How Brexit is changing the EU

Summary

The video script discusses the impact of Brexit on the European Union (EU) and its member states. Initially predicted to signal the EU's downfall, Brexit has paradoxically led to increased optimism and attachment to the EU among its citizens. The script highlights the rise of Volt Europa, a pan-European political movement founded in response to Brexit, advocating for a more united Europe. Despite challenges like the financial crisis and migration issues, particularly affecting countries like Greece, the EU has shown resilience. It has survived crises and continues to evolve, with a shift in Eurosceptic attitudes towards reforming the EU from within rather than exiting. The EU's survival instinct is underscored, as it faces existential threats but ultimately finds the political will to persist.

Takeaways

• 🗳️ The UK's Brexit vote in 2016 was perceived as a potential threat to the EU, with some predicting it could lead to the end of the EU as it was known.
• 🌐 Brexit sparked the creation of Volt Europa, a pan-European political movement founded by Andrea Venson, aiming to unite Europe and protect shared values.
• 📊 Despite initial concerns, optimism about the EU's future has increased by over 20% since the Brexit referendum, with people feeling more attached to the EU.
• 🤔 There is a significant portion of the European population, including 44% of Italians, who are in favor of leaving the EU, presenting a challenge for pro-EU movements.
• 🔄 The EU has faced and survived multiple crises, including the 2008 financial crisis and the 2015 migrant crisis, demonstrating resilience and a survival instinct.
• 🇬🇷 Greece, one of the countries most affected by the crises, has not turned against the EU despite feeling overlooked, and the desire to leave the EU among Greeks has decreased.
• 🔄 Eurosceptic parties, such as Marine Le Pen's National Front, have shifted from advocating for a Frexit to pushing for reforms within the EU, reflecting a change in Euroscepticism.
• 💪 The EU's survival instinct has been evident, with leaders showing the political will to keep the union together, even if at the last minute.
• 🌟 There is a historic opportunity for the EU to evolve into a true political union capable of supporting significant societal changes, according to Volt's founder.
• 🤝 The EU's future hinges on its ability to balance the interests of its 28 member countries, each with unique histories and priorities.

Q & A

What was the outcome of the UK's referendum on leaving the European Union?

The UK voted to leave the European Union in a historic referendum held in 2016.

What was the initial prediction regarding the impact of Brexit on the EU?

Some predicted that Brexit would be the beginning of the end for the EU, with the possibility of other countries following suit.

How has the attitude of the European public towards the EU changed since the Brexit referendum?

Optimism about the future of the European Union has grown by over 20%, and people feel more attached to the EU than before the Brexit referendum.

What is Volt Europa and what was the motivation behind its founding?

Volt Europa is a pan-European movement with political parties in 14 different countries. It was founded by Andrea Venson as a response to Brexit, with the aim to steer the direction of Europe towards unity and cohesion.

What is the current rate of people in Italy who want to leave the EU?

Italy has the third highest rate of people wanting to leave the EU at 44%.

How has the perception of the EU changed among Eurosceptic political parties since Brexit?

Even the most Eurosceptic political parties have shifted their stance, advocating for reforming the EU from within rather than leaving it.

What were the major crises the EU faced in the past decade?

The EU faced the world financial crisis in 2008, which led to recession in Europe and the migrant crisis of 2015 when more than 1 million refugees and migrants entered Europe.

How did the financial crisis impact Greece?

The financial crisis led to a significant decrease in Greece's GDP by about 27% over eight years, resulting in a much poorer population and the need to implement strict austerity measures.

What is the current sentiment of Greeks towards the EU?

Despite feeling that their interests are not taken into account by the EU, Greeks have not turned against it. In fact, the share of Greeks wanting to leave the EU decreased by over 20% since the Brexit referendum.

What are the two potential paths for the future of the EU as suggested by the founder of Volt?

The two potential paths are making the EU a true political union capable of supporting drastic societal changes, or becoming a loose coalition of states with less of a future.

What has been the EU's response to crises in the past decade?

The EU has shown a survival instinct, with EU leaders demonstrating the political will to hold the union together, often making critical decisions at the last minute.