Five possible Brexit futures revealed for EU

THE European Commission has released an outline of five possible futures for the EU after Brexit – including one scenario where Brussels dramatically scales back its activities to focus on the single market only.

The paper makes no recommendation of which route Europe should follow, though Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker said he personally rejected the option of reducing the EU to a free trade area.

In a warning to the 27 remaining states against following the UK’s lead in going it alone, the White Paper on the Future of Europe cautions against “the allure of isolation”, predicting that a break-up of the EU would leave individual states “prey to the interests of stronger powers”.

Unveiling the document to the European Parliament, Mr Juncker said: “However painful or regrettable Brexit may be, it will not stop the European Union as it moves to the future. We need to move forward, we need to continue.” The five scenarios are: Carrying On – The EU sticks to its course, implementing and upgrading its current reform agenda.

Nothing But The Single Market – Focus on deepening the single market and significantly cut regulation, while scaling back co-operation on issues like migration and defence.

Those Who Want More Do More – Allowing member states to work together in several “coalitions of the willing” on specific policy areas.

Doing Less More Efficiently – Focus attention and resources on a reduced number of areas, such as innovation, trade and security.

Doing Much More Together – Member states decide to share more power, resources and decisions.