2 First, the Union and the United Kingdom wish to emphasise their shared and solemn regard for the vision for the future relationship detailed in the Political Declaration. 3 Second, the Union and the United Kingdom have the shared ambition to have the future relationship in place by the end of the transition period. To this end, the Union and the United Kingdom have confirmed that immediately following the United Kingdom’s withdrawal, they will take the steps necessary to begin formal negotiations. The Union and the United Kingdom have agreed that negotiations on the various strands of the future relationship will then proceed in parallel. Negotiating documents on Article 50 negotiations with the United Kingdom - Documents published as part of the European Commission's approach to transparency on Article 50 negotations with the United Kingdom

Source: The Irish Times March 12, 2019 06:22 UTC