Britain is still stuck on its ex – but after 10 long, lonely years, does the EU feel the same way?
As a podcast host, I speak daily to people on both sides of the breakup. A decade after the referendum, it’s clear who’s moved on
TL;DR
- A decade after Brexit, the EU has moved on, while the UK remains fixated on the breakup.
- EU nationals are less likely to work or study in the UK due to new obstacles; EU student enrollment in UK courses has significantly decreased.
- The UK's street cred has diminished, with young, creative Europeans now preferring cities like Berlin or Barcelona over London.
- The EU has focused on other crises and potential new members, while the UK is still dealing with the aftermath of the breakup.
- Many Britons feel more European post-Brexit and find comfort in connections to the continent.
- European leaders largely do not spend time thinking about relations with the UK.
- Despite challenges, the EU and UK cooperate on international issues like Ukraine, and the UK remains a partner in global alliances.
- The EU views Brexit as a bruising but educational experience, reinforcing the unwisdom of local versions of Brexit.
- The dumped partner (EU) is doing well, while the one that did the dumping (UK) is still hung up on the past.