GERMANY: HOW TO MANAGE BREXIT WHILE TRYING TO SAFEGUARD EUROPEAN INTEGRATION

Authors : Rüdiger Kw WURZEL

Pages : 171-193

View : 19 | Download : 18

Publication Date : 2018-08-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The UK’s decision to leave the European Union insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(EU); has been received with disappointment in Germany which, however, has paid comparatively little political attention to it. In addition to having to deal with Brexit, the German government has had to pay attention also to even more politically salient and pressing issues such as the Eurozone crisis and refugee crisis. Brexit is therefore a sideshow for Germany. Trade relations between Germany and the UK have been very close and are likely to continue on a high level after Brexit. There is a lot of political good will for the UK in Germany. However, protecting the Single European Market and keeping the EU together are overriding political priorities for the German government. The German government has no intention of penalising the UK for leaving the EU. However, at the same time, it will try to ensure any deal between the UK and the EU-27 does not make it attractive for other EU member states also to leave the EU. 
Keywords : Brexit, Germany, United Kingdom, European Union, Single European Market, budget, environmental policy, foreign policy, Franco German alliance, reluctant hegemon