The EU’s Ides of March? Article 50 timing could spell disaster for European unity

Theresa May’s announcement in October 2016 that the United Kingdom government would formally launch the Brexit process by the end of March 2017 deals a body blow to European leaders, according to the author, struggling to maintain the integrity of project EU. On top of the rhetoric of a 'hard Brexit', the timing seems designed to catch the EU’s champions at their most vulnerable, including France, Germany and Italy, and with Malta as the EU Presidency country.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Government announces end of European Communities Act http://www.europeansources.info/record/government-announces-end-of-european-communities-act/

ESO: In Focus: Brexit - The United Kingdom and the European Union http://www.europeansources.info/record/brexit-the-united-kingdom-and-the-european-union/

ESO: Background information: Informal meeting of the 27 heads of state or government, Bratislava, 16 September 2016 http://www.europeansources.info/record/informal-meeting-of-the-27-heads-of-state-or-government-bratislava-16-september-2016/

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