Debate: Assessment of the implementation of Article  TEU
Date: MONDAY, 14 FEBRUARY 2022
Speaker: Kadri Simson
Language: EN

For the European Union, for all of us, the UK’s decision to leave the European Union triggered an entirely novel process and posed an unprecedented challenge, one which we from the very beginning pursued with the utmost sincerity and resolved to bring to a conclusion in an orderly manner, not least because the withdrawal had a severe impact on the lives of millions of citizens and we owed it to them to ensure legal certainty. While we continue to regret the UK’s decision to leave, we can attest that Article 50 has met its objectives of preserving the sovereign right of a Member State to withdraw from the European Union. Though not without challenges, it enabled an orderly withdrawal.  Even though Article 50 did not specify some aspects of the procedure, through deep reflection, as well as the highest level of interinstitutional coordination and transparency in the negotiations, the interpretation and implementation of Article 50 have proven to uphold the common values and goals that make up the foundation of the Union – particularly democracy, freedom and the rule of law. The provisions of Article 50 on the notification and extension of the period have also proven sufficiently flexible to respond to the political challenges posed by the succession of the UK Government. During the process, unity and solidarity among the EU institutions and among Member States reigned. We negotiated with the UK as one Union, one family. It was unprecedented and remarkable, and it contributed majorly to the successful conclusion of the negotiations. This unity now also provides a solid foundation for the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement following our continued resolve to put peace and people above everything else. To protect citizens rights, to address the unique circumstances of the island of Ireland, to safeguard the Good Friday Agreement in all its dimensions, to protect the single market and to respect the integrity of the Union’s legal order. In this respect, I would like to thank the European Parliament for the excellent cooperation, its key role in representing EU citizens and commend all of you for the important work you have done. As the report correctly points out, the article has shortcomings. It is silent on several issues. While we hope that we will not find ourselves in a situation in which Article 50 has to be applied in the future, we would take the lessons learnt from the past process and appropriately reflect upon them if the need arises. Overall, the interpretation and application of Article 50 provided legal stability with minimal disruption and led to an orderly withdrawal, while achieving the core goal of protecting the integrity and interests of the European Union, its citizens and its Member States. Indeed, while the Article 50 process has been concluded, the unbinding of EU membership and implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement is a long—term process. The Commission appreciates that the Parliament continues to play its important role in the monitoring of the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement and we will continue our excellent cooperation and keep the Parliament informed.