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EU sets out 'phased' Brexit strategy EU sets out 'phased' Brexit strategy
(about 1 hour 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 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". In a news conference in Malta on Friday, Mr Tusk made clear that "starting parallel talks on all issues at the same time as suggested by some in the UK will not happen".
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. "Only once we have achieved sufficient progress on the withdrawal can we discuss the framework for our future relationship," he said.
It says the EU's overall objective "will be to preserve its interests, those of its member states, its citizens and its businesses". Mr Tusk added that while the talks would be "difficult, complex and sometimes even confrontational", the EU would not "pursue a punitive approach".
'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. The two are to meet in London ahead of an EU summit on Brexit, which will not include her, on 29 April.
"The EU 27 does not, and will not pursue a punitive approach - Brexit in itself is already punitive enough," he said. Sign-up to get news from the BBC in your inbox, each weekday morning
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. What the guidelines say?
"No-one is interested in using security as a bargaining chip," Mr Tusk added. The draft says the EU's overall objective is "to preserve its interests, those of its member states, its citizens and its businesses".
Calling for a "phased approach giving priority to an orderly withdrawal", it 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.
The draft raises 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", it says that a "single financial settlement should ensure that the Union and the United Kingdom both respect the obligations undertaken before the date of withdrawal".
The document also calls for "flexible and imaginative solutions'' for the issue of the UK's land border with Ireland, with the aim of "avoiding a hard border".
What about future ties on security?
Mr Tusk told reporters: "Strong ties reaching beyond the economy, and including security co-operation remain in our common interest."
He added: "Our partners are wise and decent partners and this is why I'm absolutely sure that no-one is interested in using security co-operation as a bargaining chip."
Mrs May's letter had been interpreted by some as threatening to withdraw co-operation with the EU on security matters.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). What next? by BBC Europe editor Katya Adler
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." This is start of two year, cross-Channel political roller-coaster ride. The EU's draft guidelines for Brexit are uncompromising and firm.
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. They say they will update them "as necessary" during negotiations, meaning they're ready for anything, including, the text explicitly says, for talks with the UK to fail altogether.
Mr Tusk is to meet Mrs May in London ahead of an EU summit on Brexit, which will not include her, on 29 April. Gone are the words of sadness and regret at Britain's departure. The message is: Roll-up-your-sleeves, we're ready for you.
British reactions
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said: "There's a lot of goodwill... to achieve what the Prime Minister has said she wants to achieve, which is an orderly transition."
But Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron, who campaigned against Brexit. said the guidelines showed "the strength of the EU in these negotiations and the carelessness of the UK government in isolating themselves from our European allies".
Labour MP Owen Smith said: "Two days into a two-year negotiation and the government's lofty rhetoric is colliding with hard reality. The prime minister's plan for Britain is a pipe dream."
Richard Tice, co-chair of Leave Means Leave, a group campaigning for a swift Brexit, said "Britain should walk away from the table" if Brussels insists on putting the divorce settlement first.