BREXIT Heading for the Cliff Edge

[John Bruton] The Conservative Party, which is driven by a narrative around re-establishing British identity and is quite insensitive to economic or trade arguments, wants Brexit done quickly because it fears the British people might change their minds. That is why there is such a mad rush. It is not rational. It is imperative!

European Union: Economy, Politics, Democracy, COVID-19

[John Bruton] If the EU is to survive as a political project, it needs to create a European democratic constituency that complements the democratic constituencies to which national leaders appeal. The EU needs a political heart to sustain its economic body.

How will the EU Tackle COVID-19’s Economic Slump?

[John Bruton] Article 122 of the EU Treaty already makes provision for the EU to give aid to help states suffering from “natural disasters and exceptional occurrences” beyond the control of a member state or states. COVID-19 meets this criterion.

COVID-19: Why was Italy the First Badly Affected Western Country despite being Half the World Away from China?

[Bahauddin Foizee] Chinese tourists and business persons, elderly population, not maintaining social distancing, and the delay in imposing full lockdown — all these factors made Italy the first Western country to be badly affected by the COVID-19.

UK Backing Away from Commitments Made to EU

[John Bruton] A fraught negotiation between the EU and the UK is looming, as Boris Johnson seems to be backing away from legally and politically binding commitments he gave to the EU last October.

Ireland Needs Experienced People (not Amateurs) in Office to Deal with 2020 BREXIT Negotiations

[John Bruton] Republic of Ireland needs experienced people in office to navigate the challenges of 2020, which could be the most consequential year for the century. It wouldn't be in Ireland’s interest to entrust the 2020-Brexit-negotiations to well intentioned, but inexperienced, amateurs.

Ireland must Work with EU Partners to Protect Itself

[John Bruton] Ireland can and must learn from the work of other EU members and, on a case by case basis, take part in joint initiatives in areas like cyber security, threat intelligence, maritime surveillance, drone surveillance, etc.

Brexit is Far from Done. It is Entering its Dramatic Second Act

[John Bruton] Can a chaotic "Crash Out" Brexit in December 2020 be avoided?

Brexit: The Era of Easy Decisions is Over

[John Bruton] The EU’s strategic weight in the world will be reduced by the absence of the UK, as the EU is losing a relatively young, diverse and creative member state.

Problems with Boris Johnson’s New Proposals on Irish Backstop

[John Bruton] A 'Northern Ireland only' backstop would not protect Republic of Ireland's trade with Britain which is more valuable than trade across the border with Northern Ireland.

Ukraine’s Election and its Prospect for EU Membership

[John Bruton] Ukrainian leaders are using the goal of EU membership as the spur to get their voters to accept uncomfortable reforms.

Brexit: Living with Backstop until Alternatives are Agreed

[John Bruton]
If the British alternatives to backstop are all that good, why can they not live with the backstop until the alternatives are agreed?