[The Brexit Process and the Exit Doctrine: The European Council’s Leadership Role]

To understand the Brexit process an analysis of the European Council’s role is essential. In the process of shaping the relationship with the United Kingdom it assumed the lead and took key decisions on the negotiating procedure and the EU’s goals. It framed its decisions in a narrative, which highlighted the EU’s achievements and the differences between members and non-members. Similar to the membership conditions these provisions and decisions could become the EU’s exit doctrine.