Brexit center stage at Brussels summit

The leaders of 27 EU member states expect British Prime Minister David Cameron to present a draft roadmap for Britain’s withdrawal from the EU.

Cameron will not, however, launch a formal exit procedure under Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, despite pressure exerted by several EU member states. Initiating the exit process would pave the way for negotiations on the terms of a Brexit, a stage which may take up to two years.

On Wednesday, European leaders are to continue their discussion without Cameron attending, as they focus on the future of post-Brexit Europe.

Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydło is travelling to Brussels with a set of proposals for reform within the EU, although the details of the package remain unknown. Warsaw intends to float temporary solutions that would change the functioning of the EU.

Earlier, Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski announced that Poland was in favour of curbing the powers of the European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, and, in turn, strengthening the role of the European Council, the bloc’s top policy-making body.

Prime Minister Szydło is scheduled to meet with representatives of fellow members of the Visegrad Group - the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary.

Other items on the agenda of the two-day talks include the ongoing refugee crisis, collaboration between the EU and NATO and the creation of a common digital market for Europe. (aba/pk)

Source: PAP, IAR