British Prime Minister Theresa May has attended her last EU summit before launching Brexit, but has been keener to talk about pretty much anything else.
May, who will trigger Article 50 of the European Union's Lisbon Treaty to launch two years of divorce talks later in March, on Thursday did not want to linger on her plans for the complicated negotiations.
At a meeting held in the shadow of Brexit but dominated by more immediate concerns such as re-electing the EU summit chairman, May set out to show Britain was still a reliable member, despite choosing "a different path".
She offered suggestions on everything from countering Russian "disinformation" to tackling organised crime - topics that helped her to underline Britain's contribution in areas such as security and intelligence.
"At this summit we've shown once again how Britain will continue to play a leading role in Europe long after we have left the EU," she told reporters.
But she gave little away on the timing of triggering Article 50, only reiterating she would launch the talks by the end of March.
May enters the negotiations with a long wish list - wanting the closest possible trading ties, security co-operation, regaining control over immigration and restoring sovereignty over British laws.
The EU has baulked at her demands, saying they amount to "having your cake and eating it".
But she promised to remain "a good friend and ally" to the EU, reminding the leaders of the benefits of co-operation with Britain to try to persuade them to maintain "frictionless trade" and strong economic ties.
But the fact May left the summit after a dinner late on Thursday was a reminder that Britain is already, more often than not, out of the room.
The other 27 leaders will use Friday to prepare for a "unity" summit to be held in Rome on March 25, the 60th anniversary of the treaty that laid the EU's foundation.
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