MOSCOW, July 23. /TASS/. After Brexit, the United Kingdom will need to sign new deals with Russia and other countries with which London’s relations are subject to the EU’s legal and contractual basis, Russia’s envoy to the European Union Vladimir Chizhov said in an interview with TASS on Monday.
"Besides internal regulations, which in any case will be reviewed due to the UK’s exit, the EU is tied to other countries by legal and contractual foundations of various kinds, even with Russia," Chizhov said. "Certainly, the question will come up on the need to modify this legal and contractual basis."
The diplomat noted that after the UK leaves the EU, the agreements that had been in force before London joined the EU would be valid again. "For example, the UK and Germany had an agreement signed in 1956. It envisaged two flights per week along a fixed route and by certain air carriers (British European Airways and Lufthansa)," Chizhov said.
According to Chizhov, it is difficult to forecast now how the situation will unfold after Brexit since the British authorities cannot outline their final stance on a number of related issues, even though the Brexit deadline is nearing.
"In other words, no one knows what will happen," the envoy pointed out. "UK Prime Minister Theresa May launched the countdown herself on March 29, 2017. Three-quarters of the timeframe has elapsed and half a year is left, and the British have so far not outlined their position."
Official talks between London and Brussels on conditions for the UK to leave the EU began on June 19, 2017 in Brussels. A year before this, 51.9% of UK citizens voted in favor of Brexit at a referendum.
The talks on Brexit should last until this November and then the European Parliament and Westminster should approve the deal. Brexit will take place on March 29, 2019 and then a transition period should begin and last until December 31, 2020.