European Commission and United Kingdom publish Joint Statement outlining further progress in Article 50 negotiations

19 June 2018

The European Commission and the United Kingdom published today a Joint Statement outlining the progress that has been achieved on the terms of the draft Withdrawal Agreement since the negotiation round that took place on 16-19 March 2018.

The new elements of agreement are set out in detail in points 3 and 4 of the Joint Statement, which also outlines the UK's engagement on the remaining separation issues.

Michel Barnier, the European Commission's Chief Negotiator for Article 50 negotiations, said, "Today's progress is due to the dedication and commitment of both negotiating teams, whom I would like to thank. We have advanced on some separation issues for which European businesses need certainty, such as customs, VAT, Euratom and certificates for goods. Engagement by the UK on remaining issues such as the protection of personal data and geographical indications is also to be welcomed. Serious divergences remain, however, on the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland. I would like to recall that the Withdrawal Agreement must contain a fully operational backstop solution for Ireland and Northern Ireland. I will present the state of play of the negotiations to the European Council and the European Parliament. Today marks a step forward in these negotiations but a lot more work needs to be done before October."

Joint Statement, 19 June 2018

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