Britons should keep EU rights after Brexit, EU negotiator says

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker attempted to put a fearless face on Britain’s impending departure.

Mr Kenny also warned that Ireland has the capacity to compete and take business from London as banks and finance firms uncertain about the future UK-EU trading relationship make decisions to move all or part of their operations outside Britain.

She insisted, “And of course, when we leave the European Union, their wish in this regard will indeed be respected”.

OLAF also said the scheme had cost Germany, France, Spain and Italy some 3.2 billion euros in lost national sales tax revenue. Thus they are reluctant to make concessions in that area, which is key for the European Union to close the deal, the source added.

Mr Verhofstadt, who also warned that the European Parliament would have the power to reject any Brexit deal brokered between the United Kingdom and the European Commission, claimed that the estimated three million EU citizens living in Britain were victims of “political games”. Belgium’s Prime Minister, Charles Michel, said: “There will be hard discussions on all subjects”.

Tusk recognised “unity” as the number one priority among the remaining 27: “It is clear from the debate that the unity of the 27 will be our most precious asset”.

The Article 50 bill could pass on Monday night, enabling Mrs May to formally trigger Brexit as early as Tuesday. Otherwise, the summit will be held later in the month.

Brits have European Union citizenship – and they shouldn’t lose their rights, said European Union negotiator Guy Verhofstadt.

British people should still be able to travel freely and vote in EU elections after Brexit, according to Chief EU Negotiator Guy Verhofstadt.

But she promised to remain “a good friend and ally” to the European Union, reminding the leaders of the benefits of cooperation with Britain to try to persuade them to maintain “frictionless trade” and strong economic ties. The single-market bloc said it would resolutely advance on all ongoing negotiations for free trade agreements, including with sub-regional trade bloc Mercosur, Mexico and Japan.