According to some European officials, there is now a “Brexit effect” that will make it easier to tackle the forthcoming international negotiations.
It’s probably not just a “goodbye”. The British MEPs’ farewell and the European Parliament’s approval of the Brexit agreement on Wednesday 29 January mark an irreversible turning point. However, behind the loss and turbulence to be expected, the divorce will not only have negative effects. Europe could emerge stronger.
The last 24 months of negotiations have been exhausting for the European institutions. We emerge from the ordeals either weaker or stronger. What does this mean for the Union?
The “Barnier method” will have marked an unforeseen but beneficial development in cooperation between the 27 Member States, the European Commission and the Parliament. This method, pioneered by the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, Frenchman Michel Barnier, introduced two lasting changes.
Clarity and first mover advantage
Mr Barnier facilitated a decisive starting point. The Member States were determined not to give in on certain key negotiating points: protection of freedom of movement and citizens’ rights, no border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, and settlement of the British debt.
This clarity enabled a strategic approach. The most sensitive issues were tackled first to generate legal certainty and confidence. At every stage, it enabled us to explain the European approach, to stand firm in the face of indecision on the British side, and to put proposals on the table first.
This principle, which should be common sense, was far from being taken for granted. It was not evident in recent trade negotiations, such as those on TTIP or CETA. But, as some European officials have admitted, there is now a “Brexit effect”.
Alignment will make it easier to tackle forthcoming international negotiations, including those in the coming months for the association agreement with the “United Kingdom plus si Uni”.
Transparency and trust
The second methodological innovation is the systematic information of all the institutional players involved at every stage of the process. Mr Barnier and his advisers toured all the national capitals four times in two years, systematically meeting national parliaments, trade unions and private partners.
This collaborative transparency, balancing secrecy at decisive moments with sharing whenever possible, is unprecedented. It has been praised by all, inspiring trust and facilitating cohesion. It is easy to lose good habits, but Europe now knows that it can.
Over and above the clarity of the initial positions and the greater involvement of the players involved, these months of negotiation with Great Britain have shaken up the habits of European civil servants: pragmatism, rigour, respect, personal involvement, mastery of emotions – these are all qualities that have left their mark.
We’ve avoided a “Black Mirror” scenario
The negotiations could have failed miserably on the European side. One can, without forcing oneself, imagine the divisions, delays and indecision of the European political club faced with the exit of the region’s third largest economy, with the ensuing weakness encouraging other X-xits…
The road is not over. From March onwards, the EU and the UK will be embarking on a marathon of 9 months’ work to reach an association agreement. This is a first, and the pace the British Prime Minister is aiming for is nothing short of breathtaking.
All in all, however, Brexit will have been a source of inventiveness and cohesion for the European Union. For that, at least, we can thank Nigel.
Originally published in L’Echo.
