Britain & EU member-states
Britain's limited options
18 July 2016
Britain is one of the more populous countries in Europe, is highly integrated with the European economy, and is 21 miles from France. These facts limit its room for manoeuvre in the Brexit negotiations.
Post-referendum bulletin Issue 109 - July 2016
18 July 2016
- How Brexit is changing the EU, Charles Grant
- Britain's limited options, John Springford
- Brexit and foreign policy: Divorce?, Ian Bond
How Brexit is changing the EU
15 July 2016
By boosting Europe's populists, Brexit is making EU governments increasingly hostile to the 'federalism' of the Brussels institutions. It is also making Germany even more preponderant.
Long day’s journey into economic night
11 July 2016
Economic developments in Britain since the referendum suggest that a recession is coming. And the politics of the negotiation with the EU suggest the country will suffer a prolonged period of weak economic growth.
Dear EU leaders, please handle Britain with care
29 June 2016
Britain is in serious trouble. It does not need further concessions from you, but the dust needs to settle before it can take decisions about its future.
How Leave outgunned Remain: The battle of the 'five Ms'
25 June 2016
Remain suffered from unconvincing messengers, too narrow a message, difficulties over migration, a savage media and a ruthless Leave campaign machine.
The impact of Brexit on the EU
24 June 2016
The EU will not dissolve after Brexit, but it will change incrementally. The UK will probably end up with a free trade agreement like Canada’s.
There is legitimate anger at the EU, and then there is populism and nationalism
22 June 2016
Some frustration with the EU is justified, but much of it – particularly in the UK and across Central and Eastern Europe – reflects populism and nationalism.
Europe's offer to a post-Brexit Britain
22 June 2016
If Britain votes to leave, it will face three options for exiting the EU. It will also have to embark on two sets of negotiations.
Britain, the EU and security: Only one thing worse than fighting with allies
21 June 2016
The threats to Britain are diverse, and shared with Europe. Responses must be equally flexible and multinational. The age of splendid isolation is not coming back.
Why young people are right to fear Brexit
17 June 2016
Even Brexiters admit that there will be short-term economic costs to leaving the EU. Young people would disproportionately bear the brunt, and the effects would be long-lasting.
Brexiting yourself in the foot: Why Britain's eurosceptic regions have most to lose from EU withdrawal
13 June 2016
New data shows that the most eurosceptic regions of the UK are the most economically integrated with the EU.
Europe after Bremain: A strong team?
10 June 2016
If Britain votes to Remain, it should not revert to old habits of obstruction. In almost every field, it can serve its own interests best by making a positive contribution.
Can Britain join Norway in the EEA?
09 June 2016
Pro-EU MPs might try to force the UK to accept membership of the EEA – the ‘Norway option’ – if Britain votes to leave the EU. Charles Grant and John Springford debate whether this is likely.
The role of national parliaments in the EU: Building or stumbling blocks?
06 June 2016
If Britain remains in the EU it should lead the discussion about a more constructive role for national parliaments in reducing democratic deficit in the EU.
Is the EU to blame for the crisis in Ukraine?
01 June 2016
Brexiters accuse the EU of blundering into Ukraine and provoking conflict with Russia. But Brussels’ attempt to boost trade with Ukraine cannot justify Russia’s military intervention.
Brexit would shake the four pillars of British foreign policy
31 May 2016
The four pillars of the UK’s foreign policy would be rocked by a Brexit, and if one pillar falls, all are weakened.
Bulletin Issue 108 - June/July 2016
27 May 2016
- Why Britain voted to leave (if it does...), Charles Grant
- Five Brexit economic myths, Simon Tilford
- The EU after Bremain: Kiss and make up?, Ian Bond
Why Britain voted to leave (if it does...)
26 May 2016
Remain could lose on June 23rd, because of the EU's many problems, the Outers' focus on migration and the difficulty of mobilising younger voters.
Five Brexit economic myths
26 May 2016
Key Brexiter arguments – EU regulation and immigration are costly; the EU damages UK trade and investment; Brexit would bring fiscal gains – have no basis in reality.