The decision by British voters to leave the European Union is extremely disappointing and is likely to have long-term negative economic and political consequences for the future of both the UK and Europe. We can expect a lot of uncertainty over the next few months both in Britain and the EU, and the result is bound to encourage European right-wing Eurosceptic populist parties.
Unfortunately, with the exception of the Liberal Democrats, over the years no political party in Britain ever made a strong case to explain the advantages of the UK’s EU membership. Indeed, many politicians, especially those in the Conservative Party, made it a habit of making Brussels the scapegoat for the country’s problems. This, coupled with a fervent anti-EU tabloid press, certainly influenced the average British citizen’s mind frame, and last Thursday’s referendum vote is the result.
The idea to hold a referendum was always a very risky gamble, and Prime Minister David Cameron, who has announced his intention to resign in October, now has to live with his conscience. Mr Cameron miscalculated very badly – he only promised a referendum for electoral advantage and to satisfy the Eurosceptic wing of his Conservative Party. The consequences of his ill-advised decision could very well be the break-up of the UK and a catalyst for other countries to exit the EU.
The result of Britain’s referendum, however, should serve as a wake-up call for the EU. The Remain side was backed by the Conservative Prime Minister, most of his Cabinet, the Labour Party, the Liberal Democrats, the Greens, the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland Nationalists, the Ulster Unionists, trade unions, economists, the overwhelming majority of businesses, the medical profession, artists, environmentalists and scientists. Yet the Leave side won by nearly 1.3 million votes, showing just how difficult it is to sell the concept of Europe and how detached from the EU and disenfranchised ordinary people feel.
Britain’s decision to move out of the EU poses a major challenge to the bloc which now needs a major transformation if it is to survive. The EU has without doubt been a major success story but it has unfortunately lacked strong leadership and visionary leaders over the years. It has also failed to tackle major issues of concern such as the migration crisis and it has been unable to properly address the challenge posed by populist parties cropping up throughout the bloc.
The EU needs to reconnect with its citizens, concentrate on the important things that matter in order to improve people’s lives and have a good look at itself in the mirror. It should put enlargement on hold, move away from the idea of a federal super State and put further integration on the agenda only if this is absolutely necessary.
However, the EU has certainly a lot to be proud of. Its achievements over the years have been huge, such as peace, stability and increased prosperity for all. EU leaders need to constantly sell the benefits of EU membership while acknowledging that the bloc needs to change.
How should the EU deal with Britain’s new situation? Might it even be possible for a new deal to be negotiated that would keep the UK in the EU? Perhaps an arrangement that shows more flexibility from Brussels over the issue of migration from the EU to Britain, which was a huge concern of British voters in the referendum?
Such a deal would be very difficult but is certainly worth a try to give some hope to so many young people in Britain who voted in massive numbers to remain part of the EU, only to have their dream cruelly shattered by the older generation who selfishly voted to leave.