And...Britain
will leave the EU!
After
the result of the Brexit Referendum published on the morning of the
24th
of June 2016 (Remain 48,4% and Leave 51,6%) it is clear that Britain
will leave the European Union (EU). The decision of the British
people may have shocked the citizens from the 27 member-states, but
the right of expression is respected by the EU leaders and EU
citizens. In a joint statement made by the main EU chiefs, the
President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker, the
President of the European Council Donald Tusk, the Holder of the
Presidency of the Council of the EU Mark Rutte and the President of
the European Parliament Martin Schulz stated “In
a free and democratic process, the British people have expressed
their wish to leave the European Union. We regret this decision but
respect it.”
Remarkably,
the day after of the UK voted to leave the EU, the European leaders
were unanimous on their message, there is no point to prolong the
exit of Britain once people have already expressed their choice.
Indeed to prolonged uncertainty on the Brexit file means also to
prolong uncertainty on the markets, as well as to prolong a
significant increase of feeling of insecurity on EU citizens.
For
sure this was the moment that the EU leaders needed to send a message
of cohesion and integration. Some EU citizens have started
questioning if this is the beginning of the end of the EU project.
This may be an interpretation a little too far from the reality in
the EU. It is known that the EU is facing a period of big challenges
with severe and different crises. The economic crisis, migration,
fight against terrorism, the growth of popular racism, the increase
of Euroscepticism among EU citizens…. Yet, according to EU leaders
it is not time to quiet, but to think on how Europe can reshape
itself.
The
President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, said on his first
public statement “It is an historic moment for sure, this is not a
moment for hysterical reactions. I want to reassure everyone that we
are prepared also for this negative scenario.” Much has been
expected to come out in these latest days. Though, any development
plan has been known so far, which can be easily understandable since
this is an unprecedented situation and caution on dealing with a new
agreement is crucial to prevent further situations coming from other
member states. Jean-Claude Juncker has been clear on his statements by
saying that once leaving, Britain will not have “one foot in and
one foot out” on its withdrawal. And that once out of the EU, the
UK will have no special treatment. More recently, Donald Tusk said
that Britain will not have an “à la carte” relationship with the
EU if it wants to access the single market. In addition, Matteo
Renzi, the Italian Prime Minister, declared in an interview that
Britain cannot take only the “good things” from its exit. The EU
leaders have been firm and consistent on their messages willing a
smooth, quick and fair exit of Britain to both sides.
On
the other hand, British politicians are currently having a difficult
time finding a balance on the political ground. Scottish and North
Ireland refuse to be unheard on their relationships with the EU. The
unity of Great Britain can be shaked only two years after the
Scottish referendum.
In
addition, it seems that the “leave campaigners” had no
contingency plan all this time. In fact, just days after their so
expected victory they are backpedalling on promises mainly due to the
uncertain outcome of the expected agreement between the UK and the EU
and the apparently the high expectations of the strength and will of
EU leaders on the months to come. In the meantime, the UK is facing
some troubled time with political changes, markets falls, release of
reports on an increasing popular racism against migrants' communities in
the UK, just to mention some…
For now EU citizens and markets are
expecting a more detailed plan on the future of Europe and questions
about a new Treaty of an EU with 27 member states, as well as an UK-EU
agreement have been asked.
It
was known that Brexit wouldn’t bring nothing good to the EU beside
probably the wish of reshape the EU as an awakening call. But it may
reveal a much worst choice for the Great Britain.
Europe
HOpes will continue to follow the events of Brexit and bring to you
the most relevant debates on this matter.
