On 29 March 2017, the United Kingdom notified the European Council of its intention to leave the European Union, in accordance with Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union.

On 29 April 2017, the European Council at EU27 adopted a set of political guidelines, which define the framework for the negotiations and set out the EU’s overall positions and principles.

On 3 May 2017, the European Commission sent a recommendation, including draft negotiating directives, to the Council to open the Article 50 negotiations with the United Kingdom. On 22 May 2017, the Council, on the basis of the Commission’s recommendation, authorised the opening of the Article 50 negotiations with the UK and nominated the Commission as Union negotiator. Together with the European Council guidelines agreed by the leaders of the EU27 on 29 April 2017, these negotiating directives outline the priorities for the first phase of the negotiations.

The European Commission has also issued detailed position papers for the negotiations with the UK. Each paper is subject to an exchange of views between Michel Barnier, the Commission’s Chief Negotiator, and the Council Working Party chaired by the General Secretariat of the Council, as well as the Brexit steering group of the European Parliament.

The European Commission publishes these position papers on our website, both when they are shared with the other EU institutions as well as when they are sent to the UK. Position papers on the following topics have been published so far:

1. Citizens’ rights
2. The financial settlement
3. Nuclear materials and safeguard equipment (EURATOM)
4. Issues relating to the functioning of the Union institutions, agencies and bodies
5. Governance of the Article 50 agreement
6. Goods placed on the market under Union law before the withdrawal date
7. Judicial cooperation in civil and commercial matters
8. Ongoing judicial and administrative procedures
9. Ongoing police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters

What happened during the first negotiation round?

The first round of Article 50 negotiations between the European Commission and the United Kingdom took place on 19 June. Both parties agreed to create working groups on citizens’ rights, the financial settlement and other separation issues. The coordinators of the negotiations on the EU and UK side will also start a dialogue on issues pertaining to Northern Ireland. The outcome of this first round of negotiations is outlined in the “Terms of Reference” agreed between the UK and the European Commission and is published on our website.  

What will happen in the second negotiation round?

The agenda for this round will be published on our website, once available.

When does the United Kingdom cease to be a member of the European Union?

The UK will cease to be a member of the European Union at midnight on 29 March 2019, unless the European Council decides unanimously to extend the two-year negotiating period. The United Kingdom will become a third country from the date of withdrawal.

How will the withdrawal agreement be concluded?

The negotiations on the UK’s orderly withdrawal from the EU must be completed within a period of two years from the moment Article 50 is triggered. If no agreement is reached within this period, the Treaties will cease to apply to the UK.

At the end of the negotiation period, the Union negotiator will propose an agreement to the Council and the European Parliament, taking into account the framework of the future relationship of the UK with the EU.

The European Parliament must give its consent, by a vote of simple majority, including Members of the European Parliament from the UK.

The Council will conclude the agreement. The Treaty foresees that this can be done by a vote of strong qualified majority (i.e. 20 countries representing 65% of the EU27 population).

The UK must also approve the agreement according to its own constitutional arrangements.

So how long does that leave for the actual negotiations?

The negotiations themselves will last approximately 18 months (June 2017 – October/November 2018).

Who will negotiate for the European Union?

The Heads of State or Government of the EU27 invited the Council to nominate the European Commission as the Union negotiator. They welcomed the appointment of Michel Barnier as the Commission’s Chief Negotiator.

The European Commission as Union negotiator and Michel Barnier as the Commission’s Chief Negotiator will systematically report to the European Council, the Council and its preparatory bodies, which will discuss Brexit in an EU27 format.

Michel Barnier will keep the European Parliament closely and regularly informed throughout the negotiations via a dedicated Brexit steering group.

The 27 Member States will be closely involved in preparing negotiations, giving guidance to the Commission’s Chief Negotiator, and assessing progress via a dedicated Working Party, which has been created in the Council, with a permanent chair, to ensure that the negotiations are conducted in line with the European Council guidelines and the Council’s negotiating directives.

The European Council at EU27 will remain permanently seized of the matter, and will update its guidelines during the negotiations as necessary.

What about the practical side of the negotiations? What language will they be in? How often will both sides meet?

Practical issues, such as the language regime and negotiation structure, have been outlined in the Terms of Reference agreed between the European Commission and the United Kingdom on 19 June 2017. English and French are the two official languages of the negotiations.

Where will the negotiations take place?

They will take place in Brussels.

What happens if no agreement is reached?

The EU Treaties simply cease to apply to the UK two years after notification.

Can a Member State apply to re-join after it leaves?

Any country that has withdrawn from the EU may apply to re-join. It would be required to go through the accession procedure.

Once triggered, can Article 50 be revoked?

It was the decision of the United Kingdom to trigger Article 50. But once triggered, it cannot be unilaterally reversed. Article 50 does not provide for the unilateral withdrawal of the notification.

Will you be transparent in the negotiations?

The Article 50 negotiations with the United Kingdom are unique and differ from any other negotiation conducted by the European Union to date. Given their unprecedented nature, the European Commission has decided to adopt a tailor-made approach to transparency. The Commission, as European Union negotiator, will ensure a maximum level of transparency during the whole negotiating process. Read our transparency policy here.

