The Commission’s chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, outlined to the Council, in EU27 format, the state of play in the Brexit process. On this basis, ministers discussed the next steps on Brexit ahead of the special meeting of the European Council (Article 50) of 10 April.
On 5 April Theresa May, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, sent a letter to Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, asking for a further extension to the Article 50 period. She proposed the date of 30 June 2019, adding that the UK government would continue to prepare to hold European Parliament elections should the UK still be a member at the time of the elections.
The letter of Prime Minister May includes a welcome commitment by the UK to organise European elections for any extension going beyond 22 May. This is an essential element. But important questions remain unanswered at this stage. In order to decide on a further extension, EU leaders will need clarity from the UK about its purpose.
George Ciamba, Romanian Minister Delegate for European Affairs