This morning, Interel were delighted to welcome Sir Philip Lowe to discuss the European perspective on the Referendum. Sir Philip has had a distinguished career in the European Commission, having served as Director General in the Energy, Competition and Development Directorates.
Here are Sir Philip’s top 10 things you need to know:
1. We are finally talking about the EU
For the past decade, there has been a vacuum in public debate about our relationship with the EU. Politicians have studiously avoided discussing the topic, which thus reserved the debate for extremist and marginal parties. The fact that the Referendum is happening has improved the quality of conversation.
2. Brussels has changed
Before Britain acceded in 1973, a very different set of values dominated the then-European Community. The Community was wary of expansion, wary of the Single Market, and overwhelmingly pre-occupied with creating an inward-looking Federal Union. On all of these counts, the reverse is now true.
3. Not all Member States see the EU as we do
Britain’s membership has always been framed around economics, commerce and markets. We have seen the EU as a tool to enhance our prosperity. The founding members, conversely, see the EU as a political project to integrate their institutions and cement peace, while the more recently acceded eastern members have used the EU to construct market economies and manage post-Soviet transition.
4. The UK is not trampled on by Brussels, the UK leads Brussels
National Governments and Parliaments, through mechanisms like the Council of Ministers have far more influence than the Commission, which is a comparatively lean organisation. The UK is one of the most vocal Governments in the EU and often sets the agenda.
5. If we remain, there are several issues requiring urgent attention
EU policy towards Russian aggression in Ukraine and huge migration flows across the continent is confused and incoherent, which is probably attributable to a lack of British leadership in steering policy.
6. If we remain, we need more Britain in the EU, not less
This leadership vacuum is due to a shortage of British officials, British policies, and British leadership. If the EU is to become a successful global player, the UK will need to embrace its membership and play an active role.
7. If we leave, the EU will press ahead with integration
Free from British vetoes, projects such as banking union and financial transaction tax will be implemented. However, the remaining Member States are by no means one homogeneous bloc; there are still fiercely competing visions between the French and the Germans, to name but two.
8. If we leave, a trade deal is likely but by no means easy
A technical negotiation with 28 other States would be so vastly complex that Article 50’s two year period withdrawal process would likely be extended. Non-tariff trade barriers including quotas and regulations would be particularly time consuming to negotiate.
9. Think twice before you talk down the EU
In a relatively short period of time and with very limited resources, the EU has helped to spread democracy, prosperity and peace across a continent. To organise 28 nations under one common framework is in itself impressive.
10. Above all else, the EU must address its democratic deficit
Only with radical reforms and new institutions which place democratic participation at the heart of the EU, can it survive the challenges which it will face in coming decades. If the EU fails to radically shake up its democratic institutions, the UK may be forced to leave in the future.