The aim of this meeting is to have the working consultations before Brexit negotiations begin. The European Commissioner is visiting the capitals of the 27 member states to present the future talks and to learn about the key issues for each member state.
According to Dalia Grybauskaitė, the United Kingdom is an important economic and security partner of the EU; therefore, Lithuania stands for a model of cooperation that is acceptable for all parties. However, the free movement of persons and other fundamental freedoms cannot be undermined.
The President stated that the EU had an obligation to ensure that EU citizens who work, study and reside in the UK, including Lithuanians, were not discriminated against and could enjoy all social guarantees.
Presently, some 200 thousand Lithuanians live in Great Britain.
Brexit negotiations will begin when the United Kingdom triggers Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty on the withdrawal from the EU. Prime Minister Theresa May had notified earlier that this should take place before the end of March 2017.
