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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| EU sets out 'phased' Brexit strategy | EU sets out 'phased' Brexit strategy |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| The EU has outlined its strategy for Brexit negotiations, suggesting talks on a trade deal could begin once "sufficient progress" is made on a separation settlement with the UK. | The EU has outlined its strategy for Brexit negotiations, suggesting talks on a trade deal could begin once "sufficient progress" is made on a separation settlement with the UK. |
| The draft guidelines, issued by European Council President Donald Tusk, argue for a "phased approach" in talks. | |
| The draft will be sent to the 27 member states for approval. They will set the tone for two years of negotiations. | The draft will be sent to the 27 member states for approval. They will set the tone for two years of negotiations. |
| Britain formally triggered the Brexit process on Wednesday. | Britain formally triggered the Brexit process on Wednesday. |
| It had called for simultaneous talks on exit terms and future trade ties. | It had called for simultaneous talks on exit terms and future trade ties. |
| The guidelines call for a "phased approach giving priority to an orderly withdrawal". | |
| The draft suggests starting with discussions on the separation arrangement. They could then move on to talks about a future trade relationship between the EU and the UK. | |
| It says the EU's overall objective "will be to preserve its interests, those of its member states, its citizens and its businesses". | |
| 'No bargaining chip' | |
| UK Prime Minister Theresa May formally triggered the Brexit process by sending the Article 50 notification letter to Mr Tusk on Wednesday. | UK Prime Minister Theresa May formally triggered the Brexit process by sending the Article 50 notification letter to Mr Tusk on Wednesday. |
| Speaking at a news conference in Malta on Friday, Mr Tusk said that while the talks would be "difficult, complex and sometimes even confrontational", he hoped all sides would approach them positively. | Speaking at a news conference in Malta on Friday, Mr Tusk said that while the talks would be "difficult, complex and sometimes even confrontational", he hoped all sides would approach them positively. |
| "The EU 27 does not, and will not pursue a punitive approach - Brexit in itself is already punitive enough," he said. | "The EU 27 does not, and will not pursue a punitive approach - Brexit in itself is already punitive enough," he said. |
| He told reporters that the EU shared the UK's desire for a close partnership. "Strong ties reaching beyond the economy, and including security co-operation remain in our common interest," he said. | |
| "No-one is interested in using security as a bargaining chip," Mr Tusk added. | |
| Mrs May's letter had been interpreted by some as threatening to withdraw co-operation with the EU on security matters. | |
| Mr Tusk also raised the issue of the UK financial bills with the EU, estimated to be as much as €60bn (£51bn; $64bn). | |
| In a sign of the bloc's determination to secure a "divorce bill" from Britain, he said: "We will need to make sure that the UK honours all financial commitments and liabilities it has taken as a member state." | |
| He also said the EU would seek "flexible and creative solutions" to avoid the creation of a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. | |
| Mr Tusk is to meet Mrs May in London ahead of an EU summit on Brexit, which will not include her, on 29 April. |