Why Is the World Interested in the UK Leaving the European Union?
Here's an attempt to explain the situation:
Background of the Separation:
The UK held a referendum on whether to remain in the European Union or leave, and the results came out yesterday. 51.9% voted in favor of leaving the EU, despite widespread local and international expectations that the vote would favor staying.
What Is the European Union?
The European Union (EU) is an international entity based in Brussels, consisting of 28 European countries. It was established in 1992 under the "Maastricht Treaty." The EU aims to unify the vision of its member states on most political, economic, and other issues. However, it's essential to understand that this goal has yet to be fully achieved in practice, as each member state grants different powers to the EU based on its own general policy.
Benefits of the European Union:
Citizens of EU member states enjoy several benefits, such as free trade, movement, residence, and protection. However, these benefits also create problems, such as citizens from poorer EU countries moving to richer ones. This puts pressure on countries like the UK, which faces an influx of citizens from other EU countries.
Why Did the UK Decide to Leave?
In 2012, then-Prime Minister David Cameron expressed dissatisfaction with some of the EU's restrictions on the UK. He threatened to hold a referendum on whether to stay in or leave the EU. Despite the EU's attempts to appease the UK, the demand for a referendum grew, especially from the far right, which focused on issues like unemployment and immigration.
Result of the Referendum:
The referendum resulted in a decision to leave, with the majority voting to leave being older adults, while younger people preferred to stay.
Possible Consequences of the Separation:
Renegotiating Treaties: The UK will have to renegotiate all treaties signed with the EU in politics and economics, which could affect the economies of impacted countries, including Arab nations like Egypt.
Loss of Trade Privileges: The UK may lose some benefits, like tariff-free trade, although countries like Switzerland and Norway have managed to maintain similar agreements outside the EU.
Economic Impact: Reports from the British Treasury indicate that leaving the EU could result in a £36 billion reduction in tax revenues and a 6.6% decrease in national output by 2030.
Spreading the Idea: The referendum's success could encourage other European countries, such as Germany, France, and the Netherlands, to consider leaving the EU.
Disintegration of the UK: Leaving the EU could lead to separatist movements within the UK, like Scotland's potential independence and Northern Ireland joining the Republic of Ireland.
Decline in the Pound: In some global markets, the British pound has experienced an unprecedented drop in value since 1985.
David Cameron's Resignation: The resignation of David Cameron, who opposed leaving, could lead to the rise of the far right in the UK.
Loss of International Leadership: This move could cause the UK to lose some of its international leadership, especially since most major world leaders were against the separation.
Conclusion:
The separation could weaken the UK and affect the cohesion of the EU. As the saying goes, "Unity is strength, and division is weakness." This is clearly seen now in the division of countries while the world watches to see how this event will impact the future.