Infographic - Brexit process
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On 29 March 2017 the United Kingdom formally notified the European Council of its intention to leave the EU. On 31 January 2020 at midnight CET the UK left the European Union.
The timeline below gives an overview of the Brexit negotiations.
The withdrawal agreement entered into force upon the UK's exit from the EU, on 31 January 2020 at midnight (CET). The UK is no longer an EU member state and is considered a third country.
The entry into force of the withdrawal agreement marks the end of the period under Article 50 TEU and the start of a transition period due to last until 31 December 2020.
The Council adopted, by written procedure, the decision on the conclusion of the agreement on behalf of the EU.
The European Parliament's plenary approved the withdrawal agreement.
The UK notified the EU of the completion of its internal procedures necessary for the entry into force of the withdrawal agreement.
Presidents Charles Michel and Ursula von der Leyen signed the withdrawal agreement in Brussels. Later on the same day, the document was signed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson in London.
The European Parliament will hold a vote on the deal on 29 January. Once the Parliament has given its consent, the Council will adopt, by written procedure, the decision on the conclusion of the agreement on behalf of the EU. Once adopted, the withdrawal agreement will enter into force upon the UK's exit from the EU, on 31 January 2020 at midnight (Brussels time).
The Permanent Representatives Committee (Coreper), meeting in an EU27 format, endorsed guiding principles for transparency in the negotiations on the future relationship. These principles will facilitate effective public scrutiny throughout the negotiations.
All negotiating documents of the EU negotiator (the Commission) that are shared with EU member states, the Council, the European Parliament, national parliaments or the UK will be released to the public, within the limits of EU law.
Rules on transparency and public access to documents will apply to all documents in the context of the negotiations.
EU ambassadors also agreed to use the written procedure for the adoption of:
EU27 leaders discussed Brexit and preparations for the negotiations on future EU-UK relations after the withdrawal. They reconfirmed their aim of establishing the closest possible future relationship with the UK and welcomed the Commission’s decision to reappoint Michel Barnier.
The European Council adopted a decision to extend the period under Article 50(3) in the context of the UK's intention to withdraw from the EU. The extension is until 31 January 2020 to allow more time for the withdrawal agreement to be ratified.
The UK can leave earlier, on 1 December 2019 or 1 January 2020, if the deal is ratified by both parties.
The decision was taken unanimously by the European Council by written procedure, with the agreement of the UK.
The Council (Article 50) adopted the decision on the signing of the withdrawal agreement. The Council (Article 50) also approved the adapted draft Council decision on its conclusion that will now be referred to the European Parliament for the purposes of the pending request for its consent. This step was taken by written procedure.
This follows the endorsement by the European Council (Article 50) of the withdrawal agreement as agreed by the negotiators of both sides on 17 October 2019. In their conclusions, EU27 leaders invited the Commission, the European Parliament and the Council to take the necessary steps to ensure that the agreement can enter into force on 1 November 2019.
The UK addressed to Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, a request to extend of the period under Article 50 until 31 January 2020.
The European Council, in an EU 27 format, endorsed the revised withdrawal agreement and approved the revised political declaration that were agreed on 17 October 2019 at the level of EU and UK negotiators. This deal would allow an orderly departure of the United Kingdom from the European Union.
The European Commission recommended that the European Council (Article 50) endorse the revised withdrawal agreement, including a revised protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland, and approve a revised political declaration on the framework of the future EU-UK relationship.
The agreement reached on 17 October 2019 follows intensive negotiations between the European Commission and UK negotiators over the previous days.
The Council, in its EU27 format, was informed by EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier on the state of play of Brexit, as intensified negotiations with the UK take place to try to reach an agreement ahead of the European Council (Article 50) on 17 October 2019.
At the end of the meeting on 21 June 2019, the EU27 leaders briefly addressed the issue of Brexit. Presidents Tusk and Juncker updated the heads of state or government on the state of play. Leaders agreed that the EU27:
Following the decision by EU leaders on 10 April to extend Article 50, the Council (Article 50) adopted a decision amending its decision of 11 January 2019 on the signing of the withdrawal agreement.
It also approved an adapted draft decision on the conclusion of the withdrawal agreement and decided to forward it to the European Parliament for the purposes of the request for the European Parliament’s consent as launched by the Council on 11 January 2019.
