Policy paper: Implications of Brexit in EUs Decision Making for the Czech Republic

What are the possible consequences of Brexit for the Czech Republic's position in the EU? What impact does Brexit have on the European political arena? And what steps could help our country to adapt to new status quo? These are some of the topics discussed in the policy paper prepared by our research fellow Vít Havelka.

Main conclusions of the paper: 

• The fears of Brexit causing lasting political damage to the Czech Republic seem unjustified. The Czech Republic will only experience a slight decrease of its voting power in QMV system and its informal network will adapt.
• Czechs should, however, reconsider their current approach to EU negotiations. The Eurozone will become an even more major player post-Brexit, and the EU´s political map will be more scattered. Simultaneously, new regional cooperation – such as the New Hansa – emerged.
• The Czech Republic should facilitate contacts with countries outside the V4 and restrain from any controversial V4 activity. This means mainly cooperation with the New Hansa, and within Austerlitz Format.
• Czech policy makers must become more active with regard to the Eurozone – facilitate contacts within the bloc and not ignore its problems. Furthermore, Czechs need to start debating the final date of the Czech accession to the Eurozone.
• The Czech Republic should more actively participate in European Defence & Security structures. Not only does the EU need to develop its defence autonomy, but promoting security aspects of the Union might potentially have a positive impact of the Czech perceptions of the EU.

The document (in English language) is available through the PDF button on the right side.

Vít Havelka
Senior Research Fellow

Expertise: EU institutional relations with member states, europeisation, transformation role of EU