EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier said on Wednesday he remained determined to reach a deal with Britain when asked whether such an agreement was possible before the end of a status-quo transition period.
Asked by Reuters as he arrived in London before informal talks if he was optimistic about reaching a deal, Barnier said: "I am determined."
"We remain calm, respectful, realistic and firm."
He refused to comment on the British government's Internal Market Bill, which ministers have said could break international law.