UK – EU officially 'say goodbye'

The process of negotiating Britain's exit from the European Union, also known as Brexit, has officially been activated.

After signing the historic letter officially starting the process of Britain leaving the European Union (EU), also known as Brexit, on March 29, British Prime Minister Theresa May made an important speech before the British Parliament, declaring the activation of Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty to begin the Brexit negotiation process with the European Union.

At the same time, British Prime Minister Theresa May's letter was also handed to European Council President Donald Tusk, marking the official moment of the historic "breakup" between Britain and the European Union.

Britain leaves the European Union (EU).

Speaking before Parliament, Prime Minister May stressed that this was an “irreversible” decision and that it was time for the British people to show solidarity to ensure a good deal to leave the European Union in accordance with the wishes of the majority of people in the referendum held in June 2016.

Mrs May also called on the British people to unite to achieve the best possible deal for the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, and for the future of every citizen of this country. However, the British Prime Minister said that the UK will also face many difficulties when it begins to say goodbye to the European Union.

“We know that we will lose influence over the rules that govern the European economy. We have to accept that. However, we will try to approach the Brexit negotiations constructively, respecting the spirit of cooperation in the most sincere way. It is in the interests of both the UK and the EU that we use this process to deliver our objectives in a fair and orderly manner,” the British Prime Minister stressed.

On the same day, in front of the press, a letter from British Prime Minister Theresa May was officially delivered to European Council President Donald Tusk, confirming Britain's intention to leave the European Union by activating Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, starting a two-year negotiation process to end its 44-year membership in the bloc.

Speaking to the press upon receiving a letter from British Ambassador to the European Union Tim Barrow, President of the European Council Donald Tusk said that the European Union will announce its guidelines on Brexit on March 31. Mr. Tusk also emphasized that the European Union will do everything within its power to reduce the damage caused by Brexit to citizens, businesses and other member states of the bloc.

“After all that has happened, most European countries, including almost half of the British people, hope that we will stay together and not break up. For myself, I do not intend to pretend to be happy on this day. No one has won in this process, neither the UK nor the European Union. In fact, it has caused damage. However, Brexit also brings some positive signals. That is, it makes the common community of the remaining 27 countries more determined and more united than ever,” Mr. Tusk said.

With the above statement, the negotiation process to take Britain out of the European Union, also known as Brexit, has been officially activated, marking the moment when the historic "breakup" between Britain and the European Union began.

Although the first formal talks between the UK and the EU have officially started, they will take place after the bloc's 27 member states agree on the priorities, principles and structure of the negotiations. Diplomats say the first formal talks will not begin until late May or early June.

It is expected that the entire process of resolving the first "divorce" after 60 years of the formation of the European Union will last about 2 years.

Analysts say the next two years will test the patience and goodwill of both the UK and the EU to establish a new partnership that will bring prosperity to both sides. At this time, the most important thing in the negotiation process is whether the two sides can reach an ambitious free trade agreement as called for by British Prime Minister Theresa May.

In the face of negotiations that will determine the fate and future direction of both sides, both sides want to show a tough stance, but deep down both sides clearly understand that they have too many common interests, and if the negotiation process falls into a deadlock, both sides will lose. This will also have a huge impact on bilateral cooperation strategies in the new era, as well as the UK's strategy in the post-Brexit period.

According to VOV