24/01/2018 (Agence Europe) – On Wednesday 24 January, the 27 national ambassadors to the EU (Coreper 'Article 50') approved and slightly amended the draft negotiating directive with the UK on the post-Brexit transition period that the European Commission proposed setting at the end of 2020 (see EUROPE 11930). These negotiating directives call on London to apply the whole acquis communautaire during this period, but without any decision-making power. The question of the UK's ability to form or negotiate trade agreements with third countries during this period also needs to be settled. The EU is also calling on London to prolong the rights of free movement and their associated benefits for European citizens residing in the UK until the end of this transition period. The General Affairs Council will be asked to approve this draft negotiating directive on Monday 29 January. (SP)