Brexit

On 23 June 2016 citizens of the United Kingdom (UK) voted to leave the European Union (EU). On 29 March 2017 the UK formally notified the European Council of its intention to leave the EU by triggering of Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty.

For the time being, the United Kingdom remains a full member of the EU and rights and obligations continue to fully apply in and to the UK. - Read full statement

More information:

• Special coverage on Brexit
• European Commission: Brexit negotiations
• Council: news timeline on Brexit
• European Parliament Brexit news
• Publications on Brexit

Political system

The United Kingdom (UK) is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy with a head of government - the prime minister - and a head of state - the monarch. The UK consists of 4 countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The last 3 have devolved administrations with varying powers. The UK also has varying degrees of links with 3 crown dependencies - the Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey. These are not part of the UK, but the British government is responsible for their defence and international representation. The country has also 14 overseas territories which are not formally part of the UK or (except Gibraltar) the EU. Location on the EU map

Trade and economy

The most important sectors of the UK’s economy in 2016 were wholesale and retail trade, transport, accommodation and food services (18.6 %), public administration, defence, education, human health and social work activities (18.2 %) and industry (13.0 %).

Intra-EU trade accounts for 47% of the United Kingdom’s exports (Germany 11%, France and the Netherlands and Ireland all 6%), while outside the EU 15% go to the United States and 5% to Switzerland.

In terms of imports, 51% come from EU Member States (Germany 14%, the Netherlands 7% and France 5%), while outside the EU 9% come from both the United States and China.

United Kingdom in the EU

European Parliament

There are 73 members of the European Parliament from the UK. Find out who these MEPs are.

European Parliament office in the United Kingdom

Council of the EU

In the Council of the EU, national ministers meet regularly to adopt EU laws and coordinate policies. Council meetings are regularly attended by representatives from the UK government, depending on the policy area being addressed.

Presidency of the Council of the EU

The Council of the EU doesn't have a permanent, single-person president (like e.g. the Commission or Parliament). Instead, its work is led by the country holding the Council presidency, which rotates every 6 months.

During these 6 months, ministers from that country's government chair and help determine the agenda of Council meetings in each policy area, and facilitate dialogue with the other EU institutions.

Dates of UK presidencies:

Jan-Jun 1977 | Jul-Dec 1981 | Jul-Dec 1992 | Jan-Jun 1998 | Jul-Dec 2005

Presidency of the Council of the EU

The following link is a redirection to an external websiteCurrent presidency of the Council of the EU

European Commission

The Commissioner nominated by the UK to the European Commission is Julian King, who is responsible for Security Union.

The Commission is represented in each EU country by a local office, called a "representation".

Commission representation in the United Kingdom

European Economic & Social Committee

The United Kingdom has 24 representatives on the European Economic and Social Committee. This advisory body – representing employers, workers and other interest groups – is consulted on proposed laws, to get a better idea of the possible changes to work and social situations in member countries.

European Committee of the Regions

The United Kingdom has 18 representatives on the European Committee of the Regions, the EU's assembly of regional and local representatives. This advisory body is consulted on proposed laws, to ensure these laws take account of the perspective from each region of the EU.

Permanent representation to the EU

The UK also communicates with the EU institutions through its permanent representation in Brussels. As the United Kingdom's "embassy to the EU", its main task is to ensure that the country's interests and policies are pursued as effectively as possible in the EU.

Budgets and Funding

How much does the UK contribute and receive?

Member countries' financial contributions to the EU budget are shared fairly, according to means. The larger your country's economy, the more it pays – and vice versa. The EU budget doesn't aim to redistribute wealth, but rather to focus on the needs of all Europeans as a whole.

Breakdown of the UK's finances with the EU in 2016:

• Total EU spending in the UK: € 7.052 billion
• Total EU spending as % of the UK’s gross national income (GNI): 0.30 %
• Total UK contribution to the EU budget: € 12.760 billion
• The UK’s Contribution to the EU budget as % of its GNI: 0.55 %

More figures on the EU budget, revenue and spending:

• EU budget in the UK
• Money & the EU
• EU spending & revenue

EU-funded projects in the UK

The money paid into the EU budget by the UK helps fund programmes and projects in all EU countries - like building roads, subsidising researchers and protecting the environment.

Find out more about how the United Kingdom benefits from EU funding.