The EU after Brexit, Russia and the countries in-between. EPC Commentary, 22 July 2016

Ivan, Paul (2016) The EU after Brexit, Russia and the countries in-between. EPC Commentary, 22 July 2016. [Policy Paper]

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Abstract

As it becomes increasingly clear that the result of the British referendum will be followed through, the consequences of the UK’s exit from the EU will certainly reduce the Union’s foreign policy clout and ambitions. With Brexit, the EU will lose an influential albeit sometimes semi-detached member, a diplomatic powerhouse, one of its biggest economies, its biggest defence contributor and one of its two members holding a permanent seat in the UN Security Council. Moreover, the exit negotiations and the establishment of a new relationship with the EU are likely to consume a great deal of political energy over the next years. This will also undoubtedly impact the EU’s relations with Russia but also those with the other countries in its eastern neighbourhood (Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan). The EU should continue to defend the European security order by maintaining principled positions in relations with Russia but also increase its cooperation with the countries in the region, especially with the three associated countries.

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