Unfavorable for the United Kingdom are the conciliated measures for its exit from the European Union

Leer en español: Reino Unido vencido por la Unión Europea en el Post-Brexit

With a majority of votes, although by a small margin, the United Kingdom decided to leave the European Union (EU), in what is known as 'Brexit'. This is the first and only case in which a country decides to separate itself from the political and economic alliance made up of 28 European nations.

However, according to announcements by the EU negotiator for Brexit, Michel Barnier, not everything is written. In fact, Barnier said that "nothing is agreed until everything is agreed." These statements came after the meeting with his British counterpart, David Davis, where they agreed that the transition period would be a little laxer.

For many analysts, the agreement will bring greater benefits for the EU, than for the United Kingdom. However, this is not final and the negotiations must be closed before March 2019. One of the negative points for the British will be that during the whole transition period they will be practically at the mercy of the decisions of the other 27 countries, without the right to vote, or to veto, regardless of whether they disagree with the measures to be implemented. This period will have a duration of 21 months, starting on March 31, 2019 and until December 31, 2020.

Another of the critical points included in the draft agreement has to do with Northern Ireland. Theresa May and Jean-Claude Juncker set a "backstop" clause, according to which Northern Ireland would remain under the political and economic rules of the rest of the island at the end of the negotiations, but if an agreement is not reached, Northern Ireland would continue to be part of the EU.

One more issue that adds to the disadvantages for the United Kingdom has to do with borders. Although the British government wanted to have full control of its border limits as soon as the Brexit was carried out, Europeans arriving in this territory will have the same rights as those who arrived while the country was part of the EU.

As if that were not enough, there is also a big disappointment for May's government regarding fishing. Initially, the sailors had been promised immediate control of their production, but now the English and Scottish will have to act under the EU fishing quotas until the transition period is over.

Finally, one of the points that seems to have generated less controversy is the amount of money to be paid by the United Kingdom, which will have to disburse around 50,000 million euros until 2064. The real problem lies in the regulatory framework, because despite being outside of the European Union between 2019 and 2020, the United Kingdom will have to abide by existing European laws; it may discard some policies through OPT-OUT clauses, but it will not have any influence on EU decisions.

The truth is that there is still a year to evaluate the possible agreements between London and Brussels and establish a beneficial outcome for both parties. However, what is most striking so far is the weakness of the United Kingdom in the negotiations.

Latin American Post | Julio Abella

Translated from "Reino Unido vencido por la Unión Europea en el Post-Brexit"