The EU27 agreed to start discussions internally on what the future relationship with the UK could look like after it leaves the EU in March 2019. SIP

The EU27 agreed to start discussions internally on what the future relationship with the UK could look like after it leaves the EU in March 2019. SIP

On Friday 20 October, member states agreed in the conclusions that while some progress had been made, talks could not yet move to the second phase of negotiations.

On citizens’ rights, Michel Barnier, the EU chief negotiator, should strive to “achieve the necessary legal certainty and guarantees to all concerned citizens and their family members,” according to the council conclusions adopted on Friday. They should be able to keep their rights derived from EU law, “including through smooth and simple administrative procedures and the role of the Court of Justice of the European Union.”

On Ireland, the onus was put on the UK to “present and commit to flexible and imaginative solutions called for by the unique situation of Ireland.”

The least progress was achieved on the financial obligations, because the UK government argues that these can only be set when the future relationship has been agreed on.

The council calls for work to continue so that talks can move to the second phase of negotiations (which will deal with the future relationship) “as soon as possible.”

Therefore, the council recommended that discussions on whether “sufficient progress” had been achieved on the first phase of the negotiations should be referred to the next European Council summit in December. However, they conceded to British prime minister Theresa May that they would “start internal preparatory discussions” on guidelines for the framework for the future relationship.

The British PM said at a press conference later that:

“EU citizens have made a huge contribution to our country and let me be clear that--whatever happens--we want them and their families to stay. While there are a small number of issues that remain outstanding on citizens’ rights, I am confident that we are in touching distance of a deal.”

She stressed that her Florence speech gave a new momentum to the negotiations, where:

“I gave a firm commitment on the financial settlement and I proposed a time-limited implementation period based on current terms, which is in the interest of both the UK and the EU.”

May added:

“Both sides agree that subsequent rounds have been conducted in a new spirit. My fellow leaders have been discussing that this morning and I believe that it is in the interests of the UK that the EU 27 continues to take a united approach.”