REFLECTIONS

Europe Solves One Problem and Creates Another

Feb 22, 2016 | 23:59 GMT

(Stratfor)

For policymakers, solving an existing problem often means creating a new one. The same can be said for the latest agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union on the terms of Britain's EU membership. On one hand, the deal will give British Prime Minister David Cameron the tools he needs to campaign at home to remain in the Continental bloc. But on the other, it will encourage other countries to either emulate London's policies or make demands of their own. And so, the deal that was necessary to keep the United Kingdom in the European Union has also opened the door for other members to use referendums -- or more likely, the threat of referendums -- as a negotiating tactic. Of course, some EU members have less leverage to make that threat than others, but that will not stop them from trying....

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