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State of play of Brexit negotiations
The Council, in an EU27 format, was updated by the EU Brexit Chief Negotiator, Michel Barnier, on the latest developments in the negotiations with the UK. Commenting on the format of the draft withdrawal agreement to be presented by the Commission on 28 February, Mr Barnier highlighted that the text would be first discussed with the member states, before becoming the basis for negotiations with the UK. He also highlighted points of divergence with the UK in the ongoing discussions on the transition period.
Delegations of the 27 member states took note of Michel Barnier's report. They expressed appreciation and support for the negotiator's work and reaffirmed the need to maintain unity among the EU27, the integrity of the single market and the level-playing field. Ministers flagged their main priorities and concerns for the preparation of guidelines on the future relationship between the EU and the UK, ahead of the meeting of heads of state and government in March. In particular, they called on the UK to further clarify its position on the subject.
The Council then started the preparations for the European Council (Article 50) in March 2018 by examining the annotated draft agenda.
Remarks by Michel Barnier (in French)