BRUSSELS (Sputnik) — Negotiations between the European Union and the United Kingdom on its exit could be extended beyond the late March 2019 target, the European Commission's directives published Wednesday state.
"The UK will cease to be a member of the European Union at midnight on 29 March 2019, unless the European Council decides unanimously to extend the two-year negotiating period," the directives read.
They state that the UK would "become a third country from the date of withdrawal."
The European Council is expected to formally adopt the European Commission's negotiating directives on May 22.
"With our recommendation today, we are on track to make sure that the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union happens in an orderly fashion. This is in the best interests of everyone. As soon as the UK is ready, we shall start negotiating in a constructive manner," EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said.
The European Council directives cover four main areas, including safeguarding the rights of EU citizens living in the United Kingdom, and UK citizens living in the EU member states; financial settlement between the parties; avoidance of the hard border construction between Ireland and Northern Ireland; and dispute settlements.
UK Prime Minister Theresa May triggered Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty outlining the country's exit from the European Union on March 29. Under the article, the process is to be concluded within two years from the withdrawal launch.
