European Union gives formal green light to second Brexit phase

On Friday, European Union ( EU ) leaders gave their formal approval to the opening of the second phase of Brexit negotiations with Britain, focusing on a transition period and future trading relationship.

On Thursday, European Council President Donald Tusk tweeted during a Brussels summit that he was chairing:

On Friday, after leaders acknowledged British Prime Minister Theresa May ’s efforts to conclude an outline divorce settlement by giving her a round of applause, Tusk congratulated her:

It seems the second phase Brexit negotiations will be significantly harder than an already difficult first phase of talks, according to European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker .

The leaders of the 27 countries remaining in the European Union will give the go-ahead for the EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier to begin talks with London on a transition period and future trade ties with Britain.

“I have extraordinary faith in the British Prime Minister. She has agreed with me and Mr. Barnier that the withdrawal agreement will first be formalized and will be voted on and then we will see. The second phase will be significantly harder than the first and the first was very difficult,” Juncker told reporters on arriving for the second day of the EU summit.

However, Theresa May disclosed that she "will deliver on the will of the British people and get the best Brexit deal for our country, securing the greatest possible access to European markets, boosting free trade with countries across the world, and delivering control over our borders, laws, and money."

sg