UK's Brexit Secretary David Davis (L) and EU Brexit chief Michel Barnier at a speech in Brussels on August 28, 2017. (Photo:Reuters)

Barnier said the EU needs to know the UK’s position on each separate issue. He stressed that it is necessary to make steady progress, so both sides should start negotiating in earnest and the UK should give the EU the documents it needs to conduct constructive negotiations. Barnier said the sooner they remove the ambiguity, the sooner they will be in a position to define the future relationship and discuss a transitional period. He said the EU Council has provided clear directions on the negotiation process and the future of bilateral relations.

The EU will discuss a final settlement after the UK leaves the EU, as soon as London presents its analysis of the payment.