EU27 ministers discussed the state of play of the Brexit negotiations and started preparations for the European Council (Article 50)

With Bulgaria's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Ekaterina Zaharieva as Chair, the General Affairs Council (Article 50) took stock of the Brexit negotiations.

The EU27 were updated by the EU's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, on the latest developments in the negotiations with the UK. Ministers used this opportunity to flag their main priorities and concerns.

Ministers also started preparations for the European Council (Article 50) in March by examining the annotated draft agenda. The EU27 Heads of State or Government are expected to adopt guidelines for the future relationship between the EU and the United Kingdom.

Commenting on the outcome of the meeting, Ms Zaharieva said:

"There is a great deal of work that remains to be done and not much time left. But the EU is united and on-track to tackle the challenges that lie ahead. Our positions have been clear and consistent since the beginning of this process and we expect this to continue in the next phase of the negotiations."

Following the meeting, Ms Zaharieva gave a press conference together with Mr Michel Barnier.

More details about the outcome of the meeting are available here.

Pictures and videos are available here.