Does the UK even deserve to be a member of the EU?

Undoubtedly, the UK is a difficult European partner. It repeatedly and systematically seeks to safeguard its own national interests and to minimise its participation in the European Union.

In the draft agreement we have so far, the EU is expected to renegotiate treaties not by going through a review process, but through blackmail at the hands of the UK, which no longer seems adhere to European values. The concessions made to the UK to avoid a Brexit are exorbitant because they undermine the very foundations of European integration and are likely to have a ripple effect for other states members.

The malaise of the UK should not allow David Cameron to stand in the way of integration, or worse, engage in the deconstruction of the union.

• Primary Source

ESO: In Focus: Brexit - The United Kingdom and the European Union http://www.europeansources.info/record/brexit-the-united-kingdom-and-the-european-union/

ESO: Background information: President Tusk’s Proposal for a New Settlement for the UK in the EU: Fueling – not Taming – EU Disintegration http://www.europeansources.info/record/blog-president-tusks-proposal-for-a-new-settlement-for-the-uk-in-the-eu-fueling-not-taming-eu-disintegration/

ESO: Background information: Judy Asks: Will Britain Stay in the EU? http://www.europeansources.info/record/judy-asks-will-britain-stay-in-the-eu/

ESO: Background information: European Council, Brussels 18-19 February 2016 http://www.europeansources.info/record/european-council-brussels-18-19-february-2016/

The Local.fr, 18.02.16: [Opinion]: Why a Brexit would be a 'windfall' for France http://www.thelocal.fr/20160218/why-a-brexit-would-mean-a-windfall-for-france

VoxEurop, 19.02.16: Brexit: A big opportunity for Europe http://www.voxeurop.eu/en/content/article/5052502-big-opportunity-europe

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