Article 50 Treaty on European Union: Questioning the Adequacy of the Key to Exiting the European Uni

On 23rd June 2016, the United Kingdom electorate voted to leave the European Union, and much legal and political debate has been instigated since. The legal mechanism dictating the process for withdrawal from the EU is found in Article 50 Treaty on European Union (TEU). However, having never been utilised before, it has been placed under scrutiny, promulgated much debate, and has been the subject of criticism. This paper identifies and examines such critique, utilising the UK’s withdrawal as a case study, whilst critically analysing the debates that have ensued concerning the fitness of Article 50 TEU. It is ultimately contended that the provision remains fit for the purpose of providing a process for the withdrawal of a Member State from the EU, despite the fact that omissions within Article 50 TEU have led to various political ambiguities.

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