Stocktaking after Theresa May’s Brexit speech in Florence: Key point – the transition, key omission – the future relationship. CEPS Policy Insights No 2017-34/September 2017

Emerson, Michael (2017) Stocktaking after Theresa May’s Brexit speech in Florence: Key point – the transition, key omission – the future relationship. CEPS Policy Insights No 2017-34/September 2017. [Policy Paper]

PDF - Published Version Download (975Kb)

Abstract

Prime Minister Theresa May’s speech in Florence on September 22nd was intended to be a milestone in the Brexit process, aimed at getting agreement with the EU to open negotiations over the future relationship, going beyond the current first phase that concerns only the withdrawal agreement. The main new content was a proposed transition period (yet to be negotiated) that would follow the formal withdrawal expected on 29 March 2019, under which much of the status quo for the UK as member state would be continued for ‘around two years’, giving more time for the negotiations over the future relationship. Since the transition would see continued budgetary contributions, this was an elegant way of partially defusing the very difficult matter of the financial settlement.

Actions (login required)