Negotiations over our future relationship with the European Union are expected to be long and difficult.
Negotiations between Canada and the EU have been long and are still not completed.
The EU has a complex arrangement with Norway, another with Switzerland and a third with Greenland.
The World Trade Organisation has similar problems in getting agreement. The deals America is trying to do with others are likewise fraught.
Why doesn't the EU draw up a single contract which any country or company which wants to trade with it has to sign?
This contract could specify the rules you have to follow, the tariffs and taxes you have to pay and so on.
Countries which wanted to leave the EU or trade with the EU would then have certainty over what they had to do.
Membership inside the EU, with all the benefits that brings; one contract for those outside, without those benefits.
This contract could be a model for other trading groups to follow.
I'm sure such a contract could be drawn up inside two years, sooner if lawyers are not involved.
It must be simpler than trying to negotiate with every country indvidually.
And if that is possible, why not draw up a single contract for citizens? Agree to these principles, pay this fee and you can be an individual mamber of the EU. If you don't you will have to jump through these hoops if you want to visit or live in the EU.
Having individuals living under another county's rules but following your principles could be a great way of promoting your values.
