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The Romanian President Klaus Iohannis suddenly paused his own press conference at today's EU summit in Brussels just so he could move the UK flag out of shot. In the short clip, which later went viral, the European leader was talking about Brexit when out of the blue he stepped forward to move the Union Jack out of the way. Users on social media bemoaned the "petty act" while others joked that the clip perfectly summed up what Brexit means.

IG Users on social media bemoaned the

The Union flag had been on display along the press conference gaggle - ironically standing next to the European Union emblem. It remains unclear what prompted Mr Iohannis to suddenly move the flag out of view. One pro-Remain social media group tweeted: "The Romanian president moving the UK flag at the EU press conference this morning perfectly sums up the reality of Brexit." However, other account criticised the move as ridiclous and petty. Speaking to the press, the Romanian leader said the most urgent Brexit issue to resolve were the European citizens themselves, naming Romanian residents in the UK in particular.

IG The moment the leader moves the British flag out of shot

IG The Union Jack had been one of the flags on show along the press conference gaggle

The Romanian president moving the UK flag at the EU press conference this morning perfectly sums up the reality of Brexit Twitter user

The press conference took place shortly before the EU leaders agreed on a tough stance for Brexit Leaders of the EU27 adopted guidelines, which the European Council described as a "firm and fair mandate". They unanimously agreed on their demands, among them forcing Britain to finalize EU payments before a trade deal gets underway. It took less than 15 minutes to arrive at an agreement at the special Brexit summit. Areas set to be hotly contest during talks include the estimated £50bn divorce bill, the issue of the Irish border and citizens' rights.

GETTY Romanian leader pointing at UK flag on show

GETTY The press conference took place shortly before the EU leaders agreed on a tough stance for Brexit