#Brexit: EU summit – last chance to get boat out of troubled water

With this year’s first European summit starting today (18 February) expectations and opinions on Brexit rise again, writes Judith Mischke. David Cameron is striving for a good deal with the EU, probably the only way to keep Britain in the Union. It’s very likely that his visit to Brussels will be of success for him. And frankly, a fair deal both the UK and the European Union agree on could help to prevent another disaster in the current European chaos. Never has the Union’s slogan ‘united in diversity’ sounded so wrong as it does today, taking into account that one European country, which once joined the Union voluntarily, is thinking of separating from the other 27 member states.

Europe needs Britain – Britain needs Europe

As the time for negotiations on a Brexit is running out, European politicians raise their voice once again to ensure the boat called ‘United Europe’ does not go down the river. Germany’s chancellor Angela Merkel is strongly advising the UK to remain in the EU as in her opinion both will be stronger together. On 11 February at an event in Hamburg, which was also attended by Cameron, she said she does understand the British desire for a reformed Union and she expressed she wishes the UK would remain an active member state. “I’m confident that we will find a deal in Brussels”, she added.

The British ‘Extrawurst’

However, not all Germans recently have been supportive of Merkel, whether it be regarding the refugee crisis or the Brexit. Some Germans don’t think the UK deserves a special treatment, when the European Union is based on equality. Therefore, every country should have the same rights but Cameron’s plan is to renegotiate reforms for Britain. And only for Britain, not for any other country. The Germans have an expression for this special treatment, calling it the ‘Extrawurst’, meaning the Brits receive an extra sausage while others get less or none. This saying coming from the home country of ‘Bratwurst’ is not a surprise, but whether or not a German judgement like this is appropriate is written on another piece of paper. But for a stronger and more peaceful Europe, it might be better to let the UK have their extra sausage. Or at least half of it.

Face reality, tackle problems

Instead of complaining, be it in Germany or elsewhere, the real problem behind the UK’s desire should be faced. A country which has been part of the Union for more than 40 years would not question its membership without having serious reasons for doing so. Even though the European Union has made very good achievements, like the free movements of goods, capital, persons and services (work), there obviously are concerns about the Union’s advantages. Many British people face problems in letting Europeans from 27 other member states, often from poorer countries than the UK, coming to their country and fear their welfare system might be damaged. Others want more sovereignty for their own country and a less powerful Euro. Another fear is that national pride and culture might be taken away from people by becoming homogenous with the rest of Europe. These issues are serious concerns and should be tackled as soon as possible, not only because the UK referendum is approaching, but also because other European countries might follow in the footsteps. The UK is not the only country doubting the current EU in certain aspects. Denmark and Sweden are both European countries which do not have the Euro as their currency and probably do not support the idea of a stronger Euro either. And speaking of Denmark, the country is refusing to accept a high number of asylum seekers and puts an effort in keeping refugees out of the country. One reason for that is because Danes also fear of their welfare system and benefits being misused. Ireland, like the UK an island and not part of Schengen, might also wish for less power on the continent and stronger control on all European boarders.

The British strive for a reformed Union was and remains a brave step and should be taken very seriously – instead of making fun of it and not taking it for real. And in many ways a reformed Union for all member states would be a good solution to guide the boat ‘United Europe’ out of troubled water. And a guide out of troubled water is desperately needed.

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