"What we have now is the UK Government who basically does not want a comprehensive agreement with the EU, and I fear it is taking some time for the EU to realise that is a game-changer."
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been clamouring for a new trade agreement mimicking the commercial deal Brussels struck with Canada in 2017 after seven years of negotiations.
Ms González Durántez continued: "A Canada-style deal is a basic, what we call a bare-bone deal. Express.
Blogger: Maybe, just maybe, Boris is approaching the talks with real intent. When did an English PM last take no rubbish from Brussels - if ever? Even Margaret Thatcher's approach was pretty patchy! Don't get too excited yet, but ...