On 23 June, 2016 a scant majority of the British population voted to leave the EU. On 29 March, 2017 an official plea was submitted in order to initiate Brexit (the British exit of the EU) preparations. All legal ties between the EU and Great Britain will be formally cut once Brexit is concluded.
A draft withdrawal agreement from 14 November, 2018 was quickly ratified by the European Parliament. A majority of British representatives, however, did not agree with the terms stipulated in the agreement and voted against the paper.
What happens next?
Three different scenarios could result from the current situation:
If a version of the agreement is ratified by both parties, a transitional period will commence on 30 March, 2019. In this scenario, Great Britain would no longer be a part of the EU, but would generally receive equal treatment. Great Britain would remain under the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice, and EU citizens would retain their legal status. Rights of residence would remain untouched. Negotiations, concerning a possible trade union, among other things, would continue during this transitional phase.
If a ratification has not been reached by 31 October, Great Britain will leave the EU without a deal. Legislative and administrative emergency measures would be initiated on all levels to secure residential, economic and social functionality.
And in case of another referendum or new elections, a delay of Brexit could result.