At the special summit on 10 April EU leaders agreed an extension of Article 50 until the end of October 2019. If the withdrawal agreement is ratified by both sides earlier, the UK will leave on the first day of the following month, leaders said. The decision was taken in agreement with the UK.
The Commission's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, outlined to the Council, in EU27 format, the state of play in the Brexit process. On this basis, ministers discussed the next steps on Brexit ahead of the special meeting of the European Council (Article 50) of 10 April.
Theresa May, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, sent a letter to Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, asking for a further extension to the Article 50 period. She proposed the date of 30 June 2019, adding that the UK government would continue to prepare to hold European Parliament elections should the UK still be a member at the time of the elections.
EU27 leaders will discuss the possible scenarios at their summit on 10 April 2019.
EU27 leaders will meet on 10 April 2019 to discuss the latest developments on Brexit.
"In view of the rejection of the withdrawal agreement by the House of Commons, I have decided to call a European Council on 10 April," confirmed President Donald Tusk on 29 March, following the vote in the House of Commons.
The European Council (Art. 50) adopted a decision formalising the political agreement reached on 21 March 2019 on extending the period under Article 50. In accordance with the treaties, the decision was taken in agreement with the United Kingdom. Such an agreement was set out in a letter from the Permanent Representative of the UK to the European Union, Sir Tim Barrow, of 22 March 2019.
EU27 leaders offered a Brexit extension until 22 May 2019. It will be granted if the UK Parliament approves the withdrawal agreement next week. If it does not, EU leaders agree to delay Brexit until 12 April 2019, expecting the UK to "indicate a way forward before this date".
"I believe that a short extension will be possible, but it will be conditional on a positive vote on the withdrawal agreement in the House of Commons," said European Council President Donald Tusk on 20 March. "We cannot give up seeking - until the very last moment - a positive solution", Tusk added. His statement followed a request made by the UK Prime Minister Theresa May to delay Brexit to 30 June 2019.
Theresa May, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom sent a letter to Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, asking for an extension of the Article 50 period until 30 June 2019.
Ministers exchanged views on the state of play and the way forward. They reconfirmed their commitment to the withdrawal agreement as the best possible way to ensure an orderly Brexit. In the light of the uncertainty in the UK, they also stressed the need to be prepared for all possible outcomes.
European Commission President Juncker and UK Prime Minister May met in Strasbourg on 11 March 2019, where they agreed on the text of the following documents:
The texts had previously been agreed at negotiators' level. They were endorsed by the European Commission on 11 March 2019. On 21 March 2019, the European Council (Article 50) approved both the instrument and the joint statement in its conclusions.
On 7 February 2019 European Council President Donald Tusk met UK Prime Minister Theresa May in Brussels to discuss how to overcome the impasse on Brexit. "Still no breakthrough in sight. Talks will continue," he tweeted after the meeting.
On 14 January 2019, Presidents Tusk and Juncker exchanged letters with Prime Minister May. In their letter, the presidents responded to the points raised by the UK Prime Minister and provided clarifications to the Brexit withdrawal agreement and the political declaration. "Both of us will be prepared to sign the withdrawal agreement as soon as the meaningful vote has passed in the UK Parliament," they said.
The Council (Article 50) adopted a decision on the signing of the withdrawal agreement. It also approved a draft decision on the conclusion of the withdrawal agreement and decided to forward that draft decision to the European Parliament for its consent.
The EU27 leaders held a special meeting of the European Council in Article 50 format to discuss Brexit. They reconfirmed the conclusions of 25 November 2018, in which they endorsed the withdrawal agreement and approved the political declaration.
"The Union stands by this agreement and intends to proceed with its ratification. It is not open for renegotiation."
European Council (Art. 50) conclusions, 13 December 2018
Following the European Council (Art. 50) on 25 November 2018, the Commission adopted two proposals for Council decisions on the signature and conclusion of the text.
EU27 leaders endorsed the draft Brexit withdrawal agreement and approved the draft political declaration on future EU-UK relations.
On 22 November European Council President Donald Tusk sent the EU27 member states the draft political declaration setting out the framework for the future relationship between the EU and the UK. It had been agreed at negotiators' level and agreed in principle at political level, subject to the endorsement of the leaders.
