On 25 February 2020, the European Council adopted its decision to authorise the opening of the future partnership negotiations with the UK. Then, on 27 February, the UK published its own negotiating mandate for trade talks with the EU. Though both sides show a willingness to negotiate, a clash is expected on, among others, a “Canada style” agreement which the UK is seeking, and a level playing field in matters such as environmental and labour law, which the EU is pushing for. More