EU leaders have agreed their joint negotiating strategy ahead of Brexit talks with the UK.
European Council president Donald Tusk has tweeted to say the EU now has a "firm and fair" political mandate for the talks.
It took just one minute for the 27 leaders including the Taoiseach to reach the unanimous agreement.
Guidelines adopted unanimously. EU27 firm and fair political mandate for the #Brexit talks is ready. #EUCO
— Donald Tusk (@eucopresident) April 29, 2017
The guidelines include agreement that the EU wants to protect the Northern Ireland peace process, avoid a "hard border".
"The Union has consistently supported the goal of peace and reconciliation enshrined in the Good Friday Agreement in all its parts, and continuing to support and protect the achievements, benefits and commitments of the Peace Process will remain of paramount importance.
In view of the unique circumstances on the island of Ireland, flexible and imaginative solutions will be required, including with the aim of avoiding a hard border, while respecting the integrity of the Union legal order.
In this context, the Union should also recognise existing bilateral agreements and arrangements between the United Kingdom and Ireland which are compatible with EU law."
Entering the summit, the President of the European Council Donald Tusk said the EU must stay united during the talks:
Speaking ahead of today's meeeing, Enda Kenny said Ireland's agenda was clearly focussed on issues including the status of the north, freedom of movement and trade with the UK.
We've prepared well for the upcoming Brexit negotiations & I am confident Ireland's concerns will be addressed at the EU Council 2m. pic.twitter.com/oqRsevkWXz
— Enda Kenny (@EndaKennyTD) April 28, 2017
