Five years on from the EU referendum, we are still attempting to learn lessons and digest those we have learnt.  In this country, the vast majority of attention has, unsurprisingly, focused on developments here – in parliament, in our constitutional settlement, and in the country as a whole.  But how did the EU and its member states approach the Brexit process?  What were their priorities in the lengthy negotiations?  How did they view the UK, and what are their priorities for their relationship with it in the years ahead? 

To answer these questions, we brought together a team of experts on EU member states and the EU itself I am delighted that we have been able to bring together some of the best minds working on these questions to provide this contribution.

As ever, I am immensely grateful to all those who contributed to this report and particularly to Hussein Kassim and Jill Rutter who put it together and read  

and edited all the various sections.  Contributors have tolerated our questions and comments with efficient good humour. 

I hope you find what follows interesting and informative.