The Council, in an EU27 format, prepared the special meeting of the European Council (Art. 50) scheduled for Sunday 25 November 2018 Ministers discussed the draft Brexit withdrawal agreement and commented on the outline for a political declaration on future EU-UK relations.
The EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier handed the draft text of the Brexit agreement to President Donald Tusk, who proposed to finalise and formalise the deal at the extraordinary summit on 25 November 2018.
The Commission's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, informed the EU27 ministers of the situation following negotiations with the UK over the previous weeks. Michel Barnier explained that intense negotiating efforts continue, but an agreement has not been reached yet. Some key issues remain under discussion, in particular, a solution to avoid a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland.
EU27 leaders reviewed the state of the negotiations with the UK. They reaffirmed their confidence in Michel Barnier and noted that, despite intensive negotiations, not enough progress has been achieved.
The Council, meeting in an EU27 format, was informed by the Commission's Brexit chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, about the most recent talks with the UK. During the meeting, Michel Barnier explained that despite intense negotiating efforts, some key issues remain open, in particular, the backstop to avoid a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The meeting ended with a working lunch in an EU27 format to discuss Brexit. This was an opportunity to review progress in the talks with the UK and to discuss the way forward. The 27 leaders reconfirmed their full unity and agreed:
"The moment of truth for Brexit negotiations will be the October European Council. In October we expect maximum progress and results in the Brexit talks. Then we will decide whether conditions are there to call an extraordinary summit in November to finalise and formalise the deal."
President Donald Tusk after the Salzburg summit
The Council, in EU27 format, was briefed by the EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier on the state of play in the Brexit negotiations following the latest rounds of negotiation with the UK. Ministers had an opportunity to discuss the situation and the way forward.
The Council, in EU27 format, assessed with EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier the state of play of Brexit negotiations. Ministers discussed the work to finalise the withdrawal agreement, including a solution for the Irish border, as well as future EU-UK relations.
Michel Barnier also presented the recent Commission Communication on preparedness.
The European Council (Art. 50), in an EU 27 format, reviewed the state of play of Brexit negotiations and adopted conclusions on progress made.
It welcomed the further progress made on parts of the legal text of the Withdrawal Agreement. However, leaders highlighted that important aspects still need to be agreed. The 27 leaders expressed their concern that no substantial progress had yet been achieved on agreeing a backstop solution for Ireland/Northern Ireland. They also stressed that work had be accelerated with a view to preparing a political declaration on the framework for the future relationship.
The Council, in EU27 format, was briefed by the EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier on the state of play in the Brexit negotiations with a focus on the next steps. Ministers made comments on the progress and the next steps on the remaining topics, including the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland, and on the framework for the future relationship with the UK.
Ministers also examined the draft conclusions to be adopted by the European Council (Article 50) on Friday 29 June 2018.
The European Commission and the United Kingdom published a joint statement on 19 June 2018. The statement outlines the progress that has been achieved on the terms of the draft Withdrawal Agreement since the publication of the previous version of the text on 19 March 2018.
Following the negotiations that took place from 16 to 18 April and from 2 to 4 May 2018, EU27 ministers met to discuss the latest developments in the talks with the UK.
The Council (Art. 50) was briefed by the Commission's Brexit chief negotiator Michel Barnier about the latest state of play of the ongoing negotiations with the UK. Commissioner Barnier insisted on the need to continue working on all withdrawal issues and, in light of the lack of significant progress in the latest rounds of talks, recalled the need to intensify the work on preparedness, so that the EU is ready for any possible scenario. The chief negotiator also presented to the EU27 ministers a possible structure for the future partnership discussions with the UK.
On the issue of the border in the island of Ireland, EU27 ministers highlighted the need to make progress by the June European Council (Art. 50). Ministers also recalled the importance of maintaining a constructive approach and the unity of the EU27 throughout the negotiations.
The European Council, meeting in an EU27 format, adopted the guidelines on the framework for a future relationship with the UK after Brexit. The Commission's chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, updated the EU27 heads of state or government on the state of play of the Brexit negotiations.
The EU wants to have the closest possible partnership with the UK, which would cover trade and economic cooperation, security and defence, among other areas. However, EU 27 leaders noted that UK's current positions "limit the depth of such a future partnership".
