the difficulties of Theresa May

It goes back two years remembers Sophie Pedder, between " those who want to cut all links with the European Union, and those who wish to stay as close as possible to the EU, without being members" .

What revived this opposition is Ms. May's proposal to conclude a free trade agreement with the EU on goods, with the establishment of a special customs union. British Prime Minister rules out the free movement of people and services

It is not sure that this vision is shared by the EU member states and the Brussels negotiators, " it is even unlikely that Europeans accept this proposal " according to Sophie Pedder because the principle of free circulation is not taken into account.

In European capitals and in Brussels, it has been repeatedly pointed out that One could not be in the Single Market, without respecting EU rules: the free movement of people, goods, services and capital. It would be difficult to " make a Europe à la carte" .

On the domestic front, Theresa May could be the subject of a motion of no confidence

It could be presented to Parliament by conservatives hostile to a "Brexit moderate" . Newspapers in the European press even anticipate early elections in the UK, but it is still premature.

On the calendar: the withdrawal of the United Kingdom will take place on March 29, 2019, but there will be a transitional period until 31 December 2020. During this period, the British will contribute to the European budget but will not take part in the decisions. They will no longer sit on the Council and will give up their seats in the European Parliament.

Why contribute to the budget?

Because the United Kingdom is a party to the EU's multiannual financial framework from 2014 to 2020. For these seven years, it was therefore committed to revenue and expenditure.

The withdrawal agreement will be finalized in October 2018, and a political declaration is expected at the same time on the future relationship (for post-2020) between the British and the EU. This on this relationship that Ms. May made her first proposals this week, but everything remains to be negotiated.