Johnson will put an ultimatum to negotiators this week, saying the UK and Europe must agree a post-Brexit trade deal by 15 October or Britain will walk away for good.
Berlin wants to diversify its relations, position itself more broadly, conclude further free trade agreements – also in order to no longer be so dependent on Beijing.
The long-delayed successor to the Cotonou Agreement between the EU and African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) community appears to be approaching the finish line with a ‘99%’ chance of success this year, according to both sides.
German agriculture minister Julia Klockner said her European counterparts are very sceptical of the agreement because it heaps unneeded pressure on the bloc’s farmers.
The late-July selection of veteran EU insider Denis Redonnet as chief trade enforcement officer coincides with the 27-nation bloc’s continuing preparations to vote on its hard-fought — and controversial — draft accord with the Mercosur group.
A protest against the planned EU-Mercosur trade agreement was held on 28 August, with the participating groups citing the incompatibilities of the EU’s climate ambitions with actions taken by the Brazilian government.
While the termination agreement is in many ways the culmination of a process seeking to put an end to intra-EU investor-State dispute resolution, the story is far from over.
The fundamental bargain is quasi colonial: this means that Mercosur countries are left with the task of providing commodities, agricultural produce, ore and energy products, while the EU will provide higher value-added products and services.
Despite a recent charm offensive by senior Chinese diplomats, the chances of wrapping up a landmark investment deal with the European Union remain uncertain, analysts said.