Costs and benefits of a United Kingdom exit from the European Union. Bertelsmann studies

Aichele, Rahel and Felbermayr, Gabriel (2015) Costs and benefits of a United Kingdom exit from the European Union. Bertelsmann studies. UNSPECIFIED.

PDF - Published Version Download (1867Kb)

Abstract

Is it possible to take part in the economic advantages of the European project without having to bear the associated political costs of relinquishing sovereignty? Proponents of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union – the Brexit (“British Exit”) – believe that the answer to this question is yes.2 Opponents see economic unification above all as a means for creating a political community in Europe. And many pragmatists think that true, deep economic integration without a minimum of common political institutions is impossible. Therefore, the idea of gaining economic advantages without sacrificing a certain amount of political leeway is simply fiction. You can’t have your cake and eat it, too. We can’t have both things at the same time - the benefits of deep economic integration and complete political flexibility.

Actions (login required)