Thread by @Usherwood

It's our #NegotBrexit event today, so some early thoughts for you

1/

We've been monitoring most EU member states and institutions on their approach to #brexit and #a50

2/

There's a very high degree of buy-in to COM's approach, leading to a broadly united front

3/

However, also clear most states don't think Brexit is particularly important, either relative to rest of EU policy or more broadly

4/

Germany and Ireland have been central in shaping mandate, with EUCO/COM/EP working closely in Brussels

5/

Also evident that states understand brexit primarily through domestic politics lens (except possibly Germany), so local pay-offs matter

6/

Unity now likely to be tested as we move towards #A50 end-game, especially once defence of EU as a system is dealt with

7/

In short, Article 50 isn't going to get any easier for UK or for EU

/end