The three-year crisis of Britain's exit from Europe is likely to deepen as Johnson promises to leave the EU on October 31 regardless of whether an agreement can be reached, contrary to the wishes of the other 27 EU leaders and the British Parliament.
Concerned about possible shocks to the $18.7 trillion EU economy, European leaders are increasing pressure on Ireland to speed up preparations for Britain's non-agreed withdrawal, which could disrupt financial markets and trade.
The mood in Europe is pessimistic.
"If they come to ask us to renegotiate the withdrawal agreement, we will say'Thank you, but no use'," said a diplomat from the European Union who participated in the three-year withdrawal negotiations.
Johnson and Hunter, another candidate for the leadership of the ruling Conservative Party, said Monday that they would not accept the so-called Irish safeguard clause in the Teresa Mediterranean agreement even if a time limit was set.
If the winners of July 23 stick to that promise, Europe will hardly be able to compromise before the exit deadline.
European Union leaders want to push forward the process of withdrawal, saying that much depends on what Johnson will do if he is elected prime minister.
Johnson once said that the EU must "look into our eyes" and realize that he would advocate a no-agreement exit. The EU is determined not to renegotiate the 600-page withdrawal agreement.
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