EU agrees to start phase two of Brexit talks: experts react

There are no surprises in the document agreed by the leaders of the 27 EU countries (EU27) at the European Council. They have followed the European Commission’s recommendations and are speaking with one voice. The document confirms that phase two of the Brexit talks is not a trade negotiation but a negotiation of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU – and the EU is solidly in control of the negotiating timetable.
Here are three things to watch out for in the next few months. First, respect for the agreements arrived at in phase one is a condition for Brexit negotiations to progress. While the principle of “nothing is agreed until everything is agreed” remains, the EU expects the UK to continue negotiating in good faith.