The European Parliament approved with 516 votes in favour, 50 abstentions and 133 against the resolution that sets the benchmarks for the Brexit negotiations. The joint motion was supported by the groups of the EPP, S&D, Alde, Verdi and the United Left. Among the priorities of the negotiation are the rights of European citizens, the protection of the peace agreement in Northern Ireland, the respect of the financial commitments undertaken by Great Britain towards the EU.
It comes from Strasbourg, through the words of the President of the Parliament Antonio Tajani, “a clear message: the citizens' interest is our first priority. An orderly exit conducted in good faith is in the interest of both the European Union and Great Britain”. “It is very important – added the coordinator of the European Parliament on Brexit, Guy Verhofstadt – that a large majority approved the resolution on the negotiation, more than two thirds. Now both Britain and the Council are very familiar with the position of the parliament. We will be very firm with the British authorities but at the same time we are also very generous with the British citizens."
"We will negotiate in a spirit of friendship and openness not hostility, this is not the time to indulge in emotions." Thus the president of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker at the plenary of the European Parliament. With regard to the Brexit resolution under discussion today, Juncker underlined that “we are on the same wavelength on the main points, this is the moment to stick together. During the negotiation everyone will have to express the same message”.
