Group B semester 2 First week. - Brexit

What are the Brits doing? What are the EU doing? Will John still be here in March? This and many more questions to discuss...


By the way you can also write in the Group A topic if you wish.

Brexit is such a mess.

I remember being astonished back when the results were announced, I couldn't believe that the UK was really doing this. I was especially worried about the effect that it would have on Europe. But I was also worried for the British people and how it could affect their lives. If France was leaving Europe tomorrow, it would be HORRIBLE.

Now, seeing how the Prime Minister is struggling to come up with a deal that will satisfy everyone is, albeit quite awful for her, certainly interesting in a way. I know that many are calling out for a second referendum, especially after what happened these last days, but i wonder if this will truly happen. And even if it really does, what will be the outcome of that ? Is it possible for the UK to change its mind at this point ? I don't even know if the EU will allow that, considering how they handled the negociation with Theresa May.

And, if I may ask, I was wondering, how is it going to affect you, John ?

Emeline Giffard wrote:Brexit is such a mess.

I remember being astonished back when the results were announced, I couldn't believe that the UK was really doing this. I was especially worried about the effect that it would have on Europe. But I was also worried for the British people and how it could affect their lives. If France was leaving Europe tomorrow, it would be HORRIBLE.

Now, seeing how the Prime Minister is struggling to come up with a deal that will satisfy everyone is, albeit quite awful for her, certainly interesting in a way. I know that many are calling out for a second referendum, especially after what happened these last days, but i wonder if this will truly happen. And even if it really does, what will be the outcome of that ? Is it possible for the UK to change its mind at this point ? I don't even know if the EU will allow that, considering how they handled the negociation with Theresa May.

And, if I may ask, I was wondering, how is it going to affect you, John ?

I'll perhaps answer that and give my views later as I don't want to influence discussion yet.

I think you can also discuss the EU side of this. The Brits decided "to leave" was better because the EU is trying to federalise more and more, it is headed by a complete clown in Juncker and the MEPs seem more interested in making money for themselves than helping the people of Europe. The EU have come across in a very bad light since the UK's democratic decision but have they actually thought about what it will mean to the EU if the UK actually leaves without a deal in place? Catastrophe for the UK but nearly as bad for the EU. Germany are finally heading into a recession, Italy are going to break money rules, France are sliding into chaos and those are the three most stable countries. Maybe the EU ought to get their heads out of their asses and try to find a good solution for everyone.

I really don't know much about politic but I remember being shocked when the decision went official 2 years ago. I couldn't believe it. I also remember that young people and Scotland were truly against which makes the decision truly complicated. I have no idea of what's coming next but I hope that it won't be too much of a mess as I still know many people in London and there's one particular business I care about in London.
I know that it already has a huge impact on HRC businesses in general in the UK because they are struggling to find adequates staff.

I'll perhaps answer that and give my views later as I don't want to influence discussion yet.

I think you can also discuss the EU side of this. The Brits decided "to leave" was better because the EU is trying to federalise more and more, it is headed by a complete clown in Juncker and the MEPs seem more interested in making money for themselves than helping the people of Europe. The EU have come across in a very bad light since the UK's democratic decision but have they actually thought about what it will mean to the EU if the UK actually leaves without a deal in place? Catastrophe for the UK but nearly as bad for the EU. Germany are finally heading into a recession, Italy are going to break money rules, France are sliding into chaos and those are the three most stable countries. Maybe the EU ought to get their heads out of their asses and try to find a good solution for everyone.

Oh, I totally agree. The EU is CLEARLY responsible for what's happening, and has a huge part to play in the decision of many British citizens. This cannot be denied, and Europe is far from being the most perfect union out there. There are so many problems that many have already pointed out, yet nothing seems to be really moving, Brussels seems reluctant to admit the fact that many things need to change.

The EU tried to make an exemple out of the UK, hence the way they handled the negociations about the Brexit. They decided to go down the road of the hard Brexit because, I think, they don't want other countries to start and plan their exit, especially if everything ends up going well for the UK. I mean, many were talking about a possible Frexit (the French exit) back when Brexit was announced. And I know that other countries have people that are calling for the same kind of exit. Brussels knows that Europe is no longer a strong union, and things are slowly starting to crumble, with many political parties with extreme political views rising to power. So, they are trying to make it rough for the UK so that smaller countries might not be tempted to abandon the boat, despite the obvious fact that it is slowly sinking.

So yeah, things really need to change, or else Europe will probably soon disappear, and it will be difficult for many countries to rise up after that...

Emeline Giffard wrote:

I'll perhaps answer that and give my views later as I don't want to influence discussion yet.

I think you can also discuss the EU side of this. The Brits decided "to leave" was better because the EU is trying to federalise more and more, it is headed by a complete clown in Juncker and the MEPs seem more interested in making money for themselves than helping the people of Europe. The EU have come across in a very bad light since the UK's democratic decision but have they actually thought about what it will mean to the EU if the UK actually leaves without a deal in place? Catastrophe for the UK but nearly as bad for the EU. Germany are finally heading into a recession, Italy are going to break money rules, France are sliding into chaos and those are the three most stable countries. Maybe the EU ought to get their heads out of their asses and try to find a good solution for everyone.

Oh, I totally agree. The EU is CLEARLY responsible for what's happening, and has a huge part to play in the decision of many British citizens. This cannot be denied, and Europe is far from being the most perfect union out there. There are so many problems that many have already pointed out, yet nothing seems to be really moving, Brussels seems reluctant to admit the fact that many things need to change.

The EU tried to make an exemple out of the UK, hence the way they handled the negociations about the Brexit. They decided to go down the road of the hard Brexit because, I think, they don't want other countries to start and plan their exit, especially if everything ends up going well for the UK. I mean, many were talking about a possible Frexit (the French exit) back when Brexit was announced. And I know that other countries have people that are calling for the same kind of exit. Brussels knows that Europe is no longer a strong union, and things are slowly starting to crumble, with many political parties with extreme political views rising to power. So, they are trying to make it rough for the UK so that smaller countries might not be tempted to abandon the boat, despite the obvious fact that it is slowly sinking.

So yeah, things really need to change, or else Europe will probably soon disappear, and it will be difficult for many countries to rise up after that...

I'm glad that you see this. I was horrified that Britain decided to leave the EU but as you say Brussels cannot admit that they are not 100% right all the time. I understand the initial stance by the EU but it is going to hurt everyone. If they couldn't discuss internal change they needed to at least accept the democratic right of people to leave and help in that process. The hard brexit will hurt the EU. Is frightening others really the best way to keep the Union together? It is crumbling because they are acting like concrete and not bamboo. The UK were one of only 2 net investors in the EU (UK and Germany) that means that others are going to get less and many like France will have to pay more. The rush to include poorer European countries as FULL EU partners was a grave error.

Hi. First I think that I don't have enough knowledge on this subject to be objective and be in the right… but in my opinion, Brexit is a huge mistake.  

Europe has been created to make and keep the peace between countries and moreover to have more power facing other big countries like the USA and China in the commercial, financial and political field. I think Bexit is a failure because Europe must be an example for the word (even if there are many things to improve in the organization because Europe doesn't always make good choices). With the Brexit, Europe isn't credible, and many countries would think that union is a bad idea.  

Also, I'm for the democracy and to listen to the people voice but in this case, I think that the decision was too important and made too quickly. In fact, the majority of citizens who voted didn't know all the consequences (good and bad) of the Brexit, included me. It's a complicated subject, and anyone explains it before the vote. Some people who voted "yes" regret today because now they see all the repercussions on society and the economy…

This subject is far from over ….

Hi! I would like to express my opinion on this subject not because 'Netflix' isn't as interesting as 'Brexit' (Ok it isn't) but because everyone should be at least informed about what happens worldwide, not only in Europe!

Firstly, speaking of Greece, the EU don't represent the ideal politics of equality! And I can imagine not only for Greece! You can see countries such as Ireland, Portugal and Spain who have not the best memories from this Union! I am speaking about European Central Bank and the austerity measures of course.

It is a Union in a capitalistic system that has a lot of problems, not only the small countries!

So I don't see why you find shocking a decision of the UK to leave EU when there is nothing else left to keep the British inside! I am speaking of the interests!
Ok it's shocking because it was from the first member etc. but let's don't forget that the UK has a powerful and independent economy, with a competitive and important place in world's trade, with the value of pound higher than Euro and Dollar and of course with the world's official language!

I don't see any reasons to stay in the Union when as you mentioned Brussels don't negotiate the demanding of the UK!

Of course there will be consequences of Brexit but it appears as a logical move and I think that the UK will easily get back on its' feet!

To sum up I would like to add that the UK and generally the EU seems to lose their role in the NATO organisation, who is mainly driven by the Americans, and who is the cause of a lot of political games and wars!
Maybe it's another reason that British governments want the Brexit!

It's quite an interesting subject and thank you for all of you to keep me informed about the Brexit. In fact, I didn't follow the actuality lately...
I don't want to say something wrong or stupid this subject is too important and represent to much what's at stake. The only thing I'm aware about is the Shutdown in USA which is also a huge politics problem nowadays.

PS: By the way I Love the picture you used Babys In Love with Freddie (Best movie in theatre currently)

I Don't really agree with you Emeline and John when you say that Europe is responsible of the Brexit. First, it was Britain fault. Theresa May wanted people to express their opinion and it was a great surprise to see that the majority of the people wanted to leave the EU. And the problem was, for me, that Great Britain was not ready for this, the country was not prepared. There were too many issues to undergo and to understand. So, Europe is not responsible of the Brexit. Europe is a symbol in which everyone believe, and it is an institution that promotes the fraternity beyond nations and that facilitates exchanges (of money and people).
When GB took the decision to leave the EU, I think that they had to assume this decision.
But, of course, I'm really happy that GB stay in the EU. First because it would be sad (and dangerous)not to benefit from the advantages and the security that EU offers to it members, and secondly because It is one of the favourite destination of French people to stay living in. Going in a country that is not in the EU is more complicated (more papers, more money, different legislation…)
So, I'm a little disapointed of Great Britrain, I disagree with their way to do, but I'm glad that they stay in Europe.

Hello!
I don't know too much about politic but thank you for giving us all these informations about the Brexit by reading your posts.
In my opinion, and like John said, maybe it's better for UK to leave because the EU is trying to federalise more and more and we see this more nowadays.
Also, like Babis said the UK has a very strong economy, with a competitive place in world's trade, with a higher value of currency than the Euro. So it's not a shocking decision from the Brits.
But I think this decision will effect the EU like the UK because there will be many consequence on the business.
We don't know what's coming next but in politic there are always surprises.

Hi !
I don't really know what to say about it. It's been a while that I didn't follow the news concerning the Brexit. But I have to admit that I was quite surprised when I knew that the majority of English people vote for it. It will affect many things in education, research and work. It will be more and more difficult for european students to study there because the Erasmus program won't be available anymore. Billion of euros were given bu the EU for research and innovations thanks to the program "Horizon 2020" and they won't have it anymore. It will deter new graduates people to work in England because they will need a VISA to work there. Let's just hope that Brexit will bring good things as well.

I agree with your point of view John;
the decision of the Brits to leave is part because of the EU that is trying to federalise more and more. The EU is CLEARLY responsible for what's happening.
People instead of making self-criticism and wonder why the British have made such a decision, they accuse Britain of "abuse of democracy ".
A lot of European citizens dont feel protected and wants to return (unfortunately) to old nationalism.
This must be a sign for the EU that has to understand the fact that if it wants to survive it has to take in consideration all its members as equal.
But i have to admit that Britain is an important member of the Union and its absence will certainly costs a lot to the Union.

I am not really inhale by this subject... I am neither interested in politics nor economy and I think that I have nothing to say about it since I am not concerned. In my point of view, only British peoples have something to say about the Brexit.

Even if I am "against" it because it would more complicated for us to come live (or travel) in England or in UK we don't anything to say...

Léa ABREU wrote:I am not really inhale by this subject... I am neither interested in politics nor economy and I think that I have nothing to say about it since I am not concerned. In my point of view, only British peoples have something to say about the Brexit.

Even if I am "against" it because it would more complicated for us to come live (or travel) in England or in UK we don't anything to say...

toooo easy.