5. Wrestling with Europe: Assessing the Response and Positions of the European Union’s Actors

Too often it has been assumed in the UK press that the EU27 would accept and endorse the British government’s vision of Brexit. This was flawed thinking. The EU27 have their own views on Brexit. The unity of purpose of all 27 member states has remained solid. They remain determined to prevent the risk of contagion. There is widespread agreement that the UK cannot ‘have its cake and eat it’ and that the UK should not expect to enjoy the benefits of membership if not in the EU. Otherwise, other states might follow the UK lead. McGowan traces the responses of the EU actors (including the European Council, the European Commission, the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament) and the opening positions at the start of the negotiations.