So where is mood today? I'd say more optimistic in Bxl than London; with caveat that @10DowningStreet is more upbeat today than it was a year ago when it did the deal on WA

But opposition today arguably more formidable—Govt now brushing up against France, not Ireland 1/

France is only member state that has threatened to use its veto. This threat, repeated again today by @CBeaune in Journal du Dimanche, is not just aimed at UK, but also France’s “softer” EU partners (especially Germany) 2/

To those who argue/believe (incorrectly) that no intra-EU27 differences exist on Brexit, here's my piece sometime ago on the subject. We're now seeing these subtle divergences between Paris & Berlin at play in end game 3/ https://www.politico.eu/article/brexit-forget-brussels-fight-about-paris-berlin/

I'd say France now of view that deal is probs unlikely; not impossible, but very difficult. With IM & finance Bills hanging over talks, senior FR officials are clear that treaty must contain language/safeguards which Govt can't reject or reinterpret at later stage 4/

Decision time for @BorisJohnson & @EmmanuelMacron, &

This week is seen by both sides as the ”real endgame”. If no deal in room, pressure on both to prioritise no deal planning will be massive



ENDS