In recent years, the European Union has experienced a number of shocks, including the departure of some of its member states. Since its founding in 1993, the EU has sought to encourage greater economic and political cooperation between its member states, but some countries have chosen to leave the union due to various concerns. As of 2021, the only countries to have left the EU are the United Kingdom, which officially departed in 2020, and Greenland, which left in 1985.
The United Kingdom’s departure from the EU was one of the most significant events in the organization’s history, and it marked the first time a member state had left the union since its founding. The decision to leave the EU was the result of a national referendum held in 2016, in which the majority of British voters opted to leave. The process of leaving the EU was long and contentious, with many debates about the economic and political implications of the decision.
In contrast, Greenland’s departure from the EU was relatively peaceful and uncontroversial. Under Denmark’s membership in the EU, Greenland became a member state as well, but the country ultimately chose to leave due to concerns about fishing rights and other issues. Today, Greenland remains a self-governing territory of Denmark, but it is not a member of the EU. These departures have led many to question the future of the European Union and what it means for the countries that remain.
Reasons behind countries leaving the EU
The decision for countries to leave the EU is not taken lightly as it involves a significant impact on their economy, politics, and society. Here are some reasons why certain countries have opted to exit the Union:
- Concerns over sovereignty: Some countries believe that the EU’s regulations and policies undermine their national sovereignty. They feel that being a part of the Union limits their ability to make decisions that are in their best interests. This was the primary reason behind the UK’s decision to leave the EU in 2016, with the belief that their country’s sovereignty was being compromised by Brussels.
- Frustration with EU policies: Countries may become frustrated with certain EU policies or decisions that do not align with their interests or values. For instance, in 2015, Hungary disagreed with the EU’s refugee resettlement plans, which led to tensions between Budapest and Brussels. Hungary has since been labeled as a “black sheep” of the EU, with some speculating that it may eventually follow the UK’s footsteps and leave the Union.
- Economic concerns: Countries may feel that their economic interests are not being taken into account by the EU, or they may be affected negatively by the Union’s economic policies. In 2015, Greece dealt with a debt crisis, which limited their autonomy over national decisions. The country’s Prime Minister at the time, Alex Tsipras, considered leaving the EU as a solution to the crisis.
Economic implications of leaving the EU
One of the primary concerns countries have when deciding to leave the European Union is the economic implications that such a decision may bring. Here are some of the key economic considerations to keep in mind:
- Trade: The EU is a major trading partner of many countries, and leaving the union can have a significant impact on their exports and imports. Access to the EU’s single market is one of the main draws of membership, as it allows for free movement of goods and services without tariffs. Leaving the EU can lead to new trade barriers, which can make it more costly for businesses to operate.
- Investment: The EU is also a significant source of investment, providing funding for emerging industries and infrastructure projects. Leaving the union can lead to less investment, as investors may be wary of political instability and uncertainty. This can have a negative impact on long-term economic growth and development.
- Regulations: The EU has strict regulations in many areas, from environmental protection to labor standards. Leaving the EU can mean that countries are no longer bound by these regulations, but it can also mean a loss of benefits such as access to EU research funding and the ability to influence EU regulations.
Shifting away from the EU can be a complex and challenging process, with significant economic implications. Here are some specific examples of the impacts of leaving the EU:
United Kingdom: Since the UK’s decision to leave the EU in 2016, the pound has experienced significant volatility, and businesses are experiencing uncertainty about their future outlook. Economic growth has slowed, and the UK’s status as a financial center is under threat as banks and other institutions consider moving their operations elsewhere.
Greece: Greece has faced significant economic struggles since the financial crisis of 2008, and it was often cited as a reason for leaving the EU. However, leaving would also mean an end to EU funding that the country has relied upon to stay afloat.
| Country | Year they left the EU | Economic Impact |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 2016 | Slowdown in economic growth, volatility of the pound, uncertainty |
| Greece | N/A | No access to EU funding |
These are just a few examples of the economic implications of leaving the EU. It is important for countries to carefully consider the potential impact before making the decision to leave.
Political implications of leaving the EU
One of the most significant consequences of leaving the European Union is the political ramifications that arise for the country that decides to exit. Here are some of the political implications that come with leaving the EU:
- Reduced political influence: Countries that leave the EU lose the political power that they once had within the organization, as they no longer have a say in EU policy decisions.
- Increased national sovereignty: On the flip side, leaving the EU also means that countries gain more control over their own policies, as they are no longer beholden to the broader EU policies that apply to all member states.
- Diplomatic relationships: Leaving the EU can strain diplomatic relationships between the country that leaves and the rest of the EU, particularly if there are hard feelings over the departure process or the specific reasons for leaving.
