General Affairs Council (Art. 50), 19 March 2019

Summary:

A meeting of the General Affairs Council - in its EU27 format - was held on 19 March 2019.

Further information:

This Council configuration was set up in the framework of the United Kingdom's notification of withdrawal from the European Union (Brexit) under Article 50. During the meeting, the European Commission's chief negotiator informed ministers about the latest developments regarding the withdrawal process.

• Political turmoil in the United Kingdom following the conclusion of withdrawal agreement and political declaration on post-Brexit relationship

Ministers exchanged views on the state of play and the way forward. They reconfirmed their commitment to the Withdrawal Agreement as the best possible way to ensure an orderly Brexit. In the light of the uncertainty in the UK, they also stressed the need to be prepared for all possible outcomes.

• Primary Source

Commentary and Analysis

BBC News, 20/03/2019: EU moving against long Brexit delay https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-47633879

---

News

The Scotsman, 19/03/2019: EU demands conditions if Brexit delay to be granted https://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/general-election/eu-demands-conditions-if-brexit-delay-to-be-granted-1-4892279

Politico, 19/03/2019: With days to Brexit deadline, EU keeps options open https://www.politico.eu/article/brexit-options-for-eu-delay-no-deal/

---

Official

European Commission: 19/03/2019: Press statement by Michel Barnier following the General Affairs Council (Article 50) http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_STATEMENT-19-1758_en.htm

---