EU and UK negotiators are working to find solutions to the issues that need to be overcome before a new trade deal can be presented at a two - day EU summit later this year . Theresa May signed a Brexit deal with the EU Despite progress over recent days , disputes remain over establishing customs arrangements in Northern Ireland that can gain approval from both parties . Northern Ireland 's Democratic Unionist Party has previously said it will not support Boris Johnson 's current plan to impose a customs border in the Irish Sea .
EU and UK negotiators are working to find solutions to the issues that need to be overcome before a new trade deal can be presented at a two - day EU summit later this year . Despite progress over recent days , disputes remain over establishing customs arrangements in Northern Ireland that can gain approval from both parties . Northern Ireland 's Democratic Unionist Party has previously said it will not support Boris Johnson 's current plan to impose a customs border in the Irish Sea .