MOSCOW (Sputnik) – On Thursday, a nationwide referendum was held in Britain in which 51.9 percent of the voters said they were in favor of Brexit (UK leaving the EU). The United Kingdom still needs to formally notify the European Union of its intention to leave the bloc. After that, it has a maximum of two years to negotiate the terms of its divorce.
"First and foremost that is something that Lord Hill, an experienced politician for whom I have great respect as, will have to decide," Juncker said in an interview with the German Bild newspaper.
According to Juncker, British members of the European Parliament will retain their rights and obligations until the United Kingdom leaves the European Union.
"However, I note that many British MEPs belonging to the UK Independence Party (UKIP) have used all their time in Parliament to work against the institution of which they are members…I can imagine that they will not stay any longer than they have to," the EU Commission President told Bild.
According to European Council President Donald Tusk, the entire Brexit process could take as long as seven years. Juncker told Bild that all the remaining 27 EU members will need to agree on the terms of UK’s new partnership with the European Union.
