April 20, 2020

The statement says that David Frost, the UK’s Chief Negotiator, and Michel Barnier, the European Commission’s Chief Negotiator, held a “constructive meeting” via videoconference on 15 April. According to the statement, the two sides took stock of the technical work that has taken place since the first negotiating round on the basis of the legal texts exchanged by both sides, and agreed on the need to organise further negotiating rounds by videoconference in order to make “real, tangible progress in the negotiations by June”.

The following dates have been agreed for negotiating rounds lasting a full week: w/c 20 April; w/c 11 May; and w/c 1 June. Agendas for all rounds will be published online in due course. The High Level June meeting will take stock of the progress made.

Mr Frost and Mr Barnier also discussed the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement. They agreed that the proper and timely implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement was “a key priority for both sides” and noted that the Specialised Committees provided for by the Agreement, including on the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland and on citizens’ rights, would meet “soon”. To read the joint statement in full, click here.