The resumption of talks on an agreement of the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union (Brexit) is impossible, but Brussels is set to establish close relations with London after the process is completed, says the final EU summit statement on Brexit.
“The Union stands by this agreement and intends to proceed with its ratification. It is not open for renegotiation,” the statement reads.
The document also reiterates that the EU “wishes to establish as close as possible a partnership with the United Kingdom in the future.”
“It [the European Council] stands ready to embark on preparations immediately after signature of the Withdrawal Agreement to ensure that negotiations can start as soon as possible after the UK’s withdrawal [on March 29, 2018],” the statement reads.
EU leaders also stressed that the Irish border Brexit backstop will remain in the agreement “as an insurance policy to prevent a hard border on the island of Ireland and ensure the integrity of the Single Market.”
“If the backstop were nevertheless to be triggered, it would apply temporarily, unless and until it is superseded by a subsequent agreement that ensures that a hard border is avoided,” the final statement reads. “In such a case, the Union would use its best endeavours to negotiate and conclude expeditiously a subsequent agreement that would replace the backstop, and would expect the same of the United Kingdom, so that the backstop would only be in place for as long as strictly necessary.”
The European council also reiterated its call for “work on preparedness at all levels for the consequences of the United Kingdom’s withdrawal to be intensified, taking into account all possible outcomes.” This provision hints that the European Union would maintain its preparations for Brexit under all scenarios, including the no-deal withdrawal.