The EU has outlined its Brexit strategy, suggesting trade talks could begin after "sufficient progress" on a separation settlement with the UK.
The draft guidelines, announced by European Council President Donald Tusk in Malta, advocate a "phased approach".
They will be sent to the 27 member states for approval and will set the tone for two years of negotiations.
In Brussels, the EU's foreign policy chief suggested the EU could manage without the UK in defence matters.
The UK formally triggered the Brexit process on Wednesday after calling for simultaneous talks on exit terms and future trade ties.
At a news conference, Mr Tusk said: "Starting parallel talks on all issues at the same time as suggested by some in the UK will not happen.
"Only once we have achieved sufficient progress on the withdrawal can we discuss the framework for our future relationship."
Talks would be "difficult, complex and sometimes even confrontational", he predicted, but the EU would not "pursue a punitive approach".
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