Brexit to dominate EP plenary session in Strasbourg

A tense political climate saw the European Parliament (EP) convene Monday in Strasbourg for the first plenary session following the Britain's recent referendum which saw a slim majority of those voting opt to leave the European Union (EU).

European Council President Donald Tusk and President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker will open a debate on Tuesday in the EP on the conclusions of the extraordinary summit held in Brussels on June 28 and 29 to look at the implications of the June 23 vote for Brexit.

At the summit, EU leaders stated that there could be no negotiations with London until Britain formally notified its intention to leave the EU. For his part, British Prime Minister David Cameron - who had already announced he would step down within three months - reiterated that the formal decision to invoke Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon should be taken by his successor.

For now, the EP has little role in the divorce proceedings other than as acting as a debating chamber. Eventually, though, the Parliament will have to approve the withdrawal terms offered to Britain, which should be on the table within two years of Article 50 being triggered. However, this process could take even longer.

To general surprise on Monday, British MEP Nigel Farage, leader of the UK Independence Party (UKIP), who did much to spearhead Brexit, announced he was stepping down as party leader. However, Farage said he would continue to sit as an MEP until his current term expires.

At a time when the EU looks more divided than ever, this week's plenary is likely to be dominated by Brexit and as well as the ongoing migration and refugee crisis. The establishment of an EU border control system, regrouping the European border agency Frontex and national border management authorities will be debated Tuesday and voted on Wednesday.

MEPs also will discuss Wednesday morning the priorities of the incoming Slovak Presidency of the Council of Ministers with Prime Minister Robert Fico, after examining the achievements of the outgoing Dutch presidency with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

On Wednesday the Parliament will discuss with EU Foreign Affairs chief Frederica Mogherini a new "global strategy" for the Union's energy security, migration, climate change and terrorism.

This debate will be followed by another on EU relations with China for the next five years. Enditem