Once Britons elect their new government on June 8, the Whitehall administration will but have 11 days before negotiations begin on the terms for the United Kingdom’s divorce from the European Union. The timetable is tight, with the Lisbon Treaty allowing for two years of talks before the separation of the UK and EU is complete. British Prime Minister Theresa May set the clock ticking on March 29, meaning that by the end of the first quarter in 2019, her nation is charting its own course. The reality is that there is even less time, as final terms of the Brexit talks will likely have to be approved by the parliaments of the EU27, the European Commission, and the European Parliament. A realistic deadline suggests the end of 2018 or January 2019.
As with any divorce, negotiations are charged and divisive. Already, the EU27 agreed on their bargaining positions and principles, approved in 15 minutes at a Brussels summit. Before talks on a myriad of issues begin in earnest, the EU27 say three key issues must be addressed: Firstly, the UK’s payment of €60 billion (Dh200 billion); secondly, maintaining the open border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland; and thirdly, resolving the issue of the 3 million EU citizens who reside now in the UK.
Even on item one, there is no agreement. Elements in the UK suggest it doesn’t owe a penny, while some in the EU believe it owes €100 billion. Clearly, come June 19, the talks will be difficult — but the essence of any deal is one that results in neither party being fully satisfied.
