Interview, Statement
How Brexit is changing the EU
- While the 2016 UK referendum was predicted by some to signal the "beginning of the end" for the EU and was preceded by at least 15 populist parties advocating for exit, the idea of leaving has largely "dropped off the agenda" as a primary issue, with only "one or two" parties still explicitly advocating it.
- Optimism regarding the future of the European Union has grown by over 20% since 2016, illustrated by Greek support for leaving decreasing from almost half to just a third, a reduction representing a drop of over 20%.
- Despite current sentiment, one-third of the European population still desires to leave the EU, and a historic opportunity exists to transform the bloc into a true political union rather than a loose coalition, a shift supporters argue is necessary to support societal changes.
- Uncertainty remains regarding whether Brexit will ultimately occur, though the founder of Volt asserts the EU possesses a survival instinct and that leaders have the political will to maintain unity.
- European countries are expected to take necessary measures to hold the Union together, often acting at the "very last minute," although achieving true unity remains inherently difficult due to the distinct history and interests of the 28 member states.
- Challenges persist regarding the EU's awareness of the specific costs borne by Greece from the migrant crisis, which must be addressed alongside the broader effort to strengthen the bloc against populist pressures.