The task force will begin its work regardless of developments in the United Kingdom, the Commission said.
The task force, which will continue to be headed by the EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier, will finalize the divorce talks, be in charge of the Commission's preparations for a "no-deal" and the future relationship with the UK."Once the Withdrawal Agreement is ratified by the UK Parliament, and the European Parliament has given its consent, the EU is ready to immediately kick off work leading to negotiations on our future relationship with the UK, in full respect of European Council guidelines," the Commission said in a statement.