Democracy Impacts

UK Signals Denial of EU Debt Obligations

March 28, 2017

Politico reports that UK Brexit minister David Jones has indicated the British Government will likely use as a "starting point" for its Brexit negotiations over budget obligations the EU claims the country owes to the bloc a House of Lords report disputing the responsibility of the UK for these liabilities.
Czech Official: Free Movement May Break up EU

March 28, 2017

Reuters reports that Czech Foreign Minister Lubomir Zaoralek has asserted that the principle of unbridled free movement of workers across the EU is not acceptable to the people of Western and Central Europe and could be responsible for the future break-up of the bloc.
Poland Vows to Fight Plans for "Multi-speed" Europe

March 27, 2017

Reuters reports that the leader of the governing Law and Justice Party of Poland, Jaroslaw Kaczynski, has announced his party's intention to oppose any plans for a "multi-speed" EU in which member states can choose to integrate faster in select areas, as he expressed fears that such a system would make Poland an "inferior" member or push it out of the bloc altogether.
Scottish Party Backs off Plans to Remain in EU

March 27, 2017

The Telegraph reports that, in response to polls showing growing support in Scotland for leaving the EU or reducing the bloc's powers, the leader of the Scottish National Party, Nicola Sturgeon, has adjusted the party's plans for independence from the UK to target membership of the peripheral European Free Trade Area rather than full-fledged membership in the EU.
Politico: UK Eyes 10-Year Brexit Transition Period

March 27, 2017

Politico reports that unnamed sources have confirmed UK officials are considering proposing a 10-year post-Brexit transition period during which the EU and Britain would maintain zero tariffs on each other's goods while negotiators work out a permanent free trade deal.
EU Prioritizes UK Budget Payments in Brexit Talks

March 27, 2017

Bloomberg reports that two officials have confirmed the EU's plans to require an agreement on future UK budget payments before negotiating a post-Brexit trade deal with Britain, narrowing the window in which the UK and EU can settle any terms of a future trade relationship before the UK leaves the bloc.
UK Official Commits to Irish "Open Border" Policy

March 27, 2017

The Irish Times reports that the UK's Brexit Secretary David Davis has committed his government to negotiating a "special arrangement" with Ireland to maintain free movement of people between the countries, predicting that the only potential obstacle to such a policy would be the European Commission.
UK Minister Denies "Cliff-Edge" on Post-Brexit Migration

March 27, 2017

In recent testimony, UK Minister of State for Immigration Robert Goodwill pledged that there will be no "cliff-edge" scenario in British policy dealing with migration from the EU after Brexit and asserted that the government will not accept a migration system that varies by region, as proposed by leaders of the Scottish National Party.
EU Parliament Approves Tighter Gun Controls

March 24, 2017

The European Parliament has approved legislation that would tighten controls over certain types of firearms throughout the EU and require national governments to put in place an "appropriate monitoring system" and share information regarding gun licensing activities.
EU Matches Youth, NGOs for "Solidarity Corps"

March 24, 2017

The European Commission has announced that it has begun matching young people with nongovernmental organizations and government authorities as part of its European Solidarity Corps program, which seeks "to promote and strengthen the value of solidarity" in an effort to drive up support for the EU.