The EU won't be beastly to us because...

LHW99

If they weren't such an important trade block, they'd be at the back of the queue.

Or would that be "at the back of the line...?"

Thrugelmir

kabayiri wrote: »

Just how much sway do the EU politicians have, if they are under pressure?

Very little. Home politics will dominant the stance of some. Though this is in various degrees. So the EU member states are likely to split into well defined groups. Depending on their vested interest.

Thrugelmir

Sapphire wrote: »

Do you think the EU are still hoping that they can draw it out and we don't leave?

Who are the EU?

Sapphire

Thrugelmir wrote: »

Who are the EU?

Thank you.

The_Last_Username

Thrugelmir wrote: »

Who are the EU?

If things carry on the way they are it may contain at least some of those mentioned in this link:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-38705176

gfplux

At the end of the process all sides will have their spin on the result. In fact there will be so many versions to suit all political parties and groups in ALL 28 countries you will be able to choose the one you like best.

BobQ

cogito wrote: »

To do so would be in breach of Article 8 of the Lisbon Treaty. Here it is verbatim:


Lisbon Article 8
1. The Union shall develop a special
relationship with neighbouring countries, aiming to establish an area of
prosperity and good neighbourliness, founded on the values of the Union
and characterised by close and peaceful relations based on cooperation.
2.
For the purposes of paragraph 1, the Union may conclude specific
agreements with the countries concerned. These agreements may contain
reciprocal rights and obligations as well as the possibility of
undertaking activities jointly. Their implementation shall be the
subject of periodic consultation.


The EU wouldn't break their own treaty rules, would they?

Playing devils advocate, the Union MAY conclude agreements which MAY contain......

That is not the same as WILL do these things. The broad principles are so vague that offerring to support our membership of the EEA and all that goes with it would meet this obligation. The point is that agreement needs two parties to agree and if we do not..... well they did try.

There are other reasons why the EU might seek cooperation with the UK, but the words quoted are not a guarantee of it.

BobQ

davomcdave wrote: »

I suspect that the EU is trying to work out a way to be just beastly enough to the British to stop other countries from trying to leave while remaining friendly enough that the EU and GB can do business after the split.

Maybe they are and maybe they are not. If you resigned from your golf club, and said to the committee "look chaps I spend £5000 a year in the club house, how about letting me be an associate member and just use the club house?"; what do you think they would say?

Of course Britain is calling all the shots because cars so the EU will be precluded from any acts of beastliness.

That may be an argument. But while the GER government might not like it, what could they do if other nations invited BMW to build more cars in their country?

Thrugelmir

gfplux wrote: »

At the end of the process all sides will have their spin on the result. In fact there will be so many versions to suit all political parties and groups in ALL 28 countries you will be able to choose the one you like best.

The situation is plain enough for all to see. No amount of "spin" is going to fog the outcome. Politicians come and go like revolving doors. With few truly leaving a mark. Ultimately it's up to the people to make it work for them. There's no magic wand.

BobQ

Thrugelmir wrote: »

Politicians come and go like revolving doors. With few truly leaving a mark.

Oh how very true this is.......:T