The Council, meeting in an EU27 format, was briefed by the Commission's chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, on the latest developments in the Brexit negotiations. The chief negotiator presented to the ministers an agreement reached by negotiators on parts of the legal text of the Withdrawal Agreement covering citizens' rights, the financial settlement, a number of other withdrawal issues and transition.
The EU27 ministers also discussed the draft guidelines on the framework for a future relationship with the UK. Ministers reviewed the text before submitting it to the European Council (Article 50) ahead of the meeting on 23 March 2018.
Following the negotiations that took place from 13 to 19 March 2018, EU and UK negotiators presented a version of the draft Withdrawal Agreement that shows the progress achieved so far in the talks. This coloured version identifies the parts of the Withdrawal Agreement where both sides have agreed on the legal text, which include:
On the issue of the border between Northern Ireland and Ireland, the negotiators agreed that a legally operative version of the “backstop” solution should be agreed as part of the legal text of the Withdrawal Agreement. This solution will be in line with what was agreed in December 2017 in the Joint Report and will apply unless and until another solution is found.
President Tusk issued draft guidelines on the framework for EU's post-Brexit relations with the UK. 'It should come as no surprise that the only remaining possible model is a free trade agreement,' he said about the future economic relationship, taking into account the UK's current position. He also proposed that both sides continue their common fight against terrorism and urgently start talks to avoid disruption to UK-EU flights. He also invited the UK to participate in EU research and educational programmes.
The draft guidelines were sent to the 27 member states. They will be adopted by the heads of state and government during the March European Council (Art. 50).
President Tusk met Prime Minister Theresa May in London. The main focus was on the content of and process towards the future relationship post Brexit. The discussion also touched on transition and Northern Ireland.
The European Commission published the draft Withdrawal Agreement between the European Union and the United Kingdom.
The draft Withdrawal Agreement translates into legal terms the Joint Report from the negotiators of the European Union and the United Kingdom Government from December 2017 on the first phase of negotiations. It also proposes text, on the basis of EU positions, for other withdrawal issues that are mentioned in the joint report but have not been subject to an agreement yet. Finally, it integrates the text on the transition period, based on the supplementary negotiating directives adopted by the Council (Art. 50) on 29 January 2018.
It consists of six parts and a protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland. The parts cover the following areas:
Next steps
The draft Withdrawal Agreement will now be sent to the Council (Article 50) and the European Parliament's Brexit Steering Group for discussion, before being transmitted to the United Kingdom for negotiation.
The Council, in EU27 format, was updated by the EU Brexit chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, on the latest developments in the negotiations with the UK. Ministers flagged their main priorities and concerns in the preparation of guidelines on the future relationship with the UK, ahead of the meeting of heads of state and government in March 2018.
The Council then started the preparations for the March European Council (Article 50) by examining the annotated draft agenda.
The seventh round of Brexit negotiations took place between 6 and 9 February 2018 in Brussels and was the first one of the second phase of the talks. It followed an informal meeting of Michel Barnier, the EU Chief Negotiator, and David Davis, UK Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, on 5 February in London.
In particular, the EU and UK focused on three issues:
EU27 ministers adopted a new set of negotiating directives for the Brexit negotiations, detailing the EU27 position regarding a transition period.
According to the EU position during the transition period:
These negotiating directives provide the Commission with a mandate, as the EU negotiator, to start discussions with the UK on this matter.
The European Council (Article 50), in an EU 27 format, reviewed the latest developments in the negotiations following the United Kingdom's notification of its intention to leave the EU.
Leaders reassessed the state of progress in the Brexit negotiations and confirmed sufficient progress had been achieved on:
After listening to Michel Barnier, the Commission's chief negotiator, leaders adopted guidelines to move to the second phase of brexit negotiations.
Donald Tusk has sent to EU leaders the draft guidelines to move to the 2nd phase of Brexit negotiations. First on a transition period, within which the UK must respect certain conditions and where EU decision-making will continue among the 27 member states. Second, on building a new relationship with the UK.
'While being satisfied with today's agreement, let us remember that the most difficult challenge is still ahead.'
President Donald Tusk
Following his meeting with Prime Minister Theresa May, President Tusk explained that although he was ready to present draft EU27 guidelines for the Brexit talks on transition and the future relationship, the UK and the Commission had asked for more time. He affirmed:
It is now getting very tight but an agreement at December European Council is still possible
President Donald Tusk
The key to the UK’s future lies - in some ways - in Dublin, at least as long as Brexit negotiations continue.
