Britain is leaving the European Union on Saturday morning Japan time. It is the first time for an EU member state to withdraw from the bloc. This marks a historic turning point for Europe, which has been promoting integration for many years after World War II.
The EU and Britain must be aware of their influence over global politics and the world economy, and must build stable relations.
There is concern that European unity will be weakened and relations with the United States will further deteriorate.
In the EU, Britain has the second-largest economy after Germany, and its military power is on par with that of France. Britain has also served as a bridge in diplomacy between Europe and the United States.
While U.S. President Donald Trump has been increasingly leaning toward his "America First" policy, major EU powers Germany and France have emphasized multilateralism. Discord with the United States on one side and Germany and France on the other has become apparent over such issues as climate change and policies toward Iran.
When it comes to how to deal with China, there is also a wide gap between the United States and the EU. Washington is vigilant about Beijing, viewing China as a country seeking to change the status quo, while the EU attaches importance to China as an economic partner.
As the United States moves further toward protectionism, can the EU keep it in check and promote free trade without getting involved in U.S.-China conflicts? Trade negotiations between the United States and the EU will be a test of whether the bloc can make its presence felt.
There are many diplomatic issues that Europe should deal with in a united fashion, such as threats from Russia and responses to Iran. It is indispensable for the EU and Britain to maintain close cooperation for the sake of stability in the international order.
The importance of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which ensures security for Europe, remains unchanged. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has promised that his country will continue active commitments to NATO even after Brexit. London is urged to never fail to fulfill this promise.
With Britain's exit, the EU will now have 27 member states. Still, the bloc's economy is larger than China's in terms of gross domestic product, and the euro common currency has the second-most influence after the dollar. The EU will be tested on whether it can maintain such a huge market and the power of the euro.
Although there is no other country right now that seeks to leave the EU, following Britain's example, it is necessary for the bloc to address the issue of whether its authority has become too powerful.
The integration of Europe, which began in Western Europe during the Cold War, has been promoted based on reflecting on the memory of the two world wars. Even after the end of the Cold War, Europe maintained its peace and prosperity through a community formed by France and other countries that brought Germany into the liberal camp.
The essence of that community is now being shaken. Britain's withdrawal from the community highlights that there is room for reconsideration in its policy of seeking the ever closer union that was resolved upon in the Treaty on European Union.
Among EU member countries, there is an economic gap between countries of the north, such as Germany and the Netherlands, and the south, with Italy prominent among them. There is also the rise of nationalism in Eastern Europe. With these factors creating centrifugal force, it would be impractical to call for unity on all issues.
The only way for the EU to maintain its support for the idea of European integration is to tackle the challenges of the times and achieve results. Awareness of this concern appears to be reflected in its move to take the initiative in tackling climate change.
French President Emmanuel Macron has proposed that key players within the EU work together on responding to the digital age.
The idea is that countries sharing the same interests cooperate on an issue-by-issue basis, which is similar to the idea of forming a "coalition of the willing." Flexible management, not requiring unanimous consent, will be effective in preventing division over the issue of accepting refugees, and in helping revitalize the EU.
Will Britain be able to break free of the restrictions of the EU and become more competitive, as Johnson stressed?
London's financial district, known as "the City," is booming. The low corporate tax rate and the presence of financial experts are attractive features. However, there are moves among financial institutions in Japan, the United States and Europe to relocate their bases from Britain to avoid confusion associated with the departure.
Johnson has said that Britain will become more global because it will be able to conclude trade agreements with individual countries. He has said that through its own immigration policy, it will reduce the number of unskilled workers and focus on accepting highly skilled immigrants.
The current economic relations between Britain and the EU will remain in place until the end of this year as a transitional period. The risk remains that negotiations on a free trade agreement with the EU will end with an incomplete deal, hampering trade and logistics.
Britain and the EU are urged to present their prospects for the talks to their own people, and to the world, at an early stage. Companies must be prepared for confusion.
Japan will soon begin trade talks with Britain. For Japan, the EU and Britain are important partners that share values such as the rule of law and democracy. Japan's relationships with both the EU and Britain should be strengthened.
-- This article appeared in the print version of The Yomiuri Shimbun on Feb. 1, 2020.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