What are your core principles in these negotiations?

The withdrawal agreement should be based on a balance of rights and obligations, while ensuring a level-playing field. Cherry-picking of the Single Market and a sector-by-sector participation in the Single Market has been excluded by the European Council guidelines. The Union has also stressed that its four freedoms (people, goods, services and capital) will remain indivisible. The negotiations will be based on the principle that nothing is agreed until everything is agreed. The European Union will remain united throughout the negotiation period and the European Council has excluded that there would be separate negotiations between individual Member States and the United Kingdom on matters pertaining to the UK’s withdrawal. The withdrawal agreement should respect the autonomy of the decision-making of the Union, as well as the role of the Court of Justice of the European Union.

When will the negotiations move on to discussions on the future relationship of the European Union and the United Kingdom?

Discussions on the framework for a future relationship with the United Kingdom will only begin once sufficient progress has been made in all areas of the first phase of the negotiations. It will be for the European Council to decide whether there has been sufficient progress. Michel Barnier has said publicly that he hoped that the European Commission would be in a position to report sufficient progress to the European Council in October.

Where can I find out more about the Brexit negotiations?

All information related to the Brexit negotiations can be found on our dedicated website, including all negotiation documents, press material, and speeches by Michel Barnier.

Positive moment for the EU-Ukraine partnership as 19^th Summit takes place in Kyiv

The 19^th Summit between the European Union and Ukraine will take place in Kyiv on Wednesday 12^th and Thursday 13^th July. The President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker will represent the European Union, alongside the President of the European Council, Donald Tusk. President Petro Poroshenko, will represent Ukraine. European Commission Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis, Commissioner Johannes Hahn and Commissioner Cecilia Malmström will also be present. The Summit takes place at a very positive moment in the partnership between the European Union and Ukraine, with the finalisation of the ratification of the EU – Ukraine Association Agreement yesterday, Ukrainian citizens’ being granted visa free travel to the Schengen area in June, and autonomous trade measures, which would further benefit Ukrainian exports, set to be adopted soon. The Summit will provide an opportunity for leaders to review the substantial progress made since the last Summit, in particular as regards Ukraine’s implementation of its ambitious reform agenda, to which the EU is providing unprecedented support. It will also identify further reform priorities notably as regards the fight against corruption. The leaders are expected to discuss security and conflict-related matters, as well as regional and foreign policy issues. On Wednesday, President Poroshenko will host Presidents Juncker and Tusk for a working dinner. A joint press conference of the three Presidents is due to take place on Thursday at 13:00 local time, 12:00 CET, and will be preceded by the Summit’s plenary session and followed by a working lunch. Coverage will be available via Europe by Satellite. For more information, visit the dedicated Summit website, the website of the EU Delegation to Ukraine, or consult the factsheet on EU-Ukraine relations. (For more information: Margaritis Schinas – Tel.: +32 229 60524; Maja Kocijancic – Tel.: +32 229 86570; Adam Kaznowski – Tel: +32 229 89359)

President Juncker to be awarded Doctor Honoris Causa, by the Faculty of Law, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

On Thursday 13 July, President Juncker will be in Thessaloniki, Greece, where he will be awarded Doctor Honoris Causa, by the Faculty of Law, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, in a ceremony chaired by Rector of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Professor Pericles Mitkas and the Dean of the Faculty of Law Professor, Georgios I. Dellios. Also attending, are Commissioner Avramopoulos, Prime Minister Tsipras, with whom President Juncker will meet bilaterally, and members of the Greek government and parliament. President Juncker will also deliver a speech which will be broadcast live on EbS, along with photos of the visit. (For more information: Margaritis Schinas – Tel.: +32 229 60524)

Michel Barnier debriefs the College on the state of play of Article 50 negotiations with the United Kingdom

The European Commission’s Chief Negotiator for Article 50 negotiations with the United Kingdom, Michel Barnier, will hold a press conference today following the meeting of the College of Commissioners. You can watch the press conference live here. A memo on the state of play of the Article 50 negotiations is available online (see here). Michel Barnier’s introductory comments will also be available shortly. (For more information: Margaritis Schinas – Tel.: +32 229 60524; Mina Andreeva – Tel.: +32 229 91382; Daniel Ferrie: +32 229 86500)

EU to announce additional humanitarian aid for Iraq

The European Commission is scaling up its response to the humanitarian crisis in Iraq, which will enable the EU to continue supporting emergency relief in newly retaken areas and for newly displaced families. It will also allow to continue emergency medical services, attending injured civilians from the frontlines, to the final point of rehabilitation. Speaking in Washington today during a High-Level Meeting on the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Crisis in Mosul, Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides said: “The end of the Mosul military campaign marks the beginning of a new phase of international support to Iraq. One that requires our rock solid commitment to preserving humanity during and after the conflict, to ensure that all civilians are protected in Telafar, West Anbar and Hawidja, as well as in their locations of displacement. Our humanitarian commitment will remain faithful to our guiding humanitarian principles.” The new funding will further help filling the gaps between assistance provided in current locations of displacement and potential areas of return, and strengthen community-based, conflict-sensitive actions aimed at providing information, coordination and effective delivery of services available to IDPs, conflict-affected host communities, and returnees. (For more information: Carlos Martin Ruiz De Gordejuela – Tel.: +32 229; Christina Wunder – Tel.: +32 229 92256)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of joint control over logistics asset in Spain by SEGRO and PSPIB

