The EU has outlined its Brexit strategy, suggesting trade talks could begin after “sufficient progress” on a separation settlement with the UK.
The draft guidelines, announced by European Council President Donald Tusk in Malta, advocate a “phased approach”. They will be sent to the 27 member states for approval and will set the tone for two years of negotiations. In Brussels, the EU’s foreign policy chief suggested the EU could manage without the UK in defence matters. The UK formally triggered the Brexit process on Wednesday after calling for simultaneous talks on exit terms and future trade ties. At a news conference, Mr Tusk said: “Starting parallel talks on all issues at the same time as suggested by some in the UK will not happen. “Only once we have achieved sufficient progress on the withdrawal can we discuss the framework for our future relationship.”
Talks would be “difficult, complex and sometimes even confrontational”, he predicted, but the EU would not “pursue a punitive approach”. UK Prime Minister Theresa May formally triggered the Brexit process by sending the Article 50 notification letter to Mr Tusk on Wednesday. The two are to meet in London ahead of an EU summit on Brexit, which will not include her, on 29 April. 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 guidelines call for “flexible and imaginative solutions” for the issue of the UK’s land border with the Republic of Ireland, with the aim of “avoiding a hard border”.
As for Gibraltar, Spain will have a special say on the future of the disputed British territory, according to the guidelines. “After the United Kingdom leaves the union, no agreement between the EU and the United Kingdom may apply to the territory of Gibraltar without the agreement between the Kingdom of Spain and the United Kingdom,” they state. Mrs May’s letter had been interpreted by some as threatening to withdraw co-operation with the EU on security matters. Speaking at a Nato meeting in Brussels, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said: “The UK contributes today only for 3% of our civilian capabilities in our EU operations and missions, and 5% to the military ones. “So for sure it’s a valued contribution, but for sure a contribution without which the European Union defence and security work can continue perfectly well.”
This is the start of a two-year, cross-Channel political rollercoaster ride. The EU’s draft guidelines for Brexit are uncompromising and firm. They say they will update them “as necessary” during negotiations, meaning they are ready for anything, including, the text explicitly says, for talks with the UK to fail altogether.
Gone are the words of sadness and regret at Britain’s departure. The message is: Roll up your sleeves, we’re ready for you.
