Britain’s Withdrawal Process from European Union Formally Begins

Britain’s withdrawal process from the European Union has begun. Earlier, Theresa May, the country’s Prime Minister, signed a letter informing London’s intention to invoke Article 50 of the European Union treaty concerning member states’ withdrawal.

Ms. May said in her speech to the British Parliament: “This is a historic moment. A moment of no return. From now on, we will make decisions for ourselves and pass our own laws. We will seize this opportunity to build a stronger and fairer Britain for our children and grandchildren.”

Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, confirmed on Wednesday, March 29, that he has received Britain’s letter for withdrawal from the European Union.

Thus, two years of negotiations for Britain’s lengthy and complex withdrawal from the European Union after four decades of membership will begin. It is expected that Brexit negotiations will continue until March 2019.

David O’Sullivan, the European Union’s ambassador to Washington, told Voice of America that the bloc is deeply sorry about Britain’s decision to leave the union.

He said: “We are deeply sorry about Britain’s decision, but the foundation of democracy is one of the union’s highest values. The time has come for withdrawal negotiations to begin on the basis of Article 50 of the European Union, and from now on, our relations with Britain will be shaped on this basis, which of course will not be without challenges, especially for Britain.”

The British people voted to leave the European Union in a referendum in June 2016. Following this referendum, David Cameron, Britain’s Prime Minister, resigned from his position. One of his campaign promises was to hold a referendum on Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union.

Source: Voice of America