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control over CAT SITE, a 5.3 hectare plot of land leased as a car park in Madrid, Spain, , by SEGRO plc (SEGRO) of the UK and the Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSPIB) of Canada, via their joint venture SEGRO European Logistics Partnership S.à.r.l. of Luxembourg. SEGRO is a real estate investment trust focused on warehousing and light industrial properties. PSPIB is a pension investment manager with a global portfolio including stocks, bonds and investments in private equity, real estate, infrastructure, natural resources, and private debt. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns because of the limited changes it brings to the market. The transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure. More information is available on the Commission’s competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.8521. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Maria Sarantopoulou – Tel.: +32 229 13740)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of joint control over OHL México by OHL and IFM

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control over OHL México S.A.B. de C.V. (OHL México) of Mexico by Obrascon Huarte Lain, S.A. (OHL) of Spain and IFM Investors Pty Ltd (IFM) of Australia. OHL México builds, manages and operates seven toll roads and one airport in Mexico. Previously, OHL México was solely controlled by OHL, a global company primarily engaged in infrastructure and industrial construction projects and concessions. IFM is a global investment manager with assets across infrastructure, listed equities, private capital and debt investments. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns in Europe, because OHL México will only be active in Mexico. The transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure. More information is available on the Commission’s competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.8538. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Maria Sarantopoulou – Tel.: +32 229 13740)

12 new species classified as invasive to protect biodiversity and economic activity in the EU

Today, the Commission took another important step towards halting biodiversity loss with the inclusion of 12 new species in the list of invasive alien species that require action across the EU. Invasive alien species are one of the major causes of biodiversity loss. They have major economic negative consequences in areas such as health care costs, crop yield losses, fish stock losses and damage to infrastructure. These 12 new species – including the muskrat and the alligator weed – have been added, following the positive opinion of experts from Member States. They damage on a scale that justifies dedicated measures across the Union. Member States are required to address these species by preventing them from being introduced, kept, sold, transported, reproduced or released. They will also need to put in place appropriate measures to tackle new invasions or established populations. The rules will start applying 20 days after publication of the list in the Official Journal of the European Union. Underpinning with scientific work, the Commission’s Joint Research Centre has recently published the first ever Baseline Distribution of Invasive Alien Species of Union concern for 37 species. It has also developed a smartphone application on the 37 species of Union concern, called Invasive Alien Species Europe, which allows citizens to report the presence of these species on the European territory and to raise awareness on the issue. The list and more information are available here. (For more information: Enrico Brivio – Tel.: +32 229 56172; Iris Petsa – Tel.: + 32 229 93321)

Eurostat: La production industrielle en hausse de 1,3% dans la zone euro

En mai 2017 par rapport à avril 2017, la production industrielle corrigée des variations saisonnières a augmenté de 1,3% dans la zone euro (ZE19) et de 1,2% dans l’UE28, selon les estimations d’Eurostat, l’office statistique de l’Union européenne. En avril 2017, la production industrielle avait progressé de 0,3% dans la zone euro et de 0,1% dans l’UE28. Un communiqué de presse est disponible ici. (Pour plus d’informations: Lucia Caudet – Tel.: +32 229 56182; Mirna Talko – Tel.: +32 229 87278)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Vice President Maroš Šefčovič in Georgia

Energy Union Vice President Maroš Šefčovič is on an official visit to Georgia from 12 until 13 July. He is meeting President Giorgi Margvelashvili, Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili and the Chairman of the Parliament, Mr Irakli Kobakhidze for bilateral meetings. Vice President Šefčovič will also attend this year’s Batumi International Conference “Ensuring Regional Stability” where he delivers a key note on energy security in the opening session in the presence of the President, Prime Minister and Chairman of the Parliament. The conference is organised by the State Minister of Georgia on European and Euro-Atlantic Integration since 2007 and represents an important venue for high level officials to discuss issues related to politics, security, economic developments in the EU and its neighbourhood. This year the Conference will focus on the European Agenda, particularly on energy security and diversification of energy markets. Ahead of the visit, Energy Union Vice President Maroš Šefčovič said: “The EU-Georgia Association Agreement entails Georgia’s alignment to key EU energy legislation. In this regard, I welcome the recent ratification by the Georgian Parliament of the accession protocol to the Energy Community. This represents a major milestone for a proper and timely implementation of the commitments made under the Association Agreement and I encourage efforts to ensure a comprehensive implementation of commitments. Furthermore, Georgia has a key transit role to play in the opening of the Southern Gas Corridor. For the EU and Georgia the timely implementation of the Southern Gas Corridor is important as well as its extension over time to additional supply countries.” More information about the conference can be found online. (For more information: Anca Paduraru – Tel.: +32 229 91269; Nicole Bockstaller – Tel.:+32 229 52589)

Upcoming events of the European Commission (ex-Top News)