Will May be able to buy more time for Brexit?

In her Brexit speech in Florence British Prime Minister Theresa May has proposed a transition phase of two years after the UK leaves the EU during which Britain would continue to contribute to the EU budget. Finally May is showing willingness to compromise, some commentators remark. Others point out that key questions remain unanswered.

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The Irish Times (IE) /

Finally ready for compromise

In her speech the British leader hinted that she was ready to compromise on contentious issues, The Irish Times writes approvingly:

“May's aim was to offer just enough to unlock the negotiations, which have been stuck in first gear for months and have yet to begin grappling with the most difficult issues. By signalling space for compromise on the divorce bill, and suggesting that European Court of Justice rulings could be taken into account in British court decisions affecting EU nationals, she may have done enough for now. ... May's speech in itself will not alter the dynamic of the negotiations, but if it keeps the talks from stalling and prepares British public opinion for future concessions, it will have served a useful purpose.”

Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (DE) /

PM remains vague

With her Brexit speech May has given up former positions but this won't be enough to guarantee a successful exit from the EU, the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung comments:

“Because the prime minister still hasn't gone into details. Will the British pay their contributions to the EU budget, which have been accumulating for years? Will they pay up for the pensions of the EU officials who have given the British all their 'high standards'? Will they pledge not to introduce laws that curtail the rights of EU citizens living in the UK once the country has left? And how will a borderless Ireland fit in with a British exit from the customs union? Until all these questions have been answered there is no point in talking about a future partnership.”