the end of 2020."