Brexit: What Does the EU's Future Hold Without Britain?
Brexit's wake has created pivotal questions about European unification's future. Following the December 2019 election that secured Boris Johnson's Conservative Party majority, the UK's departure from the EU became imminent through a 358-234 House of Commons vote.
EU and UK puzzle pieces separated
While some fear Brexit may damage the European project, particularly given Britain's significant financial contributions, others see opportunity. Without British reluctance toward deeper integration, the EU could pursue closer political and military unity more aggressively.
Historical precedent shows multiple attempts at European unification:
- 554: Emperor Justinian's brief Christian empire
- 800: Charlemagne's empire under papal alliance
- 962: Otto the Great's Holy Roman Empire
- 1804: Napoleon's attempted continental unification
- 1930s-40s: Hitler and Mussolini's imperial ambitions
Modern unification efforts began peacefully with Churchill's 1946 vision of a "United States of Europe," leading to the 1957 Treaty of Rome and European Economic Community formation.
Bible prophecy suggests a final European unification involving 10 nations uniting under political and religious leadership. Britain's exit aligns with long-held religious predictions about the UK's separation from this future European superstate.
Statue of Pope waving
Hitler and Mussolini meeting
Brexit debate at conference table
Key implications remain:
- Potential Scottish independence referendum
- Questions about EU's future strength and unity
- Uncertainty about the UK's post-Brexit identity
The coming years will reveal whether Brexit leads to increased European integration or marks the beginning of broader EU fragmentation.
Related Articles
Europe's Transformation: A Continent Pushed Toward Self-Reliance
