No followers of Brexit example in sight at the moment - Estonian diplomat

  • 2016-06-27
  • BNS/TBT STAFF/TALLINN

Although extremist parties from France to Slovakia have followed UK’s path by suggesting referendums, there currently doesn't appear to be a realistic chance of additional votes taking place, although nothing can be ruled out any longer, Estonia's Ambassador to the European Union Matti Maasikas said in an interview with Eesti Paevaleht.

The UK opting to remain in the EU on considerably more advantageous conditions is highly unlikely, Maasikas said. "How could the British political class ignore the result of the referendum? Why should 27 member states once more tackle the special wishes of the United Kingdom?" he asked.

According to Maasikas, the agreement reached on those wishes in February is no longer valid. In a joint statement issued June 24, President of the European Council Donald Tusk, President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz, President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker, and Mark Rutte, holder of the rotating presidency of the EU, echoed this sentiment.

Maasikas says that unity of the EU27 is presently the top priority. "Every signal of possible fragmentation could amplify itself both psychologically and politically, as well as in terms of the economy," he stated.

It is premature to speculate as to whether Brexit could bring about changes in Estonia's EU presidency, Maasikas said: "Clearly, not much time is left until July 1, 2017, when the British presidency is scheduled to begin. Clarity is needed pretty quickly; I assume it will arrive during the month of July."

The example of the Brexit referendum is infectious and extremist parties from France to Slovakia already have waved the banner of a referendum of their own, the Estonian diplomat noted. "There doesn't appear to be a realistic chance of calling forth one at the moment, but it cannot be ruled out any longer. The best that can be done to avoid a further one, is to honestly explain the existing options to the people. That's also a lesson to the UK," he said.

It's strange to speak about a new referendum in the UK three days after the results of the previous one were publicised, Maasikas said. "But it's interesting to follow the debate in the UK where, inevitably, immediately arose the question to which there was no answer before the referendum: What is the plan now? What should the relationship between the EU and the UK be like? And what does it mean for citizens?

"In any case, Europe is facing a period of serious consideration which requires well thought out positions and active participation from Estonia as well. Nobody can hope any more that some group of the bigger member states will pull the EU back on track. Everyone needs to make a contribution.”