On 27 April 2017 the European Movement International held a Brexit Briefing, together with Peter Foster, Europe Editor for The Daily Telegraph and Jennifer Rankin, Brussels Correspondent for The Guardian.

The briefing took place ahead of the EU summit on 29 April, where EU leaders met to adopt the EU’s guidelines for the negotiations with Britain. Aside from offering an opportunity to go through the latest developments in the UK since PM Theresa May gave the UK’s official exit notification, it was also a chance to discuss May’s call for a snap general election on 8 June and to debate the impact of that decision on the negotiations.

With his view from London Peter Foster was able to give insight into the internal British politics, the government’s current interests at stake and all the tensions that will possibly play a role in the upcoming exit negotiations with the European Union.

Offering a view from Brussels, Jennifer Rankin gave the participants her interpretation of the past events in the UK, adding her insights into the developments within the European Institutions and Member States. She also spoke about her expectations regarding the essential topics to be addressed within the exit negotiations.

During the briefing and the open discussion with all participants several points emerged, including the future of the unity of the EU, the question of trade between the EU and the UK, the role of the European Court of Justice, the question of the EU budget, the rights of European citizens in the UK as well as of UK citizens in the EU, the possibility of a ‘hard Brexit’ and the weight of the interests of various industries and other stakeholders.

Needless to say, despite the valuable insights and experiences of both Peter Foster and Jennifer Rankin as well as the other participants, their explanations and ideas remain to a large extent on a speculative level. The length and depth of the discussion between the two journalists and the other participants demonstrated, however, the complexity of the different perspectives and interests at stake. These dynamics alongside the outcome of the UK general election will most likely shape the outcome of the negotiations between the EU and the UK and determine the future relationship and integrity of the EU.

Just finishing up our discussions on #Brexit, thanks to all! Find our paper on the consequences here https://t.co/8X29gwL5eg #EurMove pic.twitter.com/i6alJ6Dx5m

— European Movement (@EMInternational) April 27, 2017

We would like to thank the speakers and all participants for the insightful exchange.

Click here for more photos of the event: