This book is the first detailed analysis of how the EU responded to Brexit. It is an important reference point for future studies of the Brexit negotiations. The authors conducted in-depth interviews with key institutional players in Brussels and in several member states to document how the EU handled the first-ever exit of one of its members. The Brexit shock came at a time when the EU had barely recovered from the Euro crisis and was struggling to manage an unprecedented inflow of refugees. The immediate fear was that Brexit might be the final straw that broke the camel ’s back.
Eurosceptics were jubilant, and Europhiles were distraught. In reality, the EU reacted to Brexit with resolve and a determination to protect the polity. The book argues that getting the process right was crucial. The EU mobilised its collective capacity to negotiate effectively and with one voice.
Author(s): Brigid Laffan, Stefan Telle
Series: Palgrave Studies in European Union Politics
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
Year: 2023
Language: English
Pages: 302
City: Cham
Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgements
Contents
Abbreviations
List of Figures
List of Tables
1 Introduction: Responding to Brexit
Brexit: The Straw That Breaks the Camel’s Back?
The Puzzle: The EU’s United and Effective Response to Brexit
Do Economic Interests Explain the EU’s Brexit Response?
Explaining EU Unity and Effectiveness: Issue Framing and Institutional Capacity
Issue Framing and Discursive Unity
Creating the Collective Capacity for an Effective Response
Effective Negotiations
This Book’s Contribution
References
2 Framing the Brexit Challenge
Introduction
Why Issue Framing Was Key to a United Response to Brexit
Issue Framing: Defining the Problem and Suggesting Solution
Framing Brexit: In the EU and in the UK
The “New Settlement” Negotiations
The “New Settlement” Narrative of the UK Government
The “New Settlement” Narrative of the EU
The Post-referendum Period: Making Sense of Brexit
The Brexit Narrative of the UK Government
The Brexit Narrative of the EU27
Conclusions
References
3 Creating Institutional Capacity
Introduction
Temporary Organisational Settings
The Command Centre
The Institutional Ecology
The Council
The Commission
The European Parliament
Conclusions
References
4 Building the EU’s Brexit Process
Introduction
Foundations: Article 50 and Procedural Arrangements
Article 50: Follow the Rule Book!
Procedural Arrangements: Broad Involvement and Clear Responsibilities
Transparency and Institutional Coordination
Transparency: Internal Glue and External Weapon
Institutional Coordination: Mobilising Dispersed Capacity
A Barnier Method?
Conclusion
References
5 Structuring the Negotiations
Introduction
Negotiation Strategies and Bargaining Resources
Structuring the Negotiation Process
Issue Linkages: Sequencing and Package Agreements
Staying One Step Ahead
Effective Communication: The Case of “Cherry Picking”
Conclusion
References
6 The Withdrawal Agreement I: ‘Sufficient Progress’
Introduction
Starting Positions
The Financial Settlement
Citizens’ Rights
The Irish Border
Conclusions
References
7 The Withdrawal Agreement II: Deal or No Deal?
Introduction
Scoping the Future Relationship
Through the ‘Tunnel’ to a Deal?
Brexit Postponed: In Search of a Parliamentary Majority
Getting Brexit Done
Conclusions
References
8 The Trade and Cooperation Agreement
Introduction
Setting the Scene
The EU’s Starting Position
The UK’s Starting Position
Slow Beginnings: Getting to June
The Clock Ticks On: July to October
Getting to Agreement: October to Christmas Eve
Conclusions
References
9 Brexit Is Far from Done: Implementation of the Agreements
Introduction
Implementing the Withdrawal Agreement
Institutional Framework
Dispute Resolution Mechanisms
Transforming the WA into a Living Framework
The Joint Committee: Rising Political Tensions
The Specialised Committees
Implementing the Trade and Cooperation Agreement
Institutional Framework
Dispute Resolution Mechanisms
Transforming the TCA into a Living Treaty
The Partnership Council
The Trade Partnership Council and the Trade Specialised Committees
The Specialised Committees
Conclusions
References
10 Conclusions: Process and Capacity
Responding to Brexit: A United and Effective Process
Strategic Myopia or Collective Power?
Prospects for the Future Relationship
References
Epilogue
References
Index
