Great Britain left EU

Punctually at 23 on Friday London time, Great Britain left the European Union. At the same time, a transition period of 11 months began, during which relations will remain largely unchanged.

The UK's exit from the EU is a consequence of the referendum held on June 23, 2016, in which 52 percent of voting citizens opted for such a solution.

“The most important thing to say tonight is that it is not the end but the beginning. This is the moment when the curtain goes up opening a new act. It is a moment of real national renewal and change," Boris Johnson, British PM, emphasized. 

Great Britain leaves the Union after 47 years and a month of membership and after more than 3.5 years of ongoing political disputes about the shape of Brexit. Despite the symbolic importance of this event, official celebrations in Great Britain were very subdued. The resignation from the great fete was deliberate – a few years of Brexit disputes strongly divided the country. 

Until the end of the transitional period, nothing will change in everyday matters  – just like you can travel, work or study in the UK. However, those EU citizens who want to stay in it must apply for settled status by June 2021.

(PAP)