President Donald Tusk
Sufficient progress in talks at December European Council is possible. But still a huge challenge. We need to see progress from UK within 10 days on all issues, including on Ireland.
President Donald Tusk
Brexit
The Council, in EU27 format, was informed by the EU Brexit Chief Negotiator, Michel Barnier, of the progress reached so far in the negotiations with the UK after six rounds of talks. Ministers then started the preparations for the European Council (Article 50) in December 2017 by examining the annotated draft agenda.
EU agencies relocation
EU27 ministers selected the new seats for the two EU agencies currently based in the UK which need to be relocated in the context of Brexit. Amsterdam (the Netherlands) was selected as the new location for the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and Paris (France) for the European Banking Authority (EBA).
In October, the EU27 started internal preparations on the second phase of negotiations, namely transition and the future relationship. And we will be ready to move-on to the second phase already in December. But in order to do that we need to see more progress from the UK side. While good progress on citizens' rights is being made, we need to see much more progress on Ireland and on a financial settlement.
President Donald Tusk
The sixth round of Brexit negotiations began on 9 November 2017 in Brussels. Michel Barnier, the EU Chief Negotiator, and David Davis, UK Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union concluded the negotiation round on 10 November 2017. The EU Chief Negotiator said some further progress has been made on technical details but that several issues still need to be clarified in order to reach sufficient progress.
In particular, more progress still needs to be achieved on the 3 issues of the phase one of the negotiations:
On 20 October, the European Council (Article 50), in an EU 27 format, agreed to start internal preparations for the 2nd phase of the Brexit talks.
27 EU leaders called for more progress in the following three areas:
They also said that at their summit in December they would reassess the state of progress to determine whether "sufficient progress" has been achieved on each of the three above issues. The European Council invited the Council (Art. 50) together with the Union negotiator to start internal preparatory discussions in relation to the framework for the future relationship and to possible transitional arrangements.
The Council, in EU27 format, was informed by the EU Brexit Chief Negotiator, Michel Barnier, on the progress so far in the negotiations with the UK. Ministers then finalised the preparations for the upcoming European Council (Article 50) on 20 October 2017 with a discussion on the draft conclusions for the summit.
EU agencies relocation
EU27 ministers held a political discussion on the relocation of the two EU agencies currently based in the UK: the European Medicines Agency and the European Banking Authority.
There have been 8 offers from member states to host the EBA and 19 offers to host the EMA. Following the assessment of the offers presented by the Commission on 30 September, ministers reflected on a range of considerations to be taken into account in the run-up to their meeting on 20 November 2017, when they will take the final decision on the relocation with a vote.
The fifth round of Brexit negotiations began on 9 October 2017 in Brussels. Michel Barnier, the EU Chief Negotiator, and David Davis, UK Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union concluded the negotiation round on 12 October 2017. The EU Chief Negotiator noted that although the round took place in a constructive atmosphere, no great steps forward were reached.
On citizen's rights, the EU and the UK share common objectives:
The EU still needs to examine the UK proposal for a new and simplified administrative procedure through which EU citizens in the UK will assert their rights. The EU insisted that such procedure shall be as smooth and simple as possible.
Concerning Ireland:
On the financial settlement:
Against this background, Michel Barnier concluded that he is not in a position to recommend to the European Council next week to open discussions on the future relationship.
The fourth round of Brexit negotiations began on 25 September 2017 in Brussels. Michel Barnier, the EU Chief Negotiator, and David Davis, UK Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union concluded the negotiation round on 28 September 2017. The EU Chief Negotiator stated that while the round had brought more clarity to a number of issues, more work still needed to be done.
On citizen's rights, agreement was reached to give direct effect to the withdrawal agreement, but a number of divergences remain on other important issues.
On the financial settlement, useful talks were held on some technical aspects. However, the UK explained that it was not in a position yet to identify its commitments taken during its membership.
There was a constructive discussion on Ireland and progress was made on some areas. It was agreed by both sides that Ireland is in a unique situation, requiring unique solutions. They started to draft common principles.
The President of the European Council met the UK Prime Minister in London, while the fourth round of negotiations took place in Brussels.
President Donald Tusk expressed cautious optimism about the constructive and more realistic tone of the Prime Minister's speech in Florence the previous week and of their discussion in London.
