Brexit guidelines

As soon as the UK formally has notified the EU about its intention to leave the Union - i e having triggered article 50 - the negotiation process will start. The basis for the EU negotiations will be adopted in guidelines. Article 50 says

...In the light of the guidelines provided by the European Council, the Union shall negotiate and conclude an agreement with the State, settting out the arrangements for its withdrawal, taking account of the framework for its future relationship with the Union...

The guidelines must be adopted unanimously by the European Council. In informal meetings 29 June and 15 December 2016 the heads of state of governments of the EU without UK (27 member states) have expressed common views on Brexit.

The two statements include a declaration that any agreement will have to be based on a balance of rights and obligations and that access to the Single Market requires acceptance of all four freedoms. They say that the outcome of the UK referendum "creates a new situation for the European Union. We are determined to remain united ...". They also refers to that many people express dissatisfaction with the current state of affair, be it at the European or national level, and they express their intention to work with EU reforms.

Separately, leaders of the EU and the member countries have provided more different views on the forthcoming negotiations. They also disagree about the EU reforms. This situation indicates that adopting guidelines might be difficult for the European Council, but that the process also can be a catalyst for a much needed EU reform.