On 23 June, more than 17 million British citizens of the European Union voted for Brexit.
Why did they decide to do so?
The answer to this question is quite important for the future of the European Union and for the future of the United Kingdom. In my view, the reasons for this vote go far deeper than a protest against migration, the globalization or a so-called “austerity” policy of the current Tory government. I think the result should be analysed and discussed in the context of Britain’s long history towards continental Europe and its consequences. So, here is a view of the referendum’s outcome in eight reasons, a long read. Read more
Freedom, peace and prosperity for all Europeans, this lies at the heart of the European Idea.
It inspired Robert Schuman to his declaration just a few years after the end of the War. Since then, 9 May, 1950 has marked the birth of what has turned into the European Union we know today.
His declaration was about trust and cooperation across national borders. It was about concrete achievements by sharing rights of sovereignty. And it was made for the benefit of all Europeans.
Today, this idea is as attractive as ever. Read more
The previous article published a few days ago describes the political developments in Poland during the last 12 months. This one is focussing on Poland’s future. However, in light of recent developments, it makes sense to remind ourselves of the contributions to democracy made by some great Europeans in the past. Read more
For the first time in its history, the European Union formally instituted a rule-of-law proceeding against one of its member states on 1 June, 2016. It concerns Poland.
Common values are the very foundation of the European Union. They play a decisive role for the inner cohesion and solidarity among the citizens of the Union. They unite them. That’s why they are laid down right at the beginning of the Treaty in Article 2. They include respect for human dignity, freedom, tolerance, democracy, the rule of law, pluralism, justice, solidarity, equality, the protection of minorities and non-discrimination. The Charta of Fundamental Rights describes these values in more detail and phrases them in a manner that turns them into fundamental rights enforceable by law for each and every citizen.
In nearly one month the British people will decide to remain a member of – or to leave the European Union. Here are ten reasons – from my point of view – why it makes sense to stay in. For British citizens. But also why this will be good for all citizens of the European Union.
London held its election. Sadiq Khan has been the city’s new mayor since May 9, 2016. He is a Muslim and the son of an immigrant from Pakistan, who earned his money driving buses in the streets of London. Together with seven siblings, Sadiq Khan grew up in public housing in London, where he visited a state school and studied.
There are four reasons why Sadiq Khan’s victory is a good omen for the referendum on the British EU membership on June 23.
“Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union?” That is the question the British will answer in their referendum on 23 June. It is a rather abstract wording for the personal belonging of each and every citizen to the European Union. A more personal question would have been: “Do you want to continue to be a citizen of the European Union or not?” That is the real and personal essence of the vote on 23 June for each and every citizen in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. But what does that really mean? What does being a citizen of the European Union mean in the 21st century?
F.Timmermans at his best…in the EP, 28 April, about EU-Turkey deal: “Syrians in Turkey have one dream. It is not going to the European Union, it is going home.”
Watch him in the video from minute 8:00 to minute 13:40.
(If interested in his remarks on Turkey visa liberation watch further from min. 15:50)
What would happen if the British voted for their withdrawal?
Should the British people vote for their withdrawal from the Union on June 23, 2016, the British Commissioner to the EU would have to resign from office the next day. The same would hold true for the 78 British MEPs. The leave of the about 1,000 employees of the Commission would have to be arranged. The same would apply to British employees at various European authorities. Even Europol’s director, the British Rob Wainwright, would have to be replaced.
