The EU 27 has demonstrated absolute unity throughout the Brexit negotiations thus far. As the talks enter the crucial third stage, covering the EU’s future relationship with UK, it will be fascinating to see whether this solidarity holds firm or begins to fracture.
The united stance adopted by the EU 27 is testament to its determination that EU membership should not be devalued by any member deciding to leave and that concessions made to the leaving party should be kept to a minimum. According to the EU, the integrity of the single market and the protection of the four freedoms is at stake.
Both parties are attempting to strike a balance in order to shape a final deal. The practical realities of Brexit must inevitably be faced. A gap of €10-€14bn could be left in the post-Brexit budget whilst expenditure continues to grow and there is another negotiation to be had between the EU 27 over how funds should be allocated in the next budget cycle. These are pressure points that could potentially lead to division on how to proceed with Brexit negotiations.
However, for now at least, unity among the 27 remains and there is strong resistance to EU member states strengthening the UK’s position by making bilateral arrangements.
Meanwhile, as the Brexit deadline nears, the UK is keen to persuade individual member states to accept its proposals for a final deal, contained in the White Paper it published earlier this summer. To this end, Theresa May had intended to hold one-to-one meetings with the EU heads of state and government ahead of the October summit, where it is hoped the final deal will be struck. However, the EU appears steadfast in its strategy of negotiating as a single bloc.
It is entirely possible that a final deal will be postponed until November or December if progress cannot be made soon.
Article published: 23rd August 2018
