Ciolos Gov’t analysis after Brexit: Tough X-ray of the EU. Effects – lower EU funds, increase of Romania’s importance

An analysis conducted by Ciolos government shows that the advantage of tough negotiations, with London paying high costs, will increase the EU cohesion, in other words similar initiatives would be deterred. In an analysis about Brexit – posted by hotnews.ro – the government shows that Romania must maintain the strategic partnership with the UK, but also it does not rule out supporting the EU leaders pressing for a quick Brexit if London vetoes various European initiatives. The government makes a tough radiography on the EU and of the European leaders and says that Romania should quickly position itself so that the EU transformation process is not seized by Eurozone countries.

According to political sources, the government analysis is part of a document presented by Prime Minister Ciolos during the meeting at Cotroceni Palace on July 4 with President Klaus Iohannis, party leaders and BNR board, but also during the meetings with Romanian MEPs.

In this document, the government warns that the EU transformation after Brexit could be seized by the Eurozone states and says that “Romania will have to position itself quickly in the transformational process that is to begin. The founding Member States and, in a larger sense, the Eurozone countries will be inclined to take control of this process.”

“The current EU institutional architecture has reached the limit of its capacity to propose consistent solutions to the current economic and security crises,” reads the Government analysis.

The government makes a tough analysis of the current EU leaders. Some leaders of the Member States (unnamed) are accused of “refusing, especially for reasons related to the domestic agenda, to assume to the very end the values they proclaim” and “cannot carry out a real and honest leadership internally”, according to the cited political sources. In what concerns the leaders of EU institutions, the Government show that “the need for a strong leadership and a clear vision at European institutions level” is being felt.

Among the major risks taken into account by the Government after Brexit are the reduced EU funds (10-15%), reduced remittances from Romanian citizens living in the UK, short-term declines in exports, Romania’s decoupling from the EU tough core.

The government presented the opportunities brought by Brexit: becoming the sixth largest country in the EU, Romania “has the chance to become a strategic negotiator and a major player”, provided “it has and promotes a strong pro-European stand, critic but constructive”.

The Government notes the need for Romania to preserve and deepen the strategic partnership with the UK, considering the UK contribution to ensuring national security and the similarity of American and British positions.