Agreement Quote by David Lidington
“The treaties of the European Union say that, once a country has decided to leave, then they are excluded from the treaty after two years, unless there is unanimous agreement to extend that period.”
About This Quote
Source Treaty: Treaty on European Union, Article 50, 2009
Leaving the EU triggers a two‑year exclusion unless all members agree to extend it.
In simple terms: Exiting EU leads to a two‑year break unless unanimously extended.
Understand the timing of EU withdrawal.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- Brexit negotiations
- national referenda
- policy planning
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does the two‑year rule affect negotiation leverage?
- What alternatives exist for extending the period?
Unanimous agreement is hard to achieve, limiting flexibility.