Another political implication of leaving the EU is the impact on the balance of power within the organization itself. For example, when the United Kingdom voted to leave the EU in 2016, it removed one of the largest and most influential member states from the organization. This has shifted the balance of power within the EU, as other countries will now have to compensate for the UK’s absence and work to fill the leadership vacuum that exists.
| Country | Date of Departure | Reason for Departure |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | January 31, 2020 | Referendum result in 2016 |
| Greenland | 1985 | Withdrawal from the EEC (Forerunner to the EU) |
| Algeria | 1962 | Gained independence from France and left the EEC |
Overall, leaving the EU has significant political implications for any country that decides to go down that path. While there are certainly benefits and drawbacks to leaving, it is clear that the decision to exit is a complex one that requires careful consideration of both the short-term and long-term political implications.
Impact on EU membership criteria
When a country leaves the European Union, it inevitably affects the membership criteria of the organization. Here are some of the impacts:
- The remaining member states become more unified and there is a stronger emphasis on maintaining the unity and integrity of the EU.
- The EU may become more strict in enforcing its criteria for membership to prevent the risk of other countries leaving in the future.
- The EU may also become less likely to consider expansion in the near future in order to maintain the union’s stability and avoid further exits.
Additionally, the departure of a member state may lead to a reassessment of the EU’s criteria for membership. The EU may decide to revise its membership requirements, making them more or less strict depending on the reasons for the country’s departure.
Here is a table summarizing the current membership status of countries within the EU:
| Country | Date joined | Date of departure (if applicable) |
|---|---|---|
| Austria | 1995 | N/A |
| Belgium | 1958 | N/A |
| Bulgaria | 2007 | N/A |
| Croatia | 2013 | N/A |
| Cyprus | 2004 | N/A |
| Czech Republic | 2004 | N/A |
| Denmark | 1973 | N/A |
| Estonia | 2004 | N/A |
| Finland | 1995 | N/A |
| France | 1958 | N/A |
| Germany | 1958 | N/A |
| Greece | 1981 | N/A |
| Hungary | 2004 | N/A |
| Ireland | 1973 | N/A |
| Italy | 1958 | N/A |
| Latvia | 2004 | N/A |
| Lithuania | 2004 | N/A |
| Luxembourg | 1958 | N/A |
| Malta | 2004 | N/A |
| Netherlands | 1958 | N/A |
| Poland | 2004 | N/A |
| Portugal | 1986 | N/A |
| Romania | 2007 | N/A |
| Slovakia | 2004 | N/A |
| Slovenia | 2004 | N/A |
| Spain | 1986 | N/A |
| Sweden | 1995 | N/A |
| United Kingdom | 1973 | 2020 |
In conclusion, the departure of a member state not only has political and economic ramifications but also affects the fundamental principles and criteria of the EU.
How leaving the EU affects trade agreements
One of the main concerns for countries leaving the EU is how their trade agreements will be affected. Trade agreements are crucial for economic growth and stability, as they ensure the smooth flow of goods and services between countries. Here are some factors to consider:
- Loss of existing trade agreements: When a country leaves the EU, it also leaves all of the trade agreements the EU has negotiated with other countries. This means that the country would have to renegotiate new agreements with these countries, which can be a lengthy and difficult process.
- Uncertainty during negotiations: During the renegotiation process, there is a period of uncertainty where companies may not know what the new trade agreements will look like. This can lead to a decrease in investment and productivity.
- New opportunities: Leaving the EU also provides the opportunity for a country to negotiate new trade agreements that are more tailored to its specific needs and priorities. This can be beneficial in the long run, but it requires careful negotiation and planning.
Here is an example of how leaving the EU can affect trade agreements:
| Country | Current Trade Agreement with the EU | Possible Impact of Leaving the EU |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | European Single Market and Customs Union | The UK would need to negotiate new trade agreements with the EU and other countries. There could be disruptions to trade during the negotiation process, and it is uncertain what the new agreements will look like. |
| Switzerland | Bilateral Agreements with the EU | Switzerland is not a member of the EU, but has negotiated bilateral agreements with the EU that give it access to the single market. If the UK leaves the EU without a trade agreement, it could impact Switzerland’s agreements with the EU. |
In conclusion, leaving the EU can have significant impacts on a country’s trade agreements. While there are potential benefits, it requires careful negotiation and planning to ensure a smooth transition and minimize disruptions to trade.
The effects of Brexit on the EU and its future
Since the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union in 2016, many countries have been closely monitoring the impact of Brexit on the EU and its future. Here are some of the effects that Brexit has had on the EU:
- Economic impact: The EU has lost one of its largest economies and trading partners. This has led to a decrease in EU GDP and has created uncertainty for businesses that previously relied on the UK market.
