On January 31, 2020, the United Kingdom officially left the European Union. After three and a half years of negotiations following the «yes» to Brexit—a «yes» that came without instructions on «how»—the UK embarks on a new process of agreements with the European Union. This time, from outside. For the United Kingdom, leaving the European Union does not imply or result in a change in its international stance; in fact, most of its foreign policy remains unchanged. Both its commitment to free trade—through which they led an internal battle to promote the EU’s global role—and its attitude toward environmental protection policies, renewable energy, workers’ rights, and maternity and paternity leave remain intact. Its internal policy will not become deregulated after the departure. Additionally, its more international commitments, such as its role in NATO, will also remain the same. The United Kingdom will continue to allocate 2% of its GDP to the defense of the organization.

As part of the negotiation process, which will begin in a few weeks, the United Kingdom will build its dialogue with a constructive approach and a desire to achieve positive results for its citizens. Securing an ambitious free trade agreement, as well as other parallel agreements on nuclear security, immigration, and fishing, constitutes its top priority. The new immigration regime is of particular importance to the European Union as it ends the free movement of people. However, the United Kingdom has reaffirmed its intention not to close itself off as a country. Through negotiations, they intend to continue opening up to professionals and students. However, it is most likely that they will have to pay more to enter and stay in the country, as well as meet specific conditions. Other initiatives, such as Erasmus, will be reviewed.

As a result of a divergence in the perception of democratic legitimacy within the European Union, the United Kingdom decided to leave. But it is not closing its doors, nor does it intend to change its outlook. The time has come for it to take and implement its new role in the world.

Nicole Pretell
Communication Assistant, INCIPE