Tag: European Union
A British exit would harm the EU’s global credibility – and it could rip apart the Conservatives too
A British exit would have a devastating impact on the European Union and relegate it to a second-rank world power in the eyes of the global community. John Ryan argues that the Union would see its diplomatic power greatly diminished, and that domestically a Brexit would also further divide the Conservative party. Similar PostsCan Scotland avoid Brexit? It depends on politics, not […]
The European Commission experienced a ‘subtle disempowerment’ during the Eurozone crisis
How did the Eurozone crisis affect the balance of power between the EU’s institutions? As Eugénia da Conceição-Heldt writes, opinion has been split over whether the crisis strengthened or damaged the European Commission’s role in EU decision-making. She argues that while some authors have highlighted an apparent increase in the Commission’s responsibilities over economic governance during […]
Allowing transnational voting during European elections could alleviate the EU’s democratic deficit
European Parliament elections are often criticised for lacking the required level of voter engagement to confer democratic legitimacy to the integration process. Jonathan Bright, Diego Garzia, Joseph Lacey and Alexander Trechsel assess whether ‘transnationalising’ European elections by allowing voters to back parties in other EU countries would help alleviate the problem. They argue that language barriers may represent a challenge, but […]
If the UK votes for Brexit continuing EU member states will have predominant power in exit negotiations
The EU referendum could be held as early as June so clarity is needed about what will happen in the event of a vote to leave. In this post Alan Renwick explains Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty which sets out the procedure for leaving the EU. Under it a second in/out referendum of the type floated by […]
Political habits learned in home country are determinants of EU expats’ registration in European elections
The European Union has seen, over recent decades, the creation of political structures spanning the continent. It has coincided with increased citizen mobility, with millions of Europeans opting to live, work and stay in other EU member states. Here, Yves Dejaeghere, Luana Russo, and Louise Nikolic show that political habits that have been acquired in […]
It is far from clear whether the Labour Party is ready for the forthcoming EU referendum
Last time the UK undertook a referendum on our membership of the European Union following a renegotiation of the terms of membership, it was Labour in office. This time, the process will be overseen by a Conservative government, with Labour in opposition. Jeremy Corbyn, Labour’s first Eurosceptic leader in a generation, has pledged to support […]
No more ‘Welsh effect’? Why the EU may be becoming a scapegoat in Wales
It used to be that case that Wales was distinguished by the strength of the Labour vote and the presence of the Welsh nationalist vote. Today, however, the conditions are perfect for Wales to be completely absorbed into the British mainstream, explains Daniel Evans. And this means that chances are high that Wales will vote for a departure […]
A British departure from the EU will not inevitably lead to Scottish independence. Referendums are always unpredictable
Determining whether or not a Brexit will inevitably lead to the breakup of the United Kingdom is anything short of an educated guess. Jan Zurawski argues that the example of the volatility of Scotland’s public opinion regarding voting on the independence of their country may as well be replicated when it comes to the European […]
The UK’s ‘Brexit’ referendum represents a victory for the forces of populist Euroscepticism
The UK is currently engaged in a renegotiation of the terms of its membership of the European Union, in advance of an ‘in/out’ referendum which will be held at a to-be-determined date at some point in the next two years. Here, Dr. Chris Gifford argues that the very holding of that referendum represents a victory […]
European Union policy would change in a number of areas if the UK were to vote to leave
How will the direction of EU policies change if the UK leaves? Doru Frantescu, director and co-founder of VoteWatch Europe, predicts five likely changes if the European Parliament loses its British members. Similar PostsThe UK’s renegotiation: What a fair deal between London and its European partners might look likeIt would be a democratic travesty for Brexit not to be […]
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