The European Union offered that the UK keeps its membership benefits for 21 months after Brexit so that businesses could adapt.
Ministers from 27 EU member countries approved new instructions. European Union's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier will soon start talks with the purpose of reaching agreement on the rules of the transition period within several months.
Spokesman of British Prime Minister Theresa May welcomed the EU agreement, saying it matched Britain’s aims, though there are still several disagreements.
According to Barnier, the offer was primarily in the UK’s interests.
“The United Kingdom must acknowledge these rules of the game and accept them from the outset,” he said.
EU diplomats also rejected the possibility that Britain could put a veto on EU legislation after its withdrawal on March 29, 2019. However, the transition offer gives London an opportunity to share its views at EU meetings.
