From the moment the UK’s referendum result was announced, the EU underlined that it would respect Britain’s decision. A joint statement issued immediately after the result said:

There have been many rounds of talks since then, and from the start, the EU was ready to negotiate as soon as the UK had notified its intention to withdraw. As the EU treaties foresee the possibility of a withdrawal in the now well-known Article 50, the process was well defined.

There have been complex matters to resolve, but the priority has been to ensure an orderly withdrawal of the UK in order to reduce uncertainty and disruption for citizens, businesses and member states alike.

And throughout, the EU has consistently stood by its determination to be united, transparent in its position and prepared for the future, and to do everything in an orderly way and within the legal framework defined by the EU treaties.