Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn called for a fair deal for all citizens in negotiations with the United Kingdom over the terms of its withdrawal from the EU at the General Affairs Council held in Luxembourg yesterday, while affirming that Britain still needs to honour its financial obligations.
The meeting brought the remaining 27 members together to discuss the draft guidelines that will set the framework for Brexit negotiations.
"While I still regret the British decision to leave the EU, it is now a matter of making the most of this situation," said Minister Asselborn, noting that "the guidelines we have approved today are the first step towards a good and fair agreement on the details of an orderly withdrawal from the United Kingdom."
Minister Asselborn stressed that the UK’s withdrawal should not be to the detriment of citizens, no matter where they come from.
"We want a pragmatic and humane solution, and we must prevent citizens from being used as hostages in the negotiation process. EU citizens are not bargaining chips! Every citizen should be able to stay where he lives now and with the same rights he can claim today,” he said.
Similarly, Jean Asselborn stressed that "it is important for the United Kingdom meets its financial obligations. Since 1973, we have come a long way together and London has to pay its financial liabilities by paying off the accounts."
Finally, recalling that the UK wants to leave the EU internal market, Jean Asselborn explained that "we respect this British choice, but the UK will have to take full responsibility for this, a third country will not benefit from the same rights, or more favourable rights, than a member country.”
