The EU and Brexit: Why Leaving Isn't as Hard as You Think

Contrary to popular belief, leaving the European Union (EU) is not as difficult as it seems. Many misconceptions exist about the complexities and hurdles in the process. This article aims to clarify the facts and demystify the notion that the EU intentionally makes it hard for member countries to leave.

Understanding the Process: How Article 50 Works

Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union guarantees the right of any member nation to leave. All that is required is for the country to decide to leave according to its national constitutional process and then notify the European Council of this decision. Once the notice is given, there is a 2-year grace period during which both parties negotiate the details of the exit and future relations. After this period, the country must leave, regardless of the terms.

Article 50 is a straightforward process that any member nation can initiate, provided it follows the correct constitutional procedures and sends a formal notification to the European Council.

The 'Hard' Part: Untangling a 40-Year Relationship

Although the legal and formal aspects of leaving the EU are relatively simple, the practical challenges are vast and complex. The 40-year intertwined relationship between EU member states is not easily untangled. It's like trying to untangle a bowl of overcooked, sticky spaghetti. The strands are firmly entwined, and attempting to separate them will break some. Additionally, consider the shared responsibilities and agreements, akin to the children in a marriage, which cannot be split or undone.

Leaving the EU involves untangling a 40-year relationship that has led to numerous agreements and shared responsibilities. This makes the process much more challenging and complex.

The Role of National Parliaments and the Members' Choice

Article 50 must be invoked by a country's parliament, typically through a letter to Brussels stating the intention to "invoke Article 50." Two ways to stop the exit process are available: revoking Article 50 notification or delaying it. Revocation or delay can only be done through a letter from the same parliament that initiated the Article 50 process. The EU has no power to revoke or delay an Article 50 notification.

The process of leaving the EU is ultimately decided by the member state's parliament. There are no external forces or EU bodies that can prevent a country from leaving after Article 50 is invoked.

Why the EU Makes It Easier to Stay Instead of Leaving

While the EU process for leaving is relatively straightforward, the EU has taken steps to make membership more attractive, thereby making the process of leaving more difficult. Countries that have promised better terms post-Brexit have found themselves in a difficult position, as they have to deliver on their promises. This has led to significant political and logistical challenges.

The EU has made membership attractive through various benefits, which makes the decision to leave more challenging for member states.

In summary, the idea that the EU deliberately makes it hard for member countries to leave is a misconception. The legal process is straightforward, but the practical challenges are immense. The true difficulties lie in the complex and long-term nature of the EU's intertwined memberships and shared responsibilities. Understanding this can help clarify the reality of the situation and dispel the notion that the EU has vested interests in keeping countries within the Union.