Forging Unity: European Commission Leadership in the Brexit Negotiations.

ABSTRACT: This article explains why the European Union has remained strikingly cohesive during the Brexit withdrawal negotiations by focussing on the role played by its negotiator: the European Commission''s Task Force 50. The analysis demonstrates that the Task Force 50 set out to forge unity among the EU27 by exercising both subtle instrumental and direct political leadership. The Commission significantly influenced the outcome of the negotiations by shaping the agenda and process, brokering deals, and ultimately achieving a withdrawal agreement that all member states signed up to. Its transparent and consultative behaviour generated trust among member states, which allowed the Commission to play such a prominent role. These findings challenge the prevailing view that the EU has become increasingl

SUBMITTER: Schuette LA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8597162 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature