Western Europe

The United Kingdom’s Long Kiss Goodbye

Here’s what Atlantic Council analysts and guests had to say about the British referendum on June 23 to leave the European Union. In the Week After the Vote: “British support for taking the United Kingdom out of the European Union came as a tremendous shock to the world. Global financial markets were roiled for two […]

Brexit: An ‘Earthquake’ in London

By Ashish Kumar Sen

A vote by the British to leave the European Union should not be viewed as an isolated incident. It should, instead, set off alarm bells about the future of the European project. British Prime Minister David Cameron’s campaign to keep the United Kingdom in the EU was defeated by 52 percent to 48 percent despite […]

In Post-Brexit Era, a New Vision for the EU is Necessary

By Fran Burwell

Boarding the Eurostar from Brussels to London on June 24, the British passengers still went through the “EU Members” line at passport control, while we Americans went through “All Other Passports”—for how much longer? Possibly, for quite some time, if some British leaders—including top campaigners to Leave—have their way. At the core of the issue […]

EU’s Salvation a Priority

By Anders Åslund

David Cameron will go down as one of the most foolish prime ministers in British history. By placating populist sentiment and agreeing to hold a referendum on the United Kingdom’s membership in the European Union to manage tensions in his own Conservative Party, he has taken his country out of relevant international politics, forced himself […]

Post-Brexit, Germany ‘Has to be Very Careful’

By Ashish Kumar Sen

We asked our experts to tell us what the European Union needs to do differently in light of the referendum. This is what they had to say: Richard L. Morningstar is the founding director and chairman of the Global Energy Center at the Atlantic Council and a former US ambassador to the EU.  The EU […]

Brexit: Losers and Winners

By Ben Nimmo

The United Kingdom will emerge as the biggest loser from its voters’ decision to exit the European Union.  The United States loses a useful ally in its dealings with the European bloc, but it has others. France and Russia benefit, while Germany under Chancellor Angela Merkel will look increasingly vulnerable. Italy, Poland, and Spain have […]

EU ‘Must be More Transparent’

By Ashish Kumar Sen

We asked our experts to tell us what the EU needs to do differently in light of the referendum. This is what they had to say: Fran Burwell is vice president, European Union and Special Initiatives, at the Atlantic Council. There are two things that the EU needs to do to change. First, it needs […]

Europe’s Soul-Searching Moment

By Ana Palacio

There is an old rule in lawyering, never ask a question if you are not certain of the answer. Three years ago, in a selfish gambit to solidify his personal mandate for a second term as prime minister, David Cameron did just that. His reward: thirteen extra months in 10 Downing Street entirely consumed by […]

Brexit a Boon for Europe’s Far-Right Populists

By Alina Polyakova

The United Kingdom’s vote to leave the European Union will provide a massive boost to the isolationist, anti-immigrant, and eurosceptic policies of Europe’s far-right political parties.