However regarding progress made, he stated:
'If today member states asked me, I would say there is no "sufficient progress" yet.'
President Donald Tusk
Informal meeting of the 27 EU heads of state or government
The Council, in an EU 27 format, took stock of progress in the Brexit negotiations, with the fourth round of talks with the UK being launched the same day.
The Commission's chief negotiator Michel Barnier updated the Council on developments, and the EU27 ministers had an opportunity to exchange views on the ongoing talks.
The third round of Brexit negotiations began on 28 August 2017 in Brussels. Michel Barnier, the EU Chief Negotiator, and David Davis, UK Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union opened the negotiations. During this round, work continued on the main issues for an orderly withdrawal of the UK:
On 20 July 2017 Michel Barnier, the EU Chief Negotiator, and David Davis, Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, concluded the second round of Brexit negotiations. The aim of this four-day round, which took place in Brussels, was to present the respective positions.
Following the negotiation round, a note was published identifying the points of agreement and disagreement concerning the issue of citizens' rights.
On 22 June, the European Council (Article 50), in an EU 27 format, reviewed the latest developments in the negotiations following the United Kingdom's notification under Article 50 TEU.
In the margins of this meeting, the EU27 leaders endorsed the procedure for the relocation of the EU agencies currently located in the UK.
The Council, in an EU27 format, was informed by the Commission about the first round of Brexit negotiations with the UK. Ministers discussed the state of play of the Brexit talks and the way ahead.
In the margins of the Council meeting, EU27 ministers discussed the procedure for deciding on the relocation of the two UK-based EU agencies.
EU27 leaders are expected to endorse the procedure, in the margins of European Council (Article 50) on 22 June 2017.
This procedure would consist of:
On 19 June 2017 Michel Barnier, the EU Chief Negotiator, and David Davis, Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union launched the first round of Brexit negotiations. This one-day event took place in Brussels.
Apart from the structure of the negotiations and forthcoming issues, the opening of negotiations focused on:
Alongside the European Commission representatives, representatives of the President of the European Council were present and participated in a supporting role in the negotiations. The EU negotiator will systematically report to the European Council, the Council and its preparatory bodies.
On 22 May, the Council, meeting in an EU27 format, adopted a decision authorising the opening of Brexit negotiations with the UK. The decision also nominated the European Commission as the EU negotiator.
The Council also adopted negotiating directives (a mandate for the Commission), intended for the first phase of the negotiations.
It also adopted a decision establishing an ad hoc working party that will assist the Council and Coreper in matters relating to the UK's withdrawal from the Union.
The Permanent Representatives Committee (Coreper), meeting in an EU27 format, endorsed guiding principles for transparency in the Brexit negotiations. These principles will facilitate effective public scrutiny of the upcoming unprecedented negotiations.
All negotiating documents of the EU negotiator (the Commission) shared with the Council, the European Parliament or the UK will be released to the public, within the limits of EU law.
Rules on transparency and public access to documents will apply to all documents in the context of the Brexit negotiations.
The Commission presented to the Council (at the Coreper level) a recommendation for a Council decision on the Brexit negotiations. It includes draft negotiating directives (detailed mandate for the Commission).
Based on this recommendation, the General Affairs Council on 22 May 2017 is expected to authorise the opening of negotiations, nominate the Commission as the EU negotiator and adopt the negotiating directives.
The Council, in an EU27 format, finalised preparations for the Special European Council (Art.50) of 29 April 2017 by discussing the draft guidelines for the Brexit negotiations.
On 29 April, the EU27 leaders met at the first summit after the UK officially triggered Art. 50. They unanimously adopted guidelines for the Brexit talks ahead. This will define the framework for negotiations and set out the overall EU positions and principles.
The President of the European Council met the UK Prime Minister a week after the official notification of Article 50.
"Meeting Theresa May to make sure Brexit talks get off to good start. We both agreed to stay in regular contact throughout the whole process."
President Donald Tusk
Draft guidelines were issued on 31 March 2017. President Tusk outlined the main elements of the proposal at the press briefing held in Malta on that day.
"The EU27 do not and will not pursue a punitive approach. Brexit in itself is already punitive enough. After more than forty years of being united, we owe it to each other to do everything we can to make this divorce as smooth as possible."
President Donald Tusk
The special European Council (Article 50), in an EU 27 format, will meet on 29 April 2017 to agree the final text of the guidelines.
