EU ministers met with chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier in Luxembourg to discuss the terms they would offer the U.K. for leaving the European Union.
All nations seemed to agree easily on a set of negotiating guidelines.
“All delegations agree with the overall thrust of the guidelines and express their full support,” said Maltese Deputy Prime Minister Louis Grech. “The main elements of the guidelines were achieving a fair and equitable result for all member states and maintaining unity and trust within the 27.”
German Minister Michael Roth emphasized, “We know that we have to stand together now. There can be no side discussions with the United Kingdom.”
Everyone present seemed to agree that the primary concerns were the rights of EU citizens living in the U.K. Also important were the EU/UK border between Ireland and Northern Ireland, and the U.K.’s financial obligations.
All discussions of trade would have to wait until after the primary matters were settled.
Official Brexit negotiations with the U.K. will start after the U.K.’s June 8 election.
