Antonio TAJANI, EP President, speaks to the press after the special meeting of the European Council on Article 50, whose purpose is to endorse the Brexit withdrawal agreement: extracts from the press conference. Members of the European Council approved the Brexit deal with British Prime Minister Theresa May. Mrs. May said the British cabinet had agreed on a withdrawal agreement where the UK will enter into an indefinite customs union with the EU. She explained that this would avoid a hard border in Northern Ireland by the end of the transition period in December 2020.

Brussels

TAJANI, Antonio (EPP, IT)

Brexit (T)

article 50 of the Lisbon treaty (T)

press conference

special meeting of the European Council on Article 50 (T)

Special meeting of the European Council on Article 50: extracts from the press conference

https://api.multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/documents/20125/20617199/I164030Chapters%5BSD-EN%5D.srt

EP President Antonio Tajani arrives at the press conference in the European Council. 

SOUNDBITE (Italian), Antonio TAJANI, EP President, Citizens rights, the 3 and a half million EU citizens living in the UK, the fact that after BREXIT, they can have the same rights as they have now. 

SOUNDBITE (Italian), Antonio TAJANI, EP President, Another fundamental point to the Parliament is the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic and our proposals, our concerns are reflected in the draft withdrawal agreement. When it comes to the political declaration on the future relationship, we also welcome the text that has been approved or is to be approved today and we welcome the fact here as well that there is a reference to an association agreement as the basis for our future relationship. Because this has always been the position of the European Parliament.

SOUNDBITE (Italian), Antonio TAJANI, EP President, We are going to vote on the agreement, we could do it in January but it would be rather difficult because we have to have the text translated. So I think we will be voting in February or March. We are in favour of defending the unity of all freedoms, You cannot really sperate the different freedoms so we will see what happens. There is a transition period and I will see what happens then. I think the position of the Parliament is already very clear with regard to the agreement.

SOUNDBITE (English), Antonio TAJANI, EP President, During my meeting yesterday with Theresa May, I said that the European Parliament is open for you when you want and it is possible to talk to the Conference of the Presidents. Also, if she wants the plenary is ready for a meeting with Mrs May. In the European Parliament, a large majority is in favour of this agreement. Ofcourse we will vote. speaking with my colleagues, with the groups, there is a majority. Also during my speech, I said I want to thank our group Mr. Verhofstadt, Mr. Brok, Mr.Valtteri and the others for the very important cooperation with me and Mr. Barnier. 