Editor in Chief: Moh. Reza Huwaida Thursday, March 28th, 2024

EU Launches Next Phase of Brexit

EU Launches Next Phase of Brexit

BRUSSELS - The European Union agreed on Friday to move talks forward with London on Britain’s exit from the bloc as leaders warmed to the British premier, but there was little clarity on trade, as well as on some issues already discussed.
On the second day of a Brussels summit, EU leaders agreed “sufficient progress” was made after a deal on citizens’ rights, the Irish border and Britain’s outstanding payments, giving negotiators a mandate to move on to the main phase of talks.
“EU leaders agree to move on to the second phase of Brexit talks. Congratulations PM Theresa May,” European Council President Donald Tusk, who chairs EU summits, said on Twitter.
Discussion of a transition period to calm nerves among businesses is due to start in the new year, although talks on a future free trade pact will not begin until after March -- a date underlined by “guidelines” that set out how to proceed as Britain seeks to unravel more than 40 years of membership. 
May replied via Twitter, thanking Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker: “Today is an important step on the road to delivering a smooth and orderly Brexit and forging our deep and special future partnership,” May said. (Reuters)