Brexit talks begin, will focus first on orderly exit

BRUSSELS — Talks on Britain leaving the European Union began Monday with both sides saying they will focus first on an orderly withdrawal: a deal for citizens living in each other’s territory, border arrangements between Ireland and the U.K., and the amount that Britain will pay to get out of previous EU commitments.

The unprecedented talks, which could last nearly two years, did not produce anything revelatory on the first day. But the negotiations are crucial to the future of Britain and to the cohesion of the other 27 member states of the bloc.

Both EU negotiator Michel Barnier and his British counterpart David Davis said after the first negotiating session they were confident of quick progress but said major challenges lay ahead to meet the deadline of March 29, 2019, for Britain to officially leave the bloc, with or without a deal.

“In the first step, we will deal with the most pressing issues. We must lift the uncertainty caused by Brexit” amid sharp splits in London over what to seek in the divorce, Mr. Barnier said. “In a second step, we will scope our future partnership.”

From his comments, it appeared that the Brexit talks will largely follow the EU’s conditions and will center on the two sides’ new relationship only once sufficient progress has been made on the withdrawal issues.

Mr. Davis was heartened by the spirit of the talks, during which the negotiators, both interested in mountaineering, exchanged a walking stick and a hiking book.