Brexit negotiations must be transparent, honest, and open, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat told Chief EU Negotiator Michel Barnier during informal talks held at Castille this morning.

The United Kingdom will trigger Article 50, which will begin the two year process to the country's withdrawal from the union, later on this afternoon.

The remaining 27 member states will be releasing joint statements once the EU receives the official document informing them of the UK’s intent.

It was revealed that the remaining member states will begin drafting the guidelines for their common position on negotiations once the UK triggers Article 50.

The Prime Minister said that while he still holds that the negotiations should be fair for both sides, it was imperative that EU membership emerged as the superior option.

Dr Muscat also told Mr Barnier that  EU member states will have complete faith in his ability as their representative in negotiations.

He also assured the chief negotiator that he would not be dealing with 27 separated discussions with each member state, but would rather make it clear that the EU has one common vision.

Mr Barnier said that this was “the first day in a very long and difficult road” but maintained that the EU will look to establish a fair agreement for the long term future of union members.

Photos Jonathan Borg