The EU27 will ensure that the future partnership with the UK is as close as possible, she said, "but there will obviously be a difference between that partnership and the UK’s current status as a member of the EU". In the final analysis, a "fair balance" must be found between the interests of the two sides. That is possible, said the Chancellor. "That can be found."

Close consultation before the March Council meeting

The future 27 EU member states will be following very closely what ideas the United Kingdom voices, before the meeting of the European Council in March. Then, the EU 27 as a group will consult closely and constructively on the influence this will have on the guidelines for the future relationship between the EU27 and the United Kingdom.

Following the departure of the United Kingdom, Europe aims to retain as "close and constructive a partnership as possible" with the still member state, "both in economic and in political terms".

Time schedule must be respected, but thorough work needed

It is quite clear, said Angela Merkel, that "We want to respect the time schedule." But even under time pressure it is important to do things thoroughly. British Prime Minister Theresa May said, with respect to the sequence of events, "We will be setting out at different times the next stage of the process."

Theresa May also stressed that the UK is aiming to obtain maximum freedom on European markets, as the UK intends to guarantee its European partners. The Brexit agreement is to benefit both British and German businesses.

On 29 March 2017 the United Kingdom formally notified the European Council of its intention to leave the European Union. Since 19 June 2017, Brexit negotiations have been ongoing between the United Kingdom and the EU27. During what is known as the first phase of negotiations, the focus was on the terms and conditions of the UK’s withdrawal. After the European Council, meeting on 15 December 2017, deemed that sufficient progress had been made, the second phase of negotiations could begin. This second phase focuses on the future relations of the UK to the EU and the terms and conditions that will apply during the transitional phase. There is a two-year time limit on withdrawal negotiations. The EU and the United Kingdom have until 29 March 2019 to reach agreement.