Imminent UK Brexit unleashes new EU dynamics

Time pressure will “focus minds on the continent and make it easier for the EU-27 to maintain unity”, says Agata Gostynska-Jakubowska of the Centre for European Reform think-tank in Brussels. “The idea that they will crack in the later phase is overplayed.”

“Power is shifting to France and Germany,” says Ms Gostynska-Jakubowska. “But Germany is extremely weak, with domestic politics paralysing its leadership in the EU,” she adds. This “strengthens France and leaves Poland and others extremely uneasy”.