The UK formally notified to the European Council its intention to leave the EU.
The European Council adopted a statement on the UK notification.
We regret that the United Kingdom will leave the European Union, but we are ready for the process that we now will have to follow. (...) In these negotiations the Union will act as one and preserve its interests. Our first priority will be to minimise the uncertainty caused by the decision of the United Kingdom for our citizens, businesses and member states.
European Council, 29 March 2017
The special European Council, in an EU27 format, will adopt the guidelines for the Brexit talks. "We must do everything we can to make the process of divorce the least painful for the EU," said President Tusk.
President Tusk's call was made in response to the announcement by London of its intention to trigger Article 50 on 29 March 2017.
At their informal meeting in December 2016, the 27 leaders and Presidents of the European Council and Commission issued the statement, in which they declared they stand ready to start negotiations with the UK as soon as the UK has notified under Article 50.
They also agreed on the following procedure for upcoming Brexit talks:
"We adopted the organisational structure with the European Council maintaining political control over the process, and the Commission as the Union's negotiator", said President Tusk after the meeting.
President Donald Tusk replied to UK MPs on their concerns regarding the status of EU citizens in the UK and UK citizens living and working in Europe.
"In your letter you called on me 'to resolve this matter once and for all' at the European Council in December. This would in effect mean the start of the negotiations already in December. The EU stands ready to do so, but that can only happen on the condition that Art. 50 has been triggered. (...) the decision about triggering Art. 50 belongs only to the UK, which we fully respect."
"Just like you, I would like to avoid a situation where citizens become 'bargaining chips' in the negotiation process. In order for this not to happen, we will need precise and comprehensive solutions, which, other than nice-sounding expressions, will provide citizens with genuine guarantees of security."
"The only real alternative to a 'hard Brexit' is 'no Brexit'. Even if today hardly anyone believes in such a possibility", said Donald Tusk, President of the European Council in his speech at the European Policy Centre in Brussels.
He said that the key task during the withdrawal negotiations will be to protect the interests of the EU and the interests of each of the 27 countries. He also stressed that access to Europe's single market requires acceptance of EU's four freedoms: people, goods, capital, and services.
The UK will begin the formal withdrawal negotiation process by the end of March 2017, British Prime Minister Theresa May said on 2 October at the conference in Birmingham.
President Donald Tusk immediately welcomed the declaration. "It brings welcome clarity on start of Brexit talks. Once Art. 50's triggered, EU27 will engage to safeguard its interests," he tweeted.
PM May's declaration brings welcome clarity on start of Brexit talks. Once Art. 50's triggered, EU27 will engage to safeguard its interests
- Donald Tusk (@eucopresident) October 2, 2016
Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, travelled to London to exchange views with British Prime Minister Theresa May.
"I told Prime Minister May that I am convinced that it is in everyone's best interest that we start negotiations soon, to reduce and eventually end the uncertainty," he said after the meeting.
"We are determined to remain united and work in the framework of the EU to deal with the challenges of the 21st century and find solutions in the interest of our nations and peoples," said the 27 leaders in their joint statement after the informal meeting on 29 June. They also called on the UK government to notify the European Council of its intention to withdraw from the EU as quickly as possible.
The 27 leaders will meet again in September 2016 to continue talks on the future of the EU.
The European Council focused on the outcome of the UK referendum. Prime Minister David Cameron explained the situation in the UK after the referendum. It was followed by a first exchange of views.
"Leaders understand that some time is now needed to allow the dust to settle in the UK. But they also expect the intentions of the UK government to be specified as soon as possible," said President Tusk at the press conference after the meeting.
"In a free and democratic process, the British people have expressed their wish to leave the European Union. We regret this decision but respect it," said President Tusk, President Juncker, President Schulz and Netherlands Prime Minister Rutte in their joint statement.
"As agreed, the 'New Settlement for the United Kingdom within the European Union', reached at the European Council on 18-19 February 2016, will now not take effect and ceases to exist. There will be no renegotiation," they added.
"We are prepared for this negative scenario. There will be no legal vacuum," said President Donald Tusk following the official results of the UK referendum.
On 23 June 2016 the UK citizens voted to leave the European Union. The vote followed intense negotiations of a deal which would strengthen Britain's special status in the EU.
