The General Affairs Council of the European Union was convened on Friday to discuss developments in the ongoing negotiations between the EU and the UK on the latter's withdrawal from the Union.
Minister for European Affairs and Equality Helena Dalli participated in the meeting which was held in the context of the publication of the white paper on the future relationship between the UK and the EU, and the Communication issued by the European Commission, urging all stakeholders to prepare for the withdrawal of the UK from the EU.
The General Affairs Council is tasked with making the preparations for the Council of the European Union on Article 50. An agreement, between all parties, including on the issue of Ireland, needs to be sealed by October 2019.
Whist welcoming the UK's white paper, Minister Dalli stressed the need for any future solution to be workable, to safeguard the level playing field, and to protect the integrity of the single market.
The European Commission's Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier presented the developments of the recent days to the General Council, and stressed the need for an agreement to be reached before the European Council meeting in October.