Relatively colder responses from the European Union partners towards the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Theresa May strongly suggest that a hard negotiation is coming over the next few years, especially if the United Kingdom maintains its strong stance. The message from Theresa May towards her European partners was a strong one; “The UK is leaving the EU but we will continue to play a full role until we leave and we’ll be a strong and dependable partner after we’ve left.”
The European leaders also sent a strong message that there would be no pre-negotiations. French President Mr. Hollande made it clear that France wouldn’t support any pre-negotiations. Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern said: “Whatever is said today, the process of exiting the EU cannot start until there is an official letter.” The chair of the summit Donald Tusk said, “It is not our decision, it is not our choice. I would prefer 28 member states, not only for the next months but for the next decades. But after the decision we have to respect the referendum”. He also added, whether there can be a second referendum or not is in the hands of the British.
In response to that, Mrs. May said that there are no turning backs and there will be no second referendum.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that she welcomes Mrs. May’s assertion that the Brexit won’t undermine the European Unity but has heard nothing new today. According to her, in reality the terms of the exit would be rough. French President Hollande asserted; “I say very firmly: if Mrs. May wants a hard Brexit she will get a hard negotiation.”
From these wars of words we can assert that once the Article 50 is triggered next year, the negotiations would be tough.
