The European Commission established a task force to prepare and conduct negotiations with the United Kingdom. The Task Force will assist the Commission on all strategic, operational, legal and financial issues related to the negotiations. Sabine Weyand, currently Deputy Director-General in the Commission's trade department (DG TRADE) will become the Deputy Chief Negotiator as of 1 October 2016.  The announcement follows the appointment of Michel Barnier as Chief Negotiator on July 27, 2016. Mr. Barnier will commence his role from October 1, 2016. The Commission noted that once the UK triggers the process to leave the EU, Mr. Barnier will then make the necessary contacts with the UK authorities. 

View the press release.