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Is Withdrawal from the European Union a Manageable Option? A Review of Economic and Legal Complexities

Author

Listed:
  • Phedon Nicolaides

    (Director, Department of European Economic Studies, College of Europe (Bruges))

Abstract

Withdrawal from the EU is no more a taboo subject. However, the process by which it can happen is unclear and potentially complex. The purpose of this paper is to show that a withdrawing Member State will not only rid itself from the constraints and obligations of EU rules, but it will also have to re-invent many policies and institutions to fill the gap left by the non-application of EU rules. The paper examines closely the case of the UK and Scotland and concludes that outright exit is not the best option for a withdrawing Member State. The best, but possibly the least feasible, option is an intermediate arrangement falling between full membership and complete separation from the EU. The exact position between the two extremes can only be determined by the exit negotiations and will be influenced by the political climate that will prevail at that time. While the final destination of an acceding country is well known [full adoption of the obligations of EU membership], the exiting country will be embarking on a trip with unknown destination and full of surprises.

Suggested Citation

  • Phedon Nicolaides, 2013. "Is Withdrawal from the European Union a Manageable Option? A Review of Economic and Legal Complexities," Bruges European Economic Policy Briefings 28, European Economic Studies Department, College of Europe.
    • Handle: RePEc:coe:wpbeep:28
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    withdrawal from the European Union; accession negotiations; UK; Scotland;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F15 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Economic Integration
    • O52 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Europe
    • P48 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Other Economic Systems - - - Legal Institutions; Property Rights; Natural Resources; Energy; Environment; Regional Studies

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