Resolution on the framework of the future EU-UK relationship

Further information:

The resolution suggests that an association agreement between the European Union and the United Kingdom could provide an appropriate framework for the future relationship. This could be based on four pillars: trade and economic relations, foreign policy, internal security and thematic cooperation, for example on cross-border research and innovation projects. MEPs insisted that it should include a consistent governance framework, with a robust dispute resolution mechanism.

The European Parliament sought to feed into the guidelines the European Council was expected to adopt on 22 March 2018, on opening exploratory discussions with the UK on the framework of the future EU-UK relationship.

Background information:

The European Parliament's Brexit Steering Group and the EP Conference of Presidents (EP President and political group leaders) endorsed a draft resolution on the 7 March 2018 laying out a possible framework for future EU-UK relations after Brexit. The draft resolution comprised the text voted on in the European Parliament on the 14 March 2018.

Working under the aegis of the Conference of Presidents, the Brexit Steering Group's purpose was to coordinate and prepare the European Parliament's deliberations, considerations and resolutions on the UK's withdrawal from the EU. The Deputy Secretary-General supports the work of the Brexit Steering Group. Its members are: Guy Verhofstadt (Chair), Elmar Brok, Roberto Gualtieri, Philippe Lamberts, Gabriele Zimmer and Danuta Hübner.

The European Parliament held a debate on the 13-14 March 2018 and voted a resolution setting out its proposals on the future relationship with the United Kingdom after Brexit, during its March 2018 plenary session.

• Primary Source

European Commission: Speech by President Juncker at the Plenary Session of the European Parliament on the guidelines on the framework of future EU-UK relations http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_SPEECH-18-1881_en.htm

Politico, 06.03.18: European Parliament outlines its post-Brexit vision https://www.politico.eu/article/european-parliament-brexit-guy-verhofstadt-outlines-its-post-brexit-vision/

European Parliament: Press Release, 07.03.18: Brexit: Parliament to set out its vision for future EU-UK relations http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20180307IPR99231/

European Parliament: Press Release, 15.03.18: Brexit: EP recommends association agreement for future EU-UK relations http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20180309IPR99418/

EurActiv [Opinion]: Duff: post-Brexit association agreement one step closer https://www.euractiv.com/section/uk-europe/opinion/duff-post-brexit-association-agreement-one-step-closer/

Reuters, 14.03.18: EU lawmakers back association with Britain after Brexit https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKCN1GQ2N7

Euronews, 14.03.18: How close will EU and UK stay after Brexit? http://www.euronews.com/2018/03/14/how-close-will-eu-and-uk-stay-after-brexit-

BBC News, 13.03.18: Brexit: Jean-Claude Juncker says UK will 'regret' decision http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-43384357

Euronews, 13.03.18: Brexit shouting match sparks in European Parliament http://www.euronews.com/2018/03/13/brexit-shouting-match-in-european-parliament

ESO: In Focus: Brexit - The United Kingdom and the European Union http://www.europeansources.info/record/brexit-the-united-kingdom-and-the-european-union/

European Parliament: News: Brexit http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/headlines/priorities/brexit

European Parliament: EPRS: At a Glance, March 2018: Framework for future EU-UK relations http://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_ATA(2018)614742

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