Brexit: a British drama, a challenge for the EU

The British people’s decisive vote in June 2016 in favour of leaving the European Union has triggered a myriad of different reactions which we need to put into focus on the basis of a few simple considerations: the 'Brexit' is first and foremost a British drama; it is the result of a national democratic choice that is a specific, unique case; and it constitutes an additional challenge for the EU, whose supporters need to better assert why we are stronger together.

The Jacques Delors Institute takes a stand in this Viewpoint and focuses on 3 main issues:

1. The 'Brexit' is primarily a British drama: render unto Shakespeare that which is Shakespeare’s
2. The 'Brexit' is a national democratic choice, thus a specific case
3. The 'Brexit' must encourage emphasis on why we are stronger together

The EU does not only need firemen, summoned by the 'Brexit' to fight the blaze of a new crisis: its next step forward requires more than ever the mobilisation of architects and of prophets capable of restoring a compass and a soul to this unparalleled Union, forged in postwar grief but still making perfect sense in a globalised world for young people and future generations.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Could Brexit be a unifying moment for Europe? http://www.europeansources.info/record/could-brexit-be-a-unifying-moment-for-europe/

ESO: Background information: The EU Referendum, 23 June 2016. The United Kingdom and the European Union. The results. Reaction in the EU Institutions and other EU Member States http://www.europeansources.info/record/the-eu-referendum-23-june-2016-the-united-kingdom-and-the-european-union-the-results-reaction-in-the-eu-institutions-and-other-eu-member-states/

ESO: In Focus: Brexit - The United Kingdom and the European Union http://www.europeansources.info/record/brexit-the-united-kingdom-and-the-european-union/

Politico, 01.08.16: EU: Relaunch or die http://www.politico.eu/article/the-eu-must-relaunch-or-die-brexit-consequences-reform-europe-future/

ECFR: Commentary, 04.08.16: Europe seen from the outside - the British view http://www.ecfr.eu/article/commentary_europe_seen_from_the_outside_the_british_view_7091

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