THE formal talks on Brexit have finally kicked off in Brussels from Monday as designated representatives from both sides made the debut of the formal separation talks. British Prime Minister Theresa May also went on a whirlwind visit to Brussels Thursday to meet top EU leaders and particularly German Chancellor Angela Markel and France President Emmanuel Macron to set the talks on right track.
The Brexit negotiations start at a time when British Prime Minister is heading a minority government with a hang up parliament. Her coalition with North Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party is set to weaken stance for hard Brexit as they favour soft border with Irish Republic and keep their opening to the EU. Mainstream British political parties are skeptical about such coalition at a huge political cost only to allow the Conservative Party to continue in power.
Brexit is facing the biggest challenge on free movement of labour that Britain does not want. Britain’s access to European single market and the prevalence of the European Court on British law are also critical issues. The fact is that the severance talks will continue for more than 18 months and there is no certainty whether the Conservative will continue in power to the end or new election will take place to overcome political uncertainty to end Brexit talks to a successful end.
The UK Prime Minister has suggested that Britain will allow the EU nationals to stay and enjoy equal rights in post Brexit time if EU agrees to such arrangement. Her offer made the strong friendly gesture as she told the EU leaders that she did not want to see anyone in the UK forced to leave by now or their families split up.
It may be a divorce that has begun with a mutual understanding, but the future of it is highly uncertain – both for Britain and the EU. There is also no point pretending that European interests have not been hurt by Britain leaving the EU but the point is that the community of the remaining 27 European states should not lose determination and make sincere pledge to remain united. We are not sure if Brexit referendum could win if it were held after France election. Trump’s isolationist policy has pushed EU to the breaking point encouraging separatist forces, but the trend has already reversed. Most cosmopolitan British cities want to live in united Europe as against rural Britons.
Most importantly, we expect both the EU and the UK’s leaderships’ to respect each other’s differences in negotiations and move forward despite all existing differences. A member of the union definitely has the right to stay or leave, but that should not anyhow harm the ideals of a greater European Unity. Ms Markel has rightly said EU’s priority lies ahead not looking back.
The Brexit negotiations start at a time when British Prime Minister is heading a minority government with a hang up parliament. Her coalition with North Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party is set to weaken stance for hard Brexit as they favour soft border with Irish Republic and keep their opening to the EU. Mainstream British political parties are skeptical about such coalition at a huge political cost only to allow the Conservative Party to continue in power.
Brexit is facing the biggest challenge on free movement of labour that Britain does not want. Britain’s access to European single market and the prevalence of the European Court on British law are also critical issues. The fact is that the severance talks will continue for more than 18 months and there is no certainty whether the Conservative will continue in power to the end or new election will take place to overcome political uncertainty to end Brexit talks to a successful end.
The UK Prime Minister has suggested that Britain will allow the EU nationals to stay and enjoy equal rights in post Brexit time if EU agrees to such arrangement. Her offer made the strong friendly gesture as she told the EU leaders that she did not want to see anyone in the UK forced to leave by now or their families split up.
It may be a divorce that has begun with a mutual understanding, but the future of it is highly uncertain – both for Britain and the EU. There is also no point pretending that European interests have not been hurt by Britain leaving the EU but the point is that the community of the remaining 27 European states should not lose determination and make sincere pledge to remain united. We are not sure if Brexit referendum could win if it were held after France election. Trump’s isolationist policy has pushed EU to the breaking point encouraging separatist forces, but the trend has already reversed. Most cosmopolitan British cities want to live in united Europe as against rural Britons.
Most importantly, we expect both the EU and the UK’s leaderships’ to respect each other’s differences in negotiations and move forward despite all existing differences. A member of the union definitely has the right to stay or leave, but that should not anyhow harm the ideals of a greater European Unity. Ms Markel has rightly said EU’s priority lies ahead not looking back.
