EU confirms aims for close ties with Britain after Brexit

Delivering his annual state-of-the-union speech to the European Parliament, Juncker said although not in the same privileged position after Brexit, the EU always considers the UK a very close neighbour and partner, in political, economic and security terms.

Juncker sent a positive signal on UK Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit proposal, known as the "Chequers" plan for the country residence where it was hammered out in July. It calls for Britain to stay in a free trade zone with the EU for goods.