What Is Article 50

Article 50 was introduced in 2009. It is a formal exit mechanism of the Treaty on European Union for country wishing to leave the 28-nation bloc. It was drafted by former British diplomat John Kerr.

The key to it is a country activating Article 50 could leave EU two years after notification. This mean Britain may completely withdraw itself from the bloc by April 2019.

The clause reads, EU will “negotiate and conclude an agreement with [an exiting member] state, setting out the arrangements for its withdrawal, taking account of the framework for its future relationship with the Union.”

The higher hurdle is a comprehensive trade deal that would require unanimity among member states.

The formal talks can only be initiated after European Commission gets more detail mandate from member states.

The primary focus of Britain for Brexit is to have full control on the number of people coming to the country from Europe and also to end the European Court of Justice’s sway over the British law.

British Prime Minister Theresa May said the conditions mean UK will leave the single market as well as customs union of EU. She also wants common travel area between Ireland instead of returning back to the borders of the past.

The most sensitive issue being faced in Brexit is to guarantee the rights of EU citizens living in Britain as well as the rights of British nationals in other member states.

Meanwhile, experts believe the withdrawal process is very complex and the two years’ time is not ample.