The European Union and Brexit

Europe is one of the seven continents in the world. It contains the westernmost part of the Eurasia. In order to ensure that people, goods, services, and capital can easily move from one country to another in Europe, the European Union (EU) was established. Under the EU, there are 28 member states. However, one of the most shocking news that happened last year is when United Kingdom decided to withdraw from EU.

The most important part of Europe’s history is the Brexit, which merged the words Britain and exit. Due to a referendum, a voting was held where the citizens of UK within the voting age decided whether they want to stay or leave the EU. As a result, ‘leave’ vote won with 52% against the 48% ‘remain. According to the data, England and Wales got the highest vote for ‘leave’. The day after Brexit happened, the former Prime Minister of Britain David Cameron resigned from his position. He was replaced by Theresa May, who is also against Brexit. However, she stated that she respects the decision of the people and will do the necessary steps in fulfilling their withdrawal.

So what does it means for the UK? The main issues of Brexit are the businesses and the EU nationals’ right to live and work in the UK. Furthermore, UK won’t instantly exit the EU because they have to invoke an agreement called Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty. The EU and the UK government need to agree on the terms of both parties. According to May, she plans to start the process by March 2017 which means that it is expected that the UK will leave by the summer of 2019. There are still several issues and laws that the EU and UK need to agree with so that the citizens can easily work, live, and travel across the Europe. Therefore, we are still unsure of the changes that UK citizens and EU nationals will experience.

Traveling in countries under EU

Traveling in a different country means that you need to prepare necessary documents like valid identification cards, passport, and visa. If you are an EU national, you don’t need to show your national ID card or passport when you travel from one border-free Schengen EU country to another. However, it is still highly recommended for you to take it with you so that you can prove your identity if ever you need to. It is possible that Schengen EU countries to adopt national rules that oblige a person with EU nationality to hold or carry papers and documents when they are present on the territory. Note that driving license, post, bank or tax cards are NOT accepted as valid travel documents or proof of identity.

Here is the list of border-free Schengen areas:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland

Though part of the EU, there are countries that still require a person with an EU nationality to show a valid ID card or passport when traveling. Countries that do not belong to the border-free Schengen area include Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania, and the United Kingdom. Thus, it is important that you check the documents you must have before traveling outside your home country and enter non-Schengen EU country you plan to visit.

If you are a non-EU national and wanted to visit or travel within the EU, you will need a passport that should be valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU country you are visiting and was issued within the previous 10 years. Plus, you might possibly need a visa. To apply for a visa, you need to go to the consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting. If you are able to obtain a visa from a Schengen area country then it automatically allows you to travel to other Schengen countries as well. A valid residence permit from one of the Schengen countries is equivalent to a visa. To be able to visit non-Schengen countries, you may need a national visa. Border officials in EU countries may ask for other supporting documents such as invitation letter, proof of lodging, return or round-trip ticket. Don’t forget your travel, health, and/or car insurance documents. Note that there are a number of countries whose nationals do not need a visa to visit the EU for three months or less. In addition, there is a list of countries whose nationals require visas to travel to the United Kingdom or Ireland that differs slightly from other EU countries. UK and Ireland have entry conditions that are based on their respective national law, which differs from the EU rules.