UK flag (R) and EU flag in London, UK on Oct 17, 2019 (AFP/VNA)

He said the EU prefers a deal, but not at any cost. Meanwhile, the British Prime Minister told the EU leader that the UK was "ready" for the transition period to expire at the end of the year with no deal in place. Johnson underlined the UK's "clear commitment" to try to reach an accord, but added the country was ready for a no-deal situation if talks fail.