Why Britain voted to leave the EU – a view from the outside and initial conclusions



On 23 June, more than 17 million British citizens of the European Union voted for Brexit.

Why did they decide to do so?

The answer to this question is quite important for the future of the European Union and for the future of the United Kingdom. In my view, the reasons for this vote go far deeper than a protest against migration, the globalization or a so-called “austerity” policy of the current Tory government. I think the result should be analysed and discussed in the context of Britain’s long history towards continental Europe and its consequences. So, here is a view of the referendum’s outcome in eight reasons, a long read. Read more

On the future of Great Britain and the European Union



Freedom, peace and prosperity for all Europeans, this lies at the heart of the European Idea.

It inspired Robert Schuman to his declaration just a few years after the end of the War. Since then, 9 May, 1950 has marked the birth of what has turned into the European Union we know today.

His declaration was about trust and cooperation across national borders. It was about concrete achievements by sharing rights of sovereignty. And it was made for the benefit of all Europeans.

Today, this idea is as attractive as ever. Read more

Why Turkey should not become an EU member and why it is desirable that Britain remains one



Common values are the very foundation of the European Union. They play a decisive role for the inner cohesion and solidarity among the citizens of the Union. They unite them. That’s why they are laid down right at the beginning of the Treaty in Article 2. They include respect for human dignity, freedom, tolerance, democracy, the rule of law, pluralism, justice, solidarity, equality, the protection of minorities and non-discrimination. The Charta of Fundamental Rights describes these values in more detail and phrases them in a manner that turns them into fundamental rights enforceable by law for each and every citizen.

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Why London’s new mayor is such a good omen for the EU referendum



London's new mayor Sadiq Khan

London held its election. Sadiq Khan has been the city’s new mayor since May 9, 2016. He is a Muslim and the son of an immigrant from Pakistan, who earned his money driving buses in the streets of London. Together with seven siblings, Sadiq Khan grew up in public housing in London, where he visited a state school and studied.

There are four reasons why Sadiq Khan’s victory is a good omen for the referendum on the British EU membership on June 23.

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Part III The Brexit vote: what would happen next, who would benefit and the real alternative



What would happen if the British voted for their withdrawal?

Should the British people vote for their withdrawal from the Union on June 23, 2016, the British Commissioner to the EU would have to resign from office the next day. The same would hold true for the 78 British MEPs. The leave of the about 1,000 employees of the Commission would have to be arranged. The same would apply to British employees at various European authorities. Even Europol’s director, the British Rob Wainwright, would have to be replaced.

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