There will be trade-offs, von der Leyen said, between market access and how far Britain wants to diverge from EU regulations once the Brexit transition period ends and London is free to forge its own trade deals or change its laws.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson insists that mammoth negotiations on all aspects of the future relations be wrapped up by the end of the year, leaving an 11-month time frame that the EU says is unrealistic.
Following a trip to London with von der Leyen, the EU's lead negotiator Michel Barnier said on Thursday that the bloc should prioritize a trade agreement and a framework for cooperation on fighting crime and terrorism.
Barnier said the commission would be ready on February 1 to propose a negotiating mandate, and expected talks to open in late February or early March.
The EU executive is set to take stock of negotiations - and whether it will push Johnson for an extension against his express will - in June.
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