Democracy Impacts

EU Parliament Sets out "Red Lines" on Brexit

May 09, 2017

The European Parliament has adopted a resolution setting out "red lines" on the agreement between the EU and the UK on their relationship following Brexit, which is subject to the Parliament's approval, including a demand that the EU "four freedoms" of movement - of goods, capital, services, and people - remain indivisible.
EU Court Official Sees High Bar for Agricultural Measures

May 08, 2017

The Court of Justice of the EU's Advocate General Michal Bobek has concluded that EU member states are only permitted to adopt emergency measures to prevent the cultivation of genetically modified crops in their territory if they can demonstrate the presence of certain stringent conditions relating to health and the environment.
UK Pushes Back on Reported "Brexit Bill" Estimate

May 03, 2017

Reuters reports that UK Brexit Secretary David Davis has denied that Britain will accede to a reported EU demand of 100 billion euros to cover the country's financial "obligations" after Brexit, including farm payments and 2019 and 2020 EU administration fees.
Article: EU Must Restrain "Unruly Members"

May 03, 2017

Máté Hajba of the Free Market Foundation in Hungary and Dalibor Rohac of the American Enterprise Institute assert that plans among Western EU leaders to advance a "multi-speed" model for EU integration will conflict with what they say is the need to push back against "unruly members" like Hungary and Poland.
MEPs: Give Asylum-Seekers Quick Access to Labour Markets

April 26, 2017

Members of the European Parliament’s (MEPs) Civil Liberties Committee have amended a directive to call on member states to allow asylum-seekers to access local labor markets only two months after applying for asylum, rather than the current nine months.
Hungarian President Hardens Stance on EU Migrant Quotas

April 19, 2017

The Times reports that Hungarian President Viktor Orbán has insisted that his country would not “yield an inch” on its refusal to accept the EU’s migrant quotas despite threats that the country would face “legal action” if it did not comply.
Czech Government Intends to Resist EU on Migrant Quotas

April 19, 2017

Despite EU demands that it accept a total of 1,600 migrants, the Czech government has announced that it will accept no more migrants because of difficulties in the vetting process even though the country may face EU fines of several million euros.
EC Floats Prospect of UK Joining EEA During Transition

April 19, 2017

Politico reports that the European Commission (EC) is considering the possibility of a transition deal whereby the UK would join the European Economic Area (EEA) and remain a part of the EU’s single market while the bloc continues to work out its long-term relationship with the UK.
EU Lays Out “Red Lines” for Brexit Negotiations

April 12, 2017

EU member states appear ready to agree to the Brexit negotiation guidelines proposed by European Council President Donald Tusk which would require the UK to abide by EU law and court decisions as well as shoulder relevant budget costs if it seeks a gradual transition from the single market.
Britain Seeks to Offset EU "Divorce Bill"

April 05, 2017

The Telegraph reports that UK officials are taking stock of British funds and assets currently held by EU institutions that they will use to offset at least a substantial amount of the "divorce bill" EU officials assert the UK will owe the bloc upon Brexit due to existing budget obligations.