UK residents today voted for the country’s withdrawal from the EU. Despite the fact that there is a clear right to secede from the Union, no one state has not yet applied this mechanism. RT explains what actions you must now take the British authorities to formally leave the European Union.
UK tells European Council of its wish to withdraw from the EU
The exit mechanism laid down in article 50 of the Treaty on European Union. The official process starts after the notification by the European Council of its wish to secede from the EU. The European Council — the highest political body of the European Union, consisting of the heads of state and government of member countries of the EU. Members of the European Council are the Chairperson, elected for 2.5 years, and the President of the European Commission.
The UK and the EU are negotiating a release
Throughout the negotiation process for exit from the EU, the UK remains a member and must continue to fulfill all obligations prescribed by the Treaty on European Union. Despite this, the UK representatives in the European Council must not participate in discussions on the country’s withdrawal from the Union or to take part in the vote.
Sides of the vote
The two main legislative body of the EU, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union — to discuss exit criteria and conduct the vote.
The European Parliament consists of more than 700 representatives directly elected by the citizens of member States of the Union. Together with the Council of the European Union Parliament forms the bicameral legislative branch of the EU. Approval of release agreement must support a simple majority vote.
In the Council of the European Union consists of 28 Ministers of the governments of the countries — members of EU in composition, depending on the discussed range of issues. Also, without vote, in the Council involved the appropriate Commissioner. For approval of the transaction in the Council of the European Union for it should vote a qualified majority (⅔ or ¾ of the votes). In this case, 20 of the 27 members of the Council.
Starts the logout process
On fulfillment of the conditions stipulated in the contract, is given 2 years from the notification of the European Council. However, the period may be extended if all members of the Council of Europe will vote for it.
Britain leaves the EU
After the deadline the UK is automatically out of the EU, even in the case that the parties had failed to reach all agreements. Britain loses all the rights and obligations of membership in the Union: free trade, free movement of citizens within the EU and others.
