Germany will ultimately control Brexit negotiations

London

THE European Union's muted response to Theresa May's hard line Brexit speech illustrates that Germany will ultimately control its negotiations.

Political uncertainty within the EU is a key factor. Ahead of the UK's planned decision to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty to begin a two-year negotiating process, the Netherlands will be holding elections mid-March. This will be followed by French presidential elections in April. Above all, the key terms of trade and other deals are likely to take place after the German elections in September.