Prime Minister Theresa May's first European Union summit since her disastrous election could mark the scene of the first big row of the Brexit negotiations as she outlines how the United Kingdom proposes to treat the bloc's citizens after it leaves. Perhaps more important, they begin just 10 days after a humbling election setback revived divisions within May's government on what kind of relationship it wants with the EU.
May's Tories are now stuck in power-sharing talks with Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party, while she's under pressure from some ministers to seek a softer Brexit.
These include the thorny issues of Britain's estimated 100-billion-euro ($112 billion) exit bill, the rights of European Union citizens living in Britain, and the fate of the border in Northern Ireland.
She made it clear that Britain wants reciprocal measures for the 1.5 million British citizens living in the EU.
It was said that Brexit negotiations were not about "punishment" or "revenge", but the talks between Chief European Union (EU) negotiator Michael Barnier and the UK's Brexit Negotiator David Davis did look a lot like kicking a man while he is down. May also promised to cut the burdensome bureaucracy such paperwork can involve, the official said. She won't receive any feedback and will be warned that any attempt to negotiate on the U.K.'s withdrawal will be given short shrift and could undermine the goodwill built up by officials this week, diplomats said. She mentioned the bill that Britain will have to pay to leave and questions about how to deal with the border between Northern Ireland and European Union member Ireland.
When May officially triggered the two-year unraveling process in March, she forced the European Union to realize it was losing one of its biggest members and a global player.
Below please find comments by the leaders arriving for talks on Thursday.
The EU was apprehensive that Britain would not be prepared for the initial stages of the exit process because of the June 8 election.
George Soros, the billionaire who earned fame by betting against the pound in 1992, said Britain was approaching a tipping point that would see the economy slow to such an extent that Brexit might even be reversed.
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"Who knows? You may say I am a dreamer, but I am not the only one", the former Polish premier added with a broad smile, quoting Lennon's iconic song.
His Belgian neighbor Charles Michel was more cautious about even raising the prospect of Britain staying in the Union: "I am NOT a dreamer and I'm not the only one", Michel told reporters. "And I am not the only one", Michel said.
Soros went on to say Brexit negotiations would take at least five years to complete, during which time another General Election would likely be held. "We must lift the uncertainty caused by Brexit", said Barnier.
For Britain, things have clearly gotten worse this year.
Davis said the talks were off to a "promising start" and denied that Britain had caved in on the sequencing of the talks.
The two-day Brussels summit will predominately focus on counter-terrorism, common defence and security.
He pushed at the summit for joint European defense, a joint budget for countries that use the euro and a tougher stance against the USA and China on trade. This is a odd idea given that it runs a huge trade surplus with us and has an interest in tariff-free smooth trade after we have left, just as we do. "It's a project, an ambition".
Mr Trump's "America First" approach and dismissive remarks about the EU and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation have and bolstered calls for the European Union to take on an increased defence role, while his decision to pull out of the Paris climate pact infuriated Europe.
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