Europe’s Brexit : EU perspectives on Britain’s vote to leave

Abstract

The Brexit debate in the UK focuses almost exclusively on the UK’s own position within the European Union and largely ignores the reaction and opinion of the other 27 member states. The UK’s negotiations will, however, involve each and every member state, as well as the EU institutions, and their past relationships with the UK will be critical for shaping any future international relations. This book offers an in-depth analysis of the attitudes and opinions of the rest of Europe towards the UK’s decision to leave. Covering the period from David Cameron’s attempt to renegotiate the UK’s EU membership prior to the Referendum and closing with the triggering of Article 50, the book charts the individual member-states’ response to the UK’s referendum process and result. Each essay draws on the research of country experts and together they provide essential context for understanding the likely negotiating position of the European nations towards the UK at this historic juncture and a fascinating insight into their likely future relations with the UK.