The relationship between EU and UK has never been so difficult since the aftermath of Brexit. The withdrawal though assumed to be merely legal separation has had extensive impacts beyond commercial deals and policy variations. In as much as the economics is involved in shaping these dynamics, they are inseparable from the political, social, and cultural relationships within which these entities exist. Appreciating the complexities surrounding this after Brexit terrain, is vital in unveiling the implications for the Europe union and the United Kingdom at large.
Researchers at Kings College London highlighted the unfairness of bureaucratic conflicts in the after Brexit period as per a December 2022 report. However, at the last moment before the end of December 2020, application process revealed series of challenges, which are impacting the life of British people residing abroad in the EU.
However, three issues complicate the process of arriving at an acceptable situation. First is the interest of the UK towards sovereign flexibility will be contradictory with the goal of Brussels in levelling playing field. Second, the use of the Northern Ireland Protocol as domestic politics in Westminster can spoil cross Channel cordial relations forever. Finally, in view of the current migrant crisis, populist British rhetoric risks undermining efforts towards a joint humanitarian mission.
The UK and the EU agreed on the new trading arrangements under the Northern Ireland protocol in February 2023. One of the contentious points in the legally binding Brexit separation deal is this protocol and it also explains why Northern Ireland follows some of the EU rules for maintaining the open border with the Republic of Ireland.
The UK prime minister Rishi Sunak and The president of the European Commission Ursula Von Den Leyen have unveiled the ‘Windsor Framework’ aimed at responding to concerns and opening up the ‘green lane’ through which goods will pass from Britain and easing the checks on items intended for transfer to the South and the EU. Though progress is being witnessed in terms of greater involvement of Northern Ireland with new EU laws referred to as ‘Stormont Brake’, its implementation continues to be faced by immense political challenges.
Post-EU-BREXIT relationship has had diverse long-term impacts on the economies, societies and cultures of both UK and EU. Both sides would need to become economically flexible in order to respond to new trends and trading reality. The UK becomes more independent, free to create new agreements on international trade,however, it also needs to reinvent itself as an economic partner distinct from the existing image within the European Union. Likewise, the EU has to re-evaluate its economic policies after losing one of its largest economies.
The way forward for the EU and the UK demands the pragmatism in cooperation. Such intricate processes as untying economies, depoliticizing relations necessitate superior diplomatic tact which surpasses ideologies. The two countries form equally important players in the international arena where they all have similar problems like those of climate change, terrorism, and diseases. These fields ought to be undertaken in a cooperative manner by all parties involved based on mutual understanding and respect as it is key for a prosperous future.
In conclusion, it’s quite unclear how the post-Brexit EU-UK association will look like. Resiliency and practical perspective would determine how each side goes through the complexities, leading to their long-term effects. Though it presents many difficulties, there are some shared features between the European union and the United Kingdom like their common history, values, and interests, which can form strong basis for successful collaboration in future. The journey might seem unpredictable, but there are chances of establishing amicable relations, which are just there to be adopted by the political heads in either side of the English Channel.
By The European Institute for International Law and International Relations
References
Sandford, A. (2023, March 10). Post-brexit guide: What’s been the impact – and how did it happen? euronews. https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2022/12/29/brexit-draft-deal-first-of-many-hurdles-to-a-smooth-exit
