Brexit: EU citizens' interests are our priority

"The triggering of Article 50 by the UK Government finally puts an end to 9 months of uncertainty following the Brexit referendum. Now negotiations can start quickly and without further delay", said Manfred Weber MEP, Chairman of the EPP Group in the European Parliament today.

"History will show that Brexit is a tremendous mistake. It will create a lot of damage for both sides. But since the British voters decided to leave, we have to respect their choice. For the EPP Group, the negotiations should follow two steps: first we need to agree on the divorce settlement, then we will talk about the new relationship", said Weber.

"The European Parliament is the Parliament of consent and will have to approve the leave Treaty at the end of the negotiations. All negotiators should bear this in mind. One thing is clear for us: cherry picking is over for the United Kingdom and we will defend the interests of the 440 million EU citizens when negotiating with the UK."

"Three items are key for the EPP Group: first, the situation of the 3.2 million EU citizens living in the UK and the 1.2 million UK citizens living in the EU should be clarified as soon as possible. We need to put an end to the uncertainty they are living through. Secondly, the question of the bill needs to be answered. Great Britain must fulfil its financial commitments towards the EU. Thirdly, we will not allow the peace in Northern Ireland to be jeopardised."