British prime minister Theresa May has recently presented the strategy of her country’s exit from the European Union.
Britain's decision last year to leave the European Union was not a rejection of the values this country shares with the European Union, but a vote for Britain to become even more global and internationalist in action and in spirit. This is, in essence, the message that the British prime minister Theresa May presented at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Only two days after having spoken, at home, about the strategy of a hard Brexit, Theresa May has tried to ease the concerns of the world economic elite that met in Switzerland.
So what does Britain want? A clear and definitive break with the EU, which also involves leaving the single market, to which, however, it further wants access, given that 44% of British exports went there in 2015. Staying on this market of 500 million consumers would be incompatible with the Brits' no. 1 priority - a stricter control of European migration. Britain, Theresa May says, is open and tolerant, but its citizens' message was very clear, namely, through Brexit the number of Europeans entering the country needs to be controlled.
However, the 3 million European expats in Britain and the 2 million Britons in the EU are sharing the same worries regarding their future, as it is uncertain if they may need visas and work and stay permits or if they may have to pack and go home. As far as Romania is concerned, the prospect that the free movement of European workers may be in question is inconceivable.
Theresa May has also talked about a new customs deal with the EU. In short, the British prime minister says that the success of the EU is in the best interest of London, so that Britain will further be the best friend and neighbour of its European partners. At the same time, Britain will look beyond the EU borders, hoping to become a great, global, trading nation, by signing its own agreements with Commonwealth countries, with the US and the developed economies in Asia. Moreover, the UK, which has often been at the vanguard of economic and social changes, will consolidate its newly assumed role as the strongest advocate for business, markets and free trade anywhere in the world, Theresa May says.
Only time will tell if Britain's desire to leave the EU is an inspired move or not. Exit procedures must be initiated no later than end-March. This will be only the beginning of tough negotiations with Brussels and the European partners that are expected to last at least 2 years.
Useful Links
Copyright © . All rights reserved