(Strasburg) Almost three quarters of the European Parliament have passed the common resolution for starting Brexit negotiations following the “citizen-first” principle. After this morning’s debate at the Strasburg Parliament, MEPs passed the text proposed by EPP, Socialists and Democrats, Liberals, Greens and United Left, with 516 votes in favour, 133 against, and 50 abstentions. They are pro-Europe parties (though with different positions), while Euro-sceptics or the ones against Europe are about one quarter of the Parliament. The resolution (made known by SIR in advance) set principles and conditions for passing the agreement to exit the United Kingdom. MEPs pointed out the need “to grant fair and equal treatment to EU citizens living in the United Kingdom, and to British subjects living in the EU”, emphasising that the UK will be EU member “until it is officially out; that implies rights as well as duties, such as financial commitments, which may as well extend beyond the exit date”. MEPs recall that at the beginning it is necessary to define a few exit points, facing future relations between the 27 and London later on. The text recalls that it is necessary “to keep commitment on the peace process in Northern Ireland”, avoiding strict control at the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland.