  Brexit

On 23 June 2016 the Brexit referendum ended with 51.9 percent in favour of the UK leaving the EU. Although the divorce was not actually finalised until last December, when the transition period came to an end, commentators are eager to take stock.

The EU Parliament on Wednesday voted to ratify the EU-UK trade deal which was agreed in December 2020, shortly before the Brexit transition period ended. The Parliament had delayed ratification amid a dispute with London over customs controls in Northern Ireland. Commentators are relieved that despite persistent tensions the wrangling has now come to an end.

For the fourth night in a row, Northern Ireland has been rocked by rioting. Over a hundred young people in west Belfast threw Molotov cocktails and stones at each other and the police, who responded by using water cannons. Heightened tensions between pro-British and pro-Irish forces since Brexit are not the only factor behind the clashes, commentators say.

On Monday, the European Union initiated infringement proceedings against the UK for violation of the Brexit agreement. The move comes amid a row over checks on goods passing between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. London had unilaterally extended an exemption rule on this and complained that Brussels was trying to establish a new border within its national territory. How can the tensions be defused?

Just a month after the Brexit transition period ended, Northern Ireland is once again a bone of contention. First of all the EU had considered checks at the border of Ireland and Northern Ireland to prevent exports of the Astrazeneca vaccine from the EU. Then Brussels temporarily withdrew its inspectors from Northern Irish ports in response to threats of violence from pro-British unionists who oppose checks of shipments from the UK.

After the end of the transition phase the UK left the EU's single market and customs union at the start of the new year. London and Brussels narrowly avoided a no-deal Brexit with a last-minute deal. Europe's media discuss the long-term consequences on both sides of the English Channel.

The UK and the EU are apparently set to continue negotiations on a trade deal right down to the last minute. For Europe's press, however, the outcome of the negotiations is no longer decisive, and it has turned to speculating on what comes after Brexit.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are still not giving up: the talks on a Brexit with trade agreements are being extended once more, the two leaders agreed in a telephone call on the weekend. Commentators in Europe have serious doubts about whether there is any point to prolonging the wrangling.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson travelled to Brussels on Wednesday to negotiate a Brexit deal with EU Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen in person. A joint dinner including scallops and turbot, however, failed to produce a result. If the UK and EU don't reach an agreement by December 31, they risk a no-deal Brexit. But the media have not given up all hope of a deal yet.

A few days after the resignation of Boris Johnson's director of communications Lee Cain his chief adviser Dominic Cummings also has left. Just a few weeks before the Brexit transition phase ends, two longtime companions of Johnson's - both of whom are considered staunch Brexiteers - are leaving Downing Street. Does this bode well for a deal with the EU?

EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier announced in a tweet on Monday that the EU was ready to intensify free trade talks with London, "on all subjects, and based on legal texts." The negotiations thus look set to continue after they had appeared to be on the verge of collapse. But will this be enough for an agreement to be signed by the end of the year?

After the summit meeting in Brussels British PM Boris Johnson on Friday once again threatened to go through with a hard Brexit. Further talks are pointless if the EU doesn't fundamentally change its stance, he said. In the meantime EU Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier will once again meet with his British counterpart David Frost on Monday in London. Journalists still believe there could be a last-minute deal.

The EU has launched legal action against the UK after London failed to meet its ultimatum to withdraw its controversial Internal Market Bill. If signed into law the bill would override key sections of the existing Brexit Withdrawal Agreement with Brussels. Europe's press is divided on whether this will escalate the tensions or whether it is just a formality.

Leading politicians from both parties in the US Congress warned British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab during his visit to Washington that the UK should not violate the Brexit withdrawal agreement with the EU. In the event of a hard border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, the US Congress could not approve any trade agreement with Britain, they said. Commentators are hardly surprised by this firm stance.

Despite the objections of prominent members of the Conservative Party, a government bill in favour of new single market legislation passed its first reading in the House of Commons on Monday with a comfortable majority. The government wants to prevent controls of goods passing between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK provided for in the 2019 agreement. Does this mean a no-deal Brexit is unavoidable?

The EU has responded to London's plans to override certain elements of the Brexit withdrawal agreement with an ultimatum. If the British government does not withdraw its proposed legislation by the end of September, the Union will refuse to continue negotiations on a trade deal. Europe's press is outraged at Johnson's move - but sees opportunities nonetheless.

Following Theresa May's resignation Boris Johnson became British Prime Minister a year ago today, on July 24, 2019. Since then he has led the country out of the EU and survived new elections. The negotiations on the UK's post-Brexit trade relations continue, as does the fight against Scottish independence. 2020 has brought the coronavirus pandemic and most recently a major row with China. What do commentators think of Johnson's performance so far?

The report by the British parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee on Russian interference in the 2016 Brexit referendum was published in London on Monday. To what extent Russia influenced the result remains unclear, but the report takes the British government to task, concluding that it failed to act on the suspicions of interference. Commentators are incensed.

Last week the British government launched a campaign to prepare the public for the final farewell to the EU. Six months before the end of the transition period, the campaign aims to provide businesses and individuals with information on how they should behave after Britain's withdrawal from the European single market. Commentators accuse London of inadequate planning.

Britain and the EU want to step up their talks in July to give "new impetus" to the faltering negotiations on a post-Brexit trade agreement. Both sides agreed to the idea at a meeting of top negotiators on Monday. London continues to reject the idea of extending the Brexit transition period. European media doubt whether the initiative can bring real progress.

On Friday the fourth round of negotiations on future relations between the UK and the EU ended without substantial progress, as the chief negotiators Michel Barnier and David Frost announced afterwards. Time is running out as an agreement must be negotiated by 31 October at the latest. Commentators wonder whether London has any real interest in a deal.

The coronavirus crisis has upset the timetable for the Brexit negotiations. Boris Johnson is nonetheless insisting that the transition phase during which all EU regulations still apply for the UK will end at the end of the year as planned. Others are calling for it to be prolonged. Columnists of the pro-Tory paper The Daily Telegraph discuss the pros and cons.

Even before the post-Brexit negotiations that will define the EU's future relations with the UK have begun, Boris Johnson's government is already threatening to break them off. London says it has no intention of adhering to EU regulations in the future, and reserves the right to withdraw from the talks if a free trade agreement is not tangible by June. Europe's commentatos voice indignation.

After Britain's exit from the EU, both sides are positioning themselves for talks on a trade agreement. Boris Johnson has said that London does not want to commit in writing to certain standards. For her part, Ursula von der Leyen has stressed that there is no such thing as a "free ride to the single market". Commentators discuss what stance the EU should adopt.

As of February 1, Britain is officially no longer a member of the EU and has no more say in Brussels. During the transition period which lasts until the end of 2020, much will remain the same as regards border traffic and trade, however. Commentators ask how the EU should deal with the British now and what the Brexit means not only for London, but also for the European project.

As 2019 draws to an end, the uncertainty over a key European issue has also dissipated for the time being: on Friday the newly constituted British parliament voted by a clear majority in favour of the UK leaving the EU on 31 January 2020. Will things be easier now that this hurdle has been removed?

Boris Johnson's Conservatives obtained an absolute majority in the UK's general election last week, winning 365 of the 600 seats in parliament. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, pro-independence parties won the most votes. Europe's commentators discuss how the vote can change the continent - not just in political terms.

Britain is holding a general election today, Thursday, after Prime Minister Boris Johnson called for a snap election in October in response to parliament's rejection of his Brexit plans. Although a majority of the population say they don't trust him, Johnson is slightly ahead of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn in the polls. British voters face a tough decision, commentators say.

Britain has secured a reprieve in the Brexit process: the country will elect a new parliament in December and the deadline for its departure from the EU has been extended to 31 January 2020, leaving the possibility of a deal open. Europe's commentators examine potential post-Brexit scenarios.

The British House of Commons has given the green light for the general election that Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been pushing for. The vote will take place on 12 December. Prior to the decision the EU had extended the Brexit deadline until the end of January, removing the threat of a no-deal Brexit and prompting Labour to give up its opposition to an election. Commentators discuss factors that could affect the election outcome.

The House of Commons has rejected British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Brexit timetable. Prior to that it had agreed on Tuesday evening to the deal he negotiated with the EU. Johnson put the exit procedure on hold pending reaction from the EU. Now the question is whether the EU will comply and grant the extension that was already requested on Saturday.

Two weeks before the deadline the EU and Britain have agreed on a new Brexit deal under which Northern Ireland will be part of the UK's customs territory, but will be subject to EU single market regulations. The House of Commons will vote on the deal on Saturday. Europe's media discuss what comes next.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is meeting his Irish counterpart Leo Varadkar today, Thursday, to discuss the possibilities for Brexit with a deal. But in view of the British parliament and Johnson's opposition to a backstop and Ireland and the EU's determination to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland, the chances of the two leaders reaching an agreement are not rated as high. The press is at odds over who is to blame.

Less than four weeks before the Brexit deadline expires, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has presented proposals for avoiding no deal which he claims would render the controversial backstop unnecessary. Under his plan Northern Ireland would continue to adhere to certain EU regulations and unavoidable customs checks on the Irish border would be carried out with the help of technological solutions. The press discusses the chances of a compromise.

Britain's Labour Party has backed its leader Jeremy Corbyn and rejected a plan to commit to campaigning all-out for the UK to remain in the EU. The party, which as a result still lacks a clear stance on Brexit, wants to wait for a second referendum before committing to a position. Is this the right strategy?

After the meeting in Luxembourg on Monday between British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker there is still no sign of a Brexit breakthrough. Johnson also refused to attend a planned press conference, citing a noisy anti-Brexit demonstration nearby.

Before being suspended last night by Prime Minister Boris Johnson the British parliament once again rejected his motion for a general election, meaning that there won't be a vote until the end of October at the earliest. Johnson remains adamant that the UK will leave the EU on 31 October but the House of Commons also passed a law banning a no-deal Brexit. Observers draw very different conclusions about the showdown taking place in the UK.

The opposition in the British parliament wants to push through a bill this Wednesday that would oblige Prime Minister Johnson to request a three-month postponement of Brexit from Brussels. Johnson has said he will seek a snap election in the event that the bill is approved. His Tories were left without a majority in parliament after an MP defected to another party. Has Johnson's strategy failed?

Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson is suspending Parliament for five weeks. The Queen has approved the prorogation, as the closure of parliament is called, from 3 September to 14 October. This leaves very little time for MPs to pass a law against a no-deal Brexit.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Macron still hope a solution can be found to prevent a no-deal Brexit. Macron, however, has shown little willingness to compromise regarding the backstop. How do things stand in the game of poker over Brexit?

Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson sent a letter to again try to convince the EU to soften its stance on the Irish backstop. In the letter he offered to discuss "alternative agreements" to prevent border controls in Ireland. The President of the European Council Donald Tusk turned down the offer on Twitter. The media speculate on whether the EU will be able to stand firm.

Food, medicine and gas shortages, border controls and bottlenecks, protests and unrest - a government document leaked to the Sunday Times outlines the potential grave consequences of a no-deal Brexit. British MPs are calling for an early end to the summer recess. Europe's commentary columns also voice alarm.

Since Boris Johnson took over as prime minister opposition to his hard Brexit course has been growing in Scotland and Northern Ireland. The Northern Irish Catholic nationalist party Sinn Féin has even brought up the possibility of reuniting Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland so that the former can remain in the EU. Irish commentators already envisage the emergence of a new state.

With less than three months to go before Britain is due to leave the EU, hopes of averting a no-deal Brexit are dwindling. Prime Minister Boris Johnson insists that the backstop must be removed from the Brexit deal, but the Commission is digging in its heels.

British MPs have thwarted the plans of the man expected to become the UK's new prime minister, Boris Johnson, who is flirting with a no-deal Brexit that parliament does not want. They voted for an amendment that would stop parliament being prorogued over the planned Brexit on 31 October. Was this the right thing to do?

According to media reports Boris Johnson, who currently stands the best chance of becoming British prime minister, had a heated argument with his girlfriend. Concerned neighbours called the police, who, however, saw no reason to intervene. Commentators disagree as to whether the ex-foreign secretary's private life should be a matter of public debate.

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt will face off against Boris Johnson in the race for the Tory leadership and post of British prime minister. The final word will be had by party members in a postal ballot with the winner will being announced at the end of July. Ten candidates ran to succeed May as Tory leader. Brexit hardliner Johnson is viewed as favourite, but Hunt is still very much in the running, commentators believe.

British Prime Minister Theresa May has announced that she will step aside as Conservative leader on 7 June, meaning that her days as prime minister are also numbered. The announcement came after she made another unsuccessful attempt to secure support for her Brexit deal. Her Conservative Party suffered a crushing defeat in the European elections yesterday. Europe's press discusses May's responsibility for events as they unfold.

In the local elections in Britain last week the two major parties, the Tories and Labour, suffered considerable losses. By contrast the Liberal Democrats, who are against Brexit, made impressive gains. Prime Minister Theresa May interpreted the results as a call to the major parties to get on with Brexit. A number of commentators take a different view.

With little prospect of an agreement for an orderly Brexit it seems increasingly likely that the British will take part in the European elections. Opinion polls predict a strong showing for The Brexit Party led by Nigel Farage - one of the most vocal Brexiteers. Can the opponents of Brexit still win the day?

The EU member states have granted Britain a new extension until the end of October for Brexit. The majority wanted to extend the deadline until the end of the year but Paris insisted that the delay had to be as short as possible to avoid harming the functioning of the EU. Is the decision a relief or will it only prolong the torment of the Brexit drama?

The EU heads of state and government are expected to grant a further delay for Brexit today. According to a draft decision Britain would then have to take part in the EU elections and act in a "constructive" and "responsible" manner until it leaves the Union for good. Not all commentators believe it's a good idea for the UK to participate.

Theresa May has asked the EU for Brexit to be delayed until 30 June after the House of Commons fast-tracked the approval of a law that obliges the government to seek a further extension. In the meantime May hopes to negotiate a deal with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn that would presumably result in closer ties to the EU than her current deal. What options are on the table now?

After the House of Commons rejected Theresa May's deal a third time on Friday the prospect of the UK making a disorderly departure from the EU on 12 April is looming. Other possibilities are a further postponement of Brexit, a second referendum or another vote on May's deal. Commentators discuss which scenario is more likely.

Third time lucky? The British House of Commons will vote once again on May's Brexit deal on Friday afternoon. The House speaker has approved a third vote on the grounds that the new draft contains sufficient change because it leaves out any mention of future relations with the EU. In a bid to avoid her deal being rejected a third time Prime Minister May offered to resign if it passes. But it's by no means certain that this strategy will pay off, commentators point out.

Conservative British media are mobilising against Prime Minister May: "Time's up, Theresa" is title of The Sun's front page editorial, and in The Telegraph Brexit hardliner Boris Johnson calls May a "chicken" who has been too cowardly over Brexit. There is also speculation that May could be forced to resign by her own cabinet. While some commentators see this as the right move, others warn that May must stay.

The EU-27 have agreed to postpone Brexit, not by the three months Theresa May had requested but by just two weeks. Next week the British parliament is to vote a third time on the Brexit agreement. If it approves the deal the EU will grant a postponement until the European elections. The comments in the press are clear: it's all or nothing now.

Theresa May wanted to present her Brexit deal to the House of Commons again today, but parliamentary speaker John Bercow has prevented another vote on the agreement. Now the prime minister must either make changes to it, dissolve parliament or secure the support of a majority of MPs to push through a third vote. Was this a good move by Bercow?

The British House of Commons has rejected an amendment for a second referendum and voted in favour of delaying Brexit after rebuffing a no-deal Brexit on Wednesday. Now the postponement must receive the approval of the 27 other member states at next week's summit. Should they agree to it?

All the improvements were in vain: the House of Commons has once again emphatically rejected Prime Minister May's Brexit deal. Now it will vote today, Wednesday, on whether to exit the EU without a deal. If the MPs reject this option they will vote on Thursday on whether London should ask for a postponement of Brexit. Europe's press takes a look at what comes next.

British MPs will vote once again on the Brexit deal with Brussels on 12 March. If the deal is rejected the parliament is to vote two days later on postponing the country's exit from the EU in order to avoid a disorderly Brexit. Commentators discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a postponement.

Three Tory MPs have left their party and joined the Independent Group set up by seven ex-Labour MPs. who quit their party at the start of the week. The three Tories cited the disastrous Brexit policy as the reason for their departure. Journalists are eager to see what the group of eleven rebels will be able to achieve in British politics.

The British House of Commons will vote today on Prime Minister Theresa May's request for more time to renegotiate the Brexit agreement with the EU. EU Council President Donald Tusk had asked for concrete proposals from London in a bid to overcome the blockade. Commentators are convinced that the worst can yet be avoided.

May will meet Juncker and Tusk today, Thursday, to discuss whether there is still any scope for an orderly Brexit. The main bone of contention is the backstop mechanism for guaranteeing an open border on the island of Ireland. The EU has made it clear that the backstop is not up for negotiation - and many commentators also stress that the solution to the border issue isn't to be found in Brussels.

After the British House of Commons rejected both a no-deal exit and the guarantee of an open border in Ireland, Theresa May has called for renegotiations on the Brexit, a demand rejected by EU leaders so far. Behind the scenes, however, all the options are under discussion. Europe's press debates whether the Brexit parcel should be unwrapped again.

This Tuesday evening the British parliament will vote on amendments to the Brexit deal negotiated by May and the EU which it rejected around two weeks ago. The main points are the removal of the "backstop" and a postponement of the EU exit date to avoid a no-deal Brexit. Journalists show little understanding for the impasse.

Police in Northern Ireland say that the car bomb attack in the city of Londonderry on Saturday could have been the work of the militant underground organisation the New IRA. Commentators discuss what impact the Brexit negotiations could have on peace in Ireland.

After the failure of the Brexit deal in the British parliament, Theresa May presented her Plan B for leaving the European Union on Monday. The plan foresees her going back to Brussels to renegotiate the backstop solution for Ireland stipulated in the exit deal, but the EU is not open to new talks on this issue. Commentators show little understanding for May's obstinacy.

After winning a no-confidence motion Theresa May has met with leaders of the opposition parties to hash out a Plan B for her Brexit deal. The EU has signalled willingness to make compromises if London gives up certain "red lines", in particularly on the question of freedom of movement for workers. It shouldn't be too accommodating, commentators warn.

Showdown in the House of Commons: the MPs will vote this evening on the Brexit agreement reached between the EU and the British government. With defeat looming, Prime Minister May has warned that if the parliament doesn't pass the deal the result will be either a stop to Brexit or a messy no-deal scenario. Commentators try to make sense of the chaos in Britain.

March 29, 2019, is the deadline for the Brexit - yet there is no sign of a majority for either an orderly Brexit or a second referendum in the British parliament. As a result, both Brussels and London are preparing contingency plans for a no-deal scenario. For commentators the Brexit negotiations have been a fiasco - offering only one small glimmer of hope.

Both the EU Commission and the British government are preparing for a scenario in which Britain leaves the bloc without an agreement. The EU's plans deal among other things with air traffic and the movement of goods and person. London is mobilising soldiers to monitor the flow of imports and exports in an emergency situation. How dangerous is a no-deal Brexit?

The British government has plans for a new immigration law to apply after Brexit. Visas for work migrants would be limited to one year unless they earn more than 30,000 pounds (roughly 33,000 euros), in which case they would receive a five-year visa. Some commentators say the legislation would increase exploitation of foreign workers. Others see the plans as a step towards a fairer system.

Theresa May won the vote of no-confidence triggered by Tory MPs by 200 votes to 117. But the fate of her Brexit deal with the EU is still unclear. While some commentators fail to understand why she is defending her position so doggedly, others find this commendable.

British Prime Minister Theresa May wants to present the Brexit agreement to the British Parliament by January 21. She hopes to secure concessions from the EU beforehand, but has so far failed to make progress at meetings with leaders in The Hague, Berlin and Brussels. May is also facing a vote of no confidence in the British parliament. How can a deal be reached?

The House of Commons is due to vote on the Brexit deal negotiated with the EU on Tuesday evening. All indications are that the deal will fail to be passed, particularly after the parliament forced the government to publish a legal report last week. According to some media Theresa May may also postpone the vote. Commentators describe a situation full of uncertainty.

The EU heads of state and government gave the Brexit deal negotiated with Britain the green light on Sunday. Now it must gain the approval of the British and European parliaments. The politicians gathered in Brussels on the weekend displayed sadness, but also relief that an agreement had finally been reached after all the haggling. Is their solace justified?

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez had threatened to block the Brexit deal until in the last minute the EU backed Madrid, agreeing that Gibraltar will be left out of all negotiations between the UK and the EU and any decisions will require Madrid's consent. But Spanish media are less than enthusiastic.

British Prime Minister Theresa May was able to persuade the cabinet to back her Brexit plans but it is far from certain that she will be able to get it through parliament. On top of this she is facing a vote of no confidence from fellow Tories. Observers believe a second Brexit referendum may now be on the cards. While some commentators pin their hopes on a new vote, others find the idea utterly absurd.

After pushing the Brexit plan through her cabinet it is far from certain that Theresa May will succeed in getting the House of Commons to approve the deal. Several ministers and state secretaries, including Brexit Minister Dominic Raab, have stepped down, and Brexit hardliners are calling for a vote of no confidence against May. Journalists examine the tug of war in which the PM, the parliament and the people are now immersed.

According to Brexit Minister Dominic Raab, an exit deal between the EU and Britain should be in place by November 21. The British parliament could then vote on the agreement before Christmas. So far, however, there has been no majority in favour of any of the proposals tabled to date. Commentators again discuss whether Britain can afford to leave the EU without a deal.

Hundreds of thousands of people - the organisers claim more than 600,000 turned out - demonstrated for a second Brexit referendum in the People's Vote March in London on the weekend. Prior to the march Prime Minister Theresa May made it clear that she would oppose a second Brexit vote. Where is Britain headed?

The EU heads of state and government failed to reach an agreement in the Brexit row with the UK at the summit in Brussels. They have now proposed an extension of the transition phase that starts after Brexit in March 2019. Not all observers are convinced that this is the best solution.

Prime Minister May defended her Brexit plan at the Tory Party conference in Birmingham: if the party fails to support her either Labour will take over or Brexit won't take place, she said. While some commentators say her dynamic performance has convinced people that she can bring Brexit to a successful conclusion, others fear the outcome is beyond her control.

An exchange of blows between Prime Minister Theresa May and former foreign secretary Boris Johnson is expected to take place at the British Conservative Party conference. Johnson, who recently dismissed May's Brexit plans as preposterous, has said he would postpone the country's exit from the EU by six months. Will the Tories be able to reach an agreement on Brexit?

Demonstrators have been waving EU flags outside the building hosting the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool ever since the start of the event. They hope the party will change its stance and seek to hold a new Brexit referendum. According to polls, 86 percent of party members back a new vote. Europe's commentators lament Brexit and the loss of Britain's former glory.

London and the EU are at an impasse in the Brexit negotiations. At the summit in Salzburg the leaders of the other 27 member states rejected British Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit plan. Commentators see the EU adopting an uncompromising stance - but not all of them want the two sides to reach an agreement.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has called for a new Brexit referendum in an opinion piece for The Observer. The consequences for the British economy and living standards are too great for the people to be denied any more say on the issue, Khan argued. While some commentators pin their hopes on a new vote, others point to at least one catch.

The British government has started to prepare the population and local businesses for a hard Brexit without a deal with the EU. In 25 documents it describes the consequences of such a move for food and medicine supplies, nuclear security, air traffic and other areas. Is London resorting to scare tactics to force the EU to make concessions?

Eight months before the deadline for the UK leaving the EU, fears about the impact of a hard Brexit without a deal with Europe are growing. The media must refrain from creating panic among the people with horror scenarios, some commentators criticise. Other warn that not just the British should be worried about underestimating the consequences.

The British government has presented its Brexit plan. It foresees a free trade zone for goods and agricultural products with the EU while special rules would apply for services, and London would be free to restrict migration from the EU. Is this a good compromise or is the UK cherry-picking?

In the row over Britain's exit from the EU, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has followed Brexit Minister David Davis's lead and resigned. Both have criticised Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit plan as too soft. While some commentators are stunned that a country could intentionally press the self-destruct button, others hope that the EU will now be more conciliatory.

The British cabinet has agreed on a plan for the Brexit negotiations. Prime Minister Theresa May may achieve her goal of pushing through a free trade zone with the EU. Brexit secretary David Davis, a proponent of a hard Brexit, has resigned. Some journalists find the government's soft Brexit approach outrageous. Others believe the final word hasn't been spoken yet.

Many Brexit supporters had been looking forward to the new British passports - no longer bordeaux-coloured, but blue. Now it turns out that the new identification documents are to be produced in France by the French-Dutch company Gemalto, and not, as was the case in the past, by a British company. Welcome news for the press.

The EU and Britain have agreed on conditions for a transition period after the Brexit in March 2019. Britain must adhere to EU regulations for 21 months and may no longer participate in decision-making processes. In exchange access to the single market and the customs union as well as citizens' legal security are to be maintained. Is this a breakthrough in the negotiations?

In Britain the voices of Brexiteers calling for the Good Friday Agreement to be revised are growing stronger. In their opinion it blocks the path to a hard Brexit. Signed in 1998, the agreement put an end to decades of conflict between Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland. Commentators are horrified at the idea.

The Hungarian-born US billionaire George Soros is backing the anti-Brexit campaign. His Open Society Foundations have donated the equivalent of half a million euros to the Best for Britain organisation. In the British press opinions on Soros's involvement are very divided.

Theresa May has ruled out any form of customs union with the EU in the run-up to the next round of Brexit negotiations. Commentators see this hard stance as the result of domestic pressure on the prime minister and fear Britain's hopes for economic success after leaving the Union will be dashed.

Leaving the EU will be disadvantageous and weaken economic growth in almost every sector and region of the UK, a confidential report commissioned by the British government shows. Europe's newspapers blast the British leadership.

EU Council President Donald Tusk and Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker have told London that continued EU membership is still a possibility, fuelling the debate about a second Brexit referendum. The Europeans' "hearts are still open" to the British if they change their minds, Tusk said in the EU parliament in Strasbourg. Juncker concurred, but London is apparently not interested.

Former British prime minister Tony Blair has warned in a commentary piece that other countries may leave the EU, and called for a new referendum on Brexit. Some commentators are annoyed by the former leader's refusal to accept that the UK wants to leave the EU. Others advise the Labour Party to pay close attention to Blair's arguments.

The British parliament has secured the right to have a say on the Brexit deal. On Wednesday a majority of MPs voted in favour of an amendment to the EU withdrawal bill to this effect - against the government's will. Is this a bitter defeat for Prime Minister Theresa May, or is she secretly delighted?

After months of wrangling about the UK's Brexit payments to the EU a compromise has apparently been reached. According to media reports London has agreed to pay between 45 and 55 billion euros. The British were deceived about the cost of Brexit, commentators rail, and see Prime Minister Theresa May further weakened.

The EU chief Brexit negotiator Barnier has given the British government two weeks to clarify its position on the Brexit divorce bill after yet another round of talks ended without a breakthrough. Only by reshuffling her cabinet can May keep her job, some commentators believe. For others the chaos in the Tory Party is just the same kind of turbulent phase governments in other European countries are also experiencing.

Frustrated by the stalled Brexit talks, British Prime Minister Theresa May has informed the House of Commons that the government has earmarked 250 million pounds to prepare the country for exiting the EU without a deal if necessary. Commentators examine the dangers of this scenario.

Shortly before the EU summit on October 19 and 20, negotiators from Britain and the EU are meeting in Brussels for the fifth round of Brexit talks. Commentators call on Brussels to abandon its stubborn stance and stop blocking the negotiations. Others discuss the merits of calls for a new referendum.

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.

The British parliament has approved the EU Withdrawal Bill. Under the draft law, more than 12,000 EU guidelines are to be transferred to national legislation. Commentators criticise the bill as undemocratic and worry about how divided the British parliament is.

A draft of a new British immigration law has triggered harsh responses. The document leaked to The Guardian reveals significantly tougher regulations after Brexit. Lower-skilled migrants are to be given residency for a maximum of two years, and British businesses will be told to put British workers first. The plans are controversial within the British government, as well as in the media.

The third round of the Brexit negotiations has also ended without any progress to speak of. Key issues like the rights of EU citizens and the Irish border remain unresolved. And the question of Britain's financial obligations vis-à-vis the EU was once again a major bone of contention. Commentators ask who stands to lose most from the negotiators' intransigence.

As the next round of negotiations between London and the EU kicks off the Labour Party has adopted a clear position on Brexit: the UK should remain a member of the single market and the customs union during a transitional period of up to four years after exiting the Union. This puts Labour on a collision course with Theresa May's Conservative government. Will this change the whole approach to Brexit?

British Prime Minister Theresa May had promised Brexiteers that London would regain full judicial sovereignty after Brexit. However a paper published by her government now says that only the "direct jurisdiction" of the European Court of Justice would end but that its decisions would continue to be regarded as guidelines. Commentators differ on whether this is a sensible U-turn.

Brexit is endangering the future of the open border between EU member Ireland and the British part of the island, Northern Ireland. London now wants to make the issue part of the negotiations on a customs union, in a bid to prevent the reintroduction of stringent passport and goods controls post-Brexit. Commentators see the plan as unrealistic.

Britain has proposed a temporary customs union for the period after Brexit. According to the plan, trade with its European neighbours would remain unchanged for a transitional phase of up to three years. Some commentators are relieved that London is finally coming to its senses. Others warn against being too soft on the British.

In the Brexit talks London has apparently gone back on former statements that it would continue to pay into the EU budget even after it has left the Union. The EU estimates the hole Brexit will leave in its budget by 2020 at 60 to 100 billion euros. How can the conflict be resolved?

Can the Brexit decision be reversed? Isn't a second vote even compulsory since May's government emerged weakened from general elections and the negotiations with the EU seem to be getting ever more complicated? These questions are the focus of growing debate in the UK.

British PM Theresa May has called on the opposition Labour Party to help her government implement the UK's exit from the EU. Commentators criticise May's speech and ask how serious her offer of cooperation really was.

The British government on Monday presented its plans for the 3.2 million EU nationals living in the UK after Brexit. Those who have lived in Britain for more than five years will be able to apply for unlimited residency with full access to education, the pension system and public healthcare. All others would receive a temporary residence permit. Not all media see the plans as sound.

Britain and the EU will start the second round of Brexit negotiations today, Monday. For the first time concrete issues such as financial demands and the future of EU nationals in Britain will be dealt with. A glance at Europe's op-eds conveys the impression that a year after Britain voted to leave much still remains to be resolved.

Queen Elizabeth presented the programme of Conservative Prime Minister Theresa May's government on Wednesday. Almost a third of the 27 bills deal with Britain's planned exit from the EU. Commentators examine the Queen's speech in the context of the parliamentary elections and the Brexit negotiations.

Just under a year after the British voted to leave the EU the Brexit negotiations have begun in Brussels. Weakened after the general elections, the British government will be more open to a softer and more humane Brexit, commentators believe, putting their trust in the negotiators' bargaining skills.

With a month to go to the snap election in Britain, Europe's press focuses on how the vote will influence Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit strategy.

In a surprise move, British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday called a snap election for June 8 in what she says is a bid to give Britain a stable majority for the Brexit negotiations. According to the polls her Conservative Party has a big lead against the other parties. Will May's strategy pay off?

With start of the Brexit process a row over the EU's future budget is now looming. The loss of the British contribution will leave a large hole in the budget, and several countries including Austria and the Visegrád states have already warned that not they but the net contributor nations must fill the gap. Observers anticipate that the budget row will create more problems for the EU.

The parliament in Edinburgh has approved First Minister Nicola Sturgeon's plan for a new referendum on Scottish independence. According to the plan London should allow the people of Scotland to hold a new referendum before Brexit, meaning at the latest in March 2019. The press shows understanding for the Scots' rekindled desire for independence.

Now that the Brexit process has formally begun the EU and the UK are positioning themselves for the upcoming negotiations. London has adopted a more compromising tone in its most recent communications. The Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond has expressed willingness to talk about future payments to the EU and a free trade agreement. How much will both sides lose in the negotiations?

Now that the British parliament has approved the Brexit bill the UK's departure from the EU - with all its consequences - is drawing closer. The Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon's plans to hold a new referendum on Scottish independence and the hypothetical possibility of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland reuniting prompt the press to speculate on whether the UK is on the brink of disintegration.

In view of an impending hard Brexit, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon wants to give the Scots another chance to vote on independence from the UK. British Prime Minister Theresa May promised to take into consideration the interests of the Scots, who want to remain in the EU, but she has done nothing of the sort, Sturgeon maintains. For the press both sides are taking excessive risks.

The British parliament on Wednesday approved the bill allowing the government to trigger Brexit. Although most MPs are against Brexit, 494 voted in favour while only 122 voted against the bill. Some commentators believe the vote is a serious mistake while others see it as the logical consequence of the referendum.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has ordered Labour MPs to support the May government's Brexit bill in parliament. Several MPs, however, plan to ignore the order and vote against it. So far two members of Corbyn's shadow cabinet have resigned. The press is also at odds over whether Labour, as a left-wing party, should give the green light for Brexit or not.

The UK's Supreme Court has ruled that the British government cannot launch the Brexit process without consulting parliament in a decision that upholds the High Court ruling of November. The press discusses whether this could lead to a softer Brexit than that outlined by Prime Minister Theresa May and if the MPs could even stop Brexit altogether.

Britain will not remain in the single market after Brexit, Theresa May announced in her speech earlier this week. The prime minister also promised that her country would curb immigration from the EU and would no longer be subject to the ECJ's jurisdiction. Commentators put a damper on expectations that other member states will benefit from Brexit.

Britain's permanent representative to the EU, Sir Ivan Rogers, has resigned from office, expressing sharp criticism of his government. In a mail to his colleagues he accused London of lacking the necessary negotiating expertise. The official reason for his resignation was to give his successor time to assume office before the Brexit negotiations begin. For observers the diplomat's resignation exposes the many weaknesses of the Brexit camp.

EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier has stressed that Brexit should be completed by October 2018. Barnier said on Tuesday in Brussels that the EU will have only 18 months for the negotiations once Britain triggers the process in March. Commentators see Brussels as having the upper hand and argue against the idea that London will be able to dictate the Brexit conditions.

The UK's Supreme Court on Monday began hearing the appeal against the High Court ruling that parliament must have a say on the Brexit plans. The most senior judge stressed at the start of the four-day hearing that the court was dealing only with legal and not political issues. Not true, some commentators object. Others point out that parliament wouldn't block Brexit anyway.

In his first autumn statement on budget policy the British Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond on Wednesday announced tax cuts and increased public investment. As a result of Brexit lower growth and higher inflation are expected, he said. Hammond's calm demeanour stands in sharp contrast to Prime Minister May's contradictory Brexit policy, journalists comment.

British Prime Minister Theresa May has warned the parliamentarians not to oppose the British people's vote for Brexit. Last week the High Court in London ruled that Britain's exit from the EU could not be triggered without parliament's approval. Some commentators believe parliament shouldn't have a say on Brexit. Others are delighted that the MPs will now have to adopt a clear stance.

A leaked British Treasury report warns that Britain would lose billions of euros per year as a result of a hard Brexit. But this didn't stop Prime Minister Theresa May from announcing a hard break with the EU last week. Commentators discuss the consequences and say it's not too late for Britain to change course.

British Prime Minister Theresa May promised more social justice at the Tory Party Conference. Home Secretary Amber Rudd announced plans to limit the number of work migrants taking jobs in the country. A hard Brexit would have far-reaching consequences for all Europe, observers fear.

British Prime Minister Theresa May presented a broad outline for the UK's EU exit negotiations on Sunday. She indicated a move toward a "hard" Brexit that could cost the country its access to the single market. Those who voted for Brexit will be hit the worst, commentators observe, and call for more clarity on the Brexit.

After months of infighting Jeremy Corbyn has been re-elected as the leader of the Labour Party with 61.8 percent of the vote. Corbyn had come under pressure from within his party among other things because he didn't endorse the UK remaining in the EU. Labour will be weakened for a long time to come, commentators believe.

The Bank of England has cut the benchmark interest rate to a record low of 0.25 percent in a bid to stave off recession after the Brexit vote. In addition it plans to increase purchases of government and corporate bonds. The flood of money has given the country a reprieve but Britain must soon make clear what policies it intends to pursue, commentators write.

Boris Johnson made his first trip to Brussels in his capacity as British foreign secretary on Monday. While there, the controversial Brexit supporter stressed London's desire to continue cooperating with the EU. Some commentators are delighted at this new, more restrained stance. Others don't trust him.

In her inaugural speech Britain's new prime minister Theresa May promised to make her country more just and more successful. It would play a "bold new positive role" outside the EU, she said. Europe's commentators discuss how May should lead the United Kingdom out of the EU.

The UK Home Secretary Theresa May and Energy Minister Andrea Leadsom are the two remaining candidates to succeed David Cameron as prime minister and leader of the Conservative Party. The party members will decide between the two in a vote on September 9. Who are these two women who want to govern the country after the Brexit vote?

Two weeks after the Brexit referendum the first signs of another financial crisis in the UK and the EU are emerging: the British pound has plunged, investors are withdrawing from UK property funds and bank share prices on the Continent are falling. Commentators sound the alarm and call for measures to prevent a shock like the 2008 crisis.

To keep companies in Britain after the Brexit vote the British Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne has pledged to cut the UK's corporation tax from its current 20 percent to below 15 percent, giving it the lowest rate of all the major economies. Can this prevent the negative repercussions of the Brexit?

Nigel Farage announced his resignation as Ukip leader on Monday, becoming the second figurehead of the British Eurosceptics, after Boris Johnson, to throw in the towel. Farage is shirking his responsibility, some commentators criticise. With this step the member of the European Parliament has prevented further chaos, others write approvingly.

Must EU migrants now leave the British Isles? Is the UK on the brink of economic collapse? And what effect will the Brexit have on transatlantic relations? After the British vote Europe's commentators point to the many questions that need clarifying.

Many in Britain are questioning the result of the Brexit referendum. A petition calling for a second referendum on EU membership has gathered more than three million signatures. The old have ruined the future of the young with their vote, some commentators argue. Others criticise that Brexit voters are being depicted negatively in the media.

More than a week after the Brexit vote the British have yet to come up with a concrete plan for when to start official exit negotiations. The press puts forward a few ideas for a new order in Europe.

Across the EU Eurosceptics are rubbing their hands in glee over the outcome of the Brexit referendum and hoping that their own countries will hold a referendum on EU membership. Commentators fear a wave of exits and call on governments to take measures to avoid this.

For the first time in history a country has voted to leave the EU. Just under 51.9 percent of British voters cast their ballots in favour of Brexit, while 48.1 percent voted to remain. Prime Minister Cameron has announced his resignation. Is this just a warning for the Union to get its act together or the beginning of the end?

46.5 million registered British voters will decide today whether their country remains in the EU or leaves. The polling stations close at 10 p.m. local time, and the results aren't expected until Friday morning. Brexit or Bremain? While the answer to this question clearly makes some commentators nervous, others urge everyone to stay calm.

Barack Obama has clearly warned the British against leaving the EU. During a visit to London he intimated that there would be no swift bilateral trade agreement between the UK and the US in the event of a Brexit. While some commentators strongly criticise the intervention, others hope the Brits will listen to the US president.

With two months to go before the UK referendum first Barack Obama and now the OECD have warned of the consequences of a Brexit. The organisation says the British would face major financial repercussions. Commentators examine the campaign surrounding the issue and bemoan the lack of a serious debate about Europe's future.

The British will vote on whether to stay in the EU on June 23. The UK and its EU partners have agreed on compromises regarding London's reform demands. Can the prevailing anti-EU mood in Britain be countered effectively?

London's Mayor Boris Johnson has announced that he will campaign for Britain's exiting the EU. He just wants to improve his chances of becoming prime minister, critics write. Others fear his decision to back the Out camp has made a Brexit all the more likely.

The EU summit in Brussels is turning into a showdown on the Brexit issue. Will Prime Minister David Cameron manage to secure enough concessions from his EU partners to persuade his countrymen to stay in the EU?

Britain and other EU member states will have the right to deny welfare benefits to EU migrants for up to four years. The British government has responded positively to this and other proposals put forward by EU Council President Donald Tusk. But can they prevent a Brexit?