- Political impact: Brexit has caused other EU member states to question their relationship with the EU. It has also led to a shift in power dynamics within the EU, as countries like France and Germany take on a greater leadership role.
- Social impact: Brexit has raised questions about the movement of people within the EU and has led to a rise in anti-immigrant sentiment in some countries.
In addition, Brexit has also raised questions about the future of the EU. Some predict that the EU may become more unified in response to the UK’s departure, while others fear that more countries may follow the UK’s lead and leave the Union.
Here is a table summarizing the countries that have left the EU:
| Country | Date of departure |
|---|---|
| Greenland | 1985 |
| United Kingdom | 2020 |
Regardless of what happens to the EU following Brexit, it is clear that the decision to leave has had a significant impact on both the UK and the EU. Only time will tell what the future holds for the EU and its member states.
Lessons learned from countries leaving the EU
As countries, like the United Kingdom, start leaving the European Union, it is important to examine the lessons learned from their decisions. Below are some key lessons that can be learned:
- Member states need to ensure that they fully understand the benefits and drawbacks of leaving the EU. It is important for countries to assess the full impact of leaving and not just focus on the benefits or drawbacks that are highlighted by political campaigns.
- Countries that decide to leave must be prepared to deal with the potential economic consequences, both short and long term. They need to be aware that there are major economic implications of leaving, such as changes in trade relationships, movement of capital, and changes in regulations.
- Political leaders need to have a clear plan for what their country’s relationship with the EU will be after they leave. This plan should be clear, concise, and well thought out. It should include provisions for trade, immigration, and security relationships with the EU.
Furthermore, it is important to understand the specific experiences of countries that have left the EU in the past. In the case of Greenland, which left the EU in 1985, it is important to note that:
- The process of leaving took longer than expected, with negotiations taking over three years.
- The economy of Greenland remained heavily dependent on its relationship with the EU, and this caused significant economic challenges in the years following its exit.
- Greenland’s fishing industry was a key factor in its decision to leave the EU. However, this industry was also heavily regulated by the EU, and after its exit, Greenland had to create its own regulations and agreements with EU countries.
Considering the UK’s Brexit, which is still ongoing, it is important to note that:
- The process of leaving has been politically contentious and has created significant uncertainty, both in the UK and in the EU.
- The UK’s relationship with the EU has been a key driver of its economy, and the impact of leaving is still unclear, though it has created economic uncertainty and currency fluctuations.
- The UK has struggled to develop a clear, concise plan for its relationship with the EU after leaving.
Understanding these experiences can serve as a guide for other countries considering leaving the EU. It is important for political leaders to have a clear understanding of the potential pitfalls and challenges associated with leaving the EU. This includes understanding the potential economic implications, developing a clear plan for the future relationship with the EU, and managing the process in a way that minimizes uncertainty and mitigates risks.
| Country | Date Left | Reasons for leaving |
|---|---|---|
| Greenland | 1985 | Over concerns with fisheries policy and financial obligations. |
| United Kingdom | Still ongoing | Desire for greater autonomy, immigration concerns, and sovereignty. |
By studying the experiences of these countries, it is possible to gain insight into the potential impact of leaving the EU. It is important for countries to engage in careful deliberation and planning before making the decision to leave.
What Countries Have Left the EU?
1. Which countries have left the European Union?
There have been only two countries that have left the EU, the United Kingdom and Greenland.
2. When did the UK leave the EU?
The UK left the EU on January 31, 2020. However, a transition period lasted until December 31, 2020, to allow time for negotiations on future relations.
3. Why did the UK leave the EU?
The UK held a referendum in 2016, in which 51.9% of voters chose to leave the EU. The decision was largely driven by concerns over immigration and sovereignty.
4. When did Greenland leave the EU?
Greenland left the EU in 1985, after gaining greater autonomy from Denmark. It was the first country to leave the EU.
5. Are there any other countries considering leaving the EU?
There are some anti-EU parties in other European countries, but no other country has initiated the process of leaving the EU.
6. How did the UK leaving the EU impact the EU?
The UK was one of the largest economies in the EU, and its departure has impacted the union’s economic and political stability. The EU has also had to negotiate new trade agreements with the UK.
7. Can a country rejoin the EU after leaving?
Yes, a country that has left the EU can apply to rejoin, but it must go through the same process as any other new member state.
Closing thoughts
We hope this article has provided you with helpful information regarding which countries have left the EU. Thank you for taking the time to read, and be sure to check back for more informative content in the future!