The United Kingdom will need to commit to adhering to European Union standards if it wishes to remain associated with its policies after their separation, warns the European Parliament in a resolution adopted this Wednesday.
A future agreement organizing its relations with the Twenty-Seven will need to be contingent upon compliance with EU legislation in areas such as the environment, climate change, combating tax fraud, trade, and social rights, states this resolution.
The text presented by five political groups, which sets out the conditions for the Parliament to approve the future Brexit agreement, was adopted by 533 votes to 133, with 50 abstentions.
The British Prime Minister, Theresa May, initiated the divorce procedure with the European Union on March 29, indicating a desire to conclude an ambitious free trade agreement with the EU without adhering to either the single market or the customs union.
The European Parliament believes “an agreement on the future relations between the European Union and the United Kingdom as a third country can only be concluded once the United Kingdom has left the European Union.” This withdrawal agreement should designate the Court of Justice of the European Union as the “competent authority for the interpretation and application” of its provisions.
The European Commission President, Jean-Claude Juncker, stated that he is “on the same wavelength” as the Parliament. “It goes without saying that a third country cannot enjoy the same benefits as a member state,” he said.
Michel Barnier, who is in charge of negotiating with London on behalf of the European Commission, mentioned the condition of proceeding in an orderly manner, excluding negotiations on future ties between the EU and London until the terms of the separation have been established.
