The UK leaving the European Union

Why is everyone so worked up about the UK leaving the European Union? Let's try to understand together.

In short, the UK held a referendum on whether to remain in or leave the EU. Yesterday, the results came in with 51.9% in favor of leaving, despite many domestic and international expectations leaning towards staying.

So, what's the European Union? It's a European international entity based in Brussels, consisting of 28 countries. It was established in 1992 by the Maastricht Treaty with the goal of unifying the visions of European countries on various issues, political, economic, and more.

But here's the thing: what you might not know is that this unity isn't fully achieved on the ground. Each country grants the EU a set of powers according to its own public policy. For example, some countries use their local currency alongside the Euro, while others have stronger currencies and maintain their own. There are also disputes between member states and the EU itself on various issues.

The EU has many benefits for its member citizens, like trade freedom, mobility, residence, and protection. However, this poses a challenge for richer countries within the EU when it comes to dealing with struggling ones, like the contrast between the UK and Greece.

Is the EU the only entity uniting European countries? No, there are trade agreements and alliances beyond the EU's name, like the World Trade Organization, which is stronger due to its connection with the more powerful US economy over time.

So, what led to the separation? In 2012, David Cameron faced pressures from the EU to accept additional obligations. He wasn't pleased and hinted at a referendum to leave the EU, especially after concerns over immigration from Eastern Europe. This sparked debates and fears about terrorism and cultural clashes, which influenced older voters more than the younger ones.

Now, what are the consequences? There will be renegotiations of all treaties between the EU and the UK, affecting political, economic, and agricultural aspects. This will have direct repercussions on the economies of struggling countries, including Arab countries like Egypt, which have many agreements with the UK. Additionally, the UK may