(VOVworld) – March 28 became a historic day for the UK and the EU when Prime Minister Theresa May signed a letter to begin the UK’s exit from the EU. The so-called Brexit process is scheduled to take 2 years and involve some tough negotiations. 

UK Prime Minister Theresa May há triggered Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, officially launching Britain’s exit from the European Union.  Official negotiations are expected to begin in May or June after the 27 EU members agree on negotiation priorities, structure, and principles.

Expectation for a smooth Brexit

Prime Minister May told the House of Commons on Wednesday that the UK is planning a smooth and orderly Brexit. She has had separate talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, President of the European Council Donald Tusk, and President of the European Committee Jean-Claude Juncker. They all agreed that a strong EU serves the interests of each member country and the UK should be a close and trusted ally of the EU. They underlined the need for constructive and positive negotiations to achieve an orderly Brexit.

British officials have signaled that they will adopt a flexible view on the role of the EU Court of Justice, the EU leaving fee of 50 billion pounds, the rights of EU citizens in the UK, and UK- EU security relations.  

Uncompromised issues

Although both sides want constructive and positive negotiations, they have many differences. Some EU leaders say they don’t want to make things difficult for the UK, but with populism growing and anti-EU political parties expanding in many countries, the EU should not be too easy, which could set a bad precedent for other countries considering an exit.

The EU will set conditions that the UK must agree to before trade negotiations can proceed. Specifically, the UK must accept financial penalties and agree to protect the rights of 4 million EU citizens living in the UK.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday rejected Ms. May’s proposal to discuss Brexit and future UK-EU relations simultaneously. Merkel says when they have completed Brexit negotiations, they will discuss future relations.

President of the European Council Donald Tusk said Wednesday that the 27 EU countries will protect their interests in tough negotiations.

The UK wants relief from current EU regulations that obstruct its economy as soon as the negotiation period ends in March, 2019, not at the end of the transition period, which has not yet been specified. If that condition is not accepted, the UK will minimize taxes on foreign businesses and simplify trade procedures in order to compete with the EU.