Examining The Aftermaths Of Brexit

By Toby Tunwase

It has been almost two years since the UK voted to leave the European Union and another ten months since the transition period ended. This article will be taking a look at some of the consequences that have arisen from this great divorce. 

Effect of Brexit on the EU

  1. Foreign Affairs and Defense 
Image credit: nytimes.com

In terms of foreign affairs and defense, the UK was a very valuable asset to the EU since it was one of the EU’s most powerful militaries and possessed useful intelligence capabilities. Without the UK, EU foreign policy might not be as influential as it could be. For example, the US has always viewed the UK as a bridge between the US and Europe, aligning the EU’s positions to the US and providing a stricter policy toward Russia. The absence of the UK would mean that the EU will have to work on its own towards building stronger ties with the US. 

  1. Legal issues for EU citizens in the UK

EU citizens in the UK are no longer eligible to live and work in the UK unless they have “settled status”. This has meant a rush of applications and a whole lot of complications from missed deadlines.

Effect on the UK

  1. The reenactment of roaming charges for UK travellers 
Image credit: cnn.com

Only EU rules prevented UK travelers from being charged roaming fees in the EU. With Brexit, that protection is gone. Vodafone and EE have announced that they will be reintroducing the charges for UK customers travelling abroad.