Prime Minister Andrej Babiš met with David Davis, the British Brexit Secretary

„I am sorry about the decision of the UK but I respect it. The United Kingdom has been a crucial partner for the Czech Republic within the EU. I believe it will continue to be so. Brexit should not drown the years of excellent relations. First, however, it is necessary to resolve two parallel levels, the actual exit and the setting of new relations,“ said Prime Minister Andrej Babiš.

At the meeting, the premier stressed that the Czech government fully supported Michel Barnier who has the mandate to negotiate about brexit from all EU member states. It was also said at the meeting that the priority for concluding the withdrawal agreement was consensus on retaining the rights of Union citizens at the largest possible extent.

Brexit will also be discussed at the upcoming March meeting of the European Council where guidelines for the future relationship with the UK should be adopted. Based on those guidelines, the European Commission may then start negotiations in that field.