The second set of Brexit negotiating directives for the second phase of the negotiation process with the UK, have been adopted by the General Affairs Council of the European Union.

It was attended by Minister for European Affairs and Equality Helena Dalli and the second set of negotiating directives provide for the framework for transitional arrangements and stipulate that an overall understanding on the framework for the future relationship of the Union with the UK should also be reached, apart for other agreements in other sectors.

Minister Helena Dalli, while welcoming the agreement on these directives and the flexibility contained therein, stressed that the EU’s positions on some outstanding issues need to be flexible, especially when the UK’s positions have not been communicated formally, particularly in relation to services, financial services, and citizens’ mobility.

An agreement on the future relationship of the Union with the UK should also be reached. To that effect, the European Council will adopt additional guidelines in March 2018.

The withdrawal by the UK from the European Union will take effect on the 29th of March 2019, followed by a 21-month transitional period.

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