Alternatives for a Future Relationship between the UK and the EU

Abstract

It is not much surprising that the right of withdrawal introduced by the Lisbon Treaty in 2009 has first been exercised by the UK. However, no one could predict that Brexit could have been such a long- standing and energy consuming process for both the UK and the EU. This paper seeks to identify the possible likely scenarios that might take effect in terms of the future trade relationship between the two parties from a comparative approach by focusing on the advantages and the disadvantages of these models as well as the parties benefits and red lines. The paper tries to demonstrate that all these scenarios bring forward serious negative effects in comparison to preserving the EU membership.