IT students gather to discuss future of Europe post Brexit
Harry O’Connor from the European Parliament Information Office in Ireland office visited third level students in IT Sligo to discuss ‘Post Brexit – the Future of Europe’ last week.
He spoke about the six major Acts between 1957 (Treaty of Rome) and 2009 (Lisbon Treaty) that has brought us to the European union of today. Between the current 28 member states there has been a wide range of competencies across agriculture, economy, business, environment, consumers, regional and overseas development and foreign affairs so the question now is - Post 2019 and Brexit, where will EU27 go?
In discussing the Future of Europe, five possible options were raised;
1. Carrying On - The EU27 focuses on delivering a positive reform agenda. In a scenario where the EU27 sticks to the course, it focuses on implementing and upgrading its current agenda. Priorities are regularly updated, problems are tackled as they arise and new legislation is rolled out accordingly. As a result, the 27 Member States and the EU Institutions pursue a joint agenda for action. The speed of decision-making depends on overcoming differences of views in order to deliver on collective long-term priorities.
2. Nothing but the Single Market - The functioning of the single market becomes the main aim of the EU27. The economy is prioritised. Reduce regulation at EU level, in consumer, social and environmental standards. A “race to the bottom” develops. Growing divergence and limited cooperation are major sources of vulnerability. Insufficient cooperation on security and migration matters. The EU as a whole is no longer represented in a number of international forums.
3. Those Who Want More Do More - A group of Member States cooperate much closer on defence matters. Several countries move ahead in security and justice matters. Strengthen co- operation between police forces and intelligence services. A group of countries, including the euro area and possibly a few others, chooses to work much closer notably on taxation and social matters. Industrial cooperation is strengthened in a number of cutting edge technologies, products and services. Further progress is made to strengthen the single market and reinforce its four freedoms.
4. Doing Less More Efficiently - The EU27 steps up its work in fields such as innovation, trade, security, migration and the management of borders and defence. It strengthens the single market in key new areas - excellence in R&D etc. Cooperation on terrorism-related issues and border controls, and asylum is done by a common EU Agency. Joint defence capacities are established. Conversely, the EU27 stops acting or does less in domains where it is perceived as having more limited added value, or as being unable to deliver on promises. More flexibility is left to Member States. The EU’s weight in the world changes in line with its recalibrated responsibilities.
5. Doing Much More Together - Europe speaks and acts as one in trade and is represented by one seat in most international fora. The European Parliament has the final say on international trade agreements. Defence and security are prioritised. A European Defence Union is created. The EU27 continues to lead the global fight against climate change. A joint approach is adopted on migration. Joint investment in innovation and research produces several European “Silicon Valley’s” to host start-ups, large companies and research centres. Fully integrated financial markets help mobilise finance for SMEs and major infrastructure projects across the EU. Within the euro area, coordination on fiscal, social and taxation matters.