The 23rd of June 2016 the UK voted by referendum to exit the European Union. After the referendum UK’s Prime Minister, David Cameron, resigned as Prime Minister. The ruling Conservative Party had a leadership contest that culminated with the decision of Theresa May becoming the new Prime Minister of the UK. Shortly after Theresa May was named Prime Minister she triggered Article 50 and began the process of exiting the EU early in 2017.

​

This Council is obligated to reach an agreement regarding Brexit because the UK has already triggered Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty and there is no turning back now. The Lisbon Treaty states that member states that trigger Article 50 will have a two year transition period to negotiate with the EU.

​

Failure to negotiate a deal could spell disaster not only for the UK, but for all EU member states. Trade might fall to historical lows. EU citizens living in the UK will be affected, and so might British citizens working and living in the rest of the EU. If the Council fails to broker a deal then all trade between the UK and the EU will be conducted by the terms established for clean international trade laws by the World Trade Organization (WTO).

​

In accordance with subpoint 4 of Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, the UK shall not participate in the debate regarding Brexit. The role of the European Council is to discuss the position and formulate a proposal for the post Brexit era. After a resolution is approved by the European Council a representative of the British government will negotiate and propose changes to said Resolution. After the British representative shares his position, the European Council will discuss the changes proposed if one of the delegates makes a motion to do so.