Brexit as the European Union's "Machiavellian moment"

In: Common Market Law Review, Band 55, Heft Special Issue, S. 3-28

Abstract

The article presents the political developments following the UK's Brexit referendum decision, arguing that the EU demonstrated a combination of frailty and firmness, resentment and determination, which were signs of a new will to live. The EU showed awareness of the need to protect itself and its citizens. The recognition that the very existence of the Union could not be taken for granted is presented in terms of a "Machiavellian moment", a concept taken from Pocock. The article argues that the main reason why this particular moment evoked a will to live that seemed lacking in earlier crises facing the Union is situated in the geopolitical needs of the Federal Republic of Germany.