"The European Council reconfirms its conclusions of 25 November 2018, in which it endorsed the Withdrawal Agreement and approved the Political Declaration. The Union stands by this agreement and intends to proceed with its ratification. It is not open for renegotiation," the European Council said in its summit conclusions.
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"The European Council reiterates that it wishes to establish as close as possible a partnership with the United Kingdom in the future. It stands ready to embark on preparations immediately after signature of the Withdrawal Agreement to ensure that negotiations can start as soon as possible after the UK’s withdrawal," the conclusions added.
The council also said in EU27 Brexit summit conclusions that "the European Council calls for work on preparedness at all levels for the consequences of the United Kingdom’s withdrawal to be intensified, taking into account all possible outcomes."
The European Council also said that the Northern Ireland backstop under the UK withdrawal deal was intended as an insurance policy aimed at preventing the establishment of a hard border on the island of Ireland.
"The European Council also underlines that, if the backstop were nevertheless to be triggered, it would apply temporarily, unless and until it is superseded by a subsequent agreement that ensures that a hard border is avoided," the conclusions added.
Brussels said that in this case, it would be ready to conclude a subsequent agreement replacing the backstop to make sure that the measure is in place "for as long as strictly necessary," adding it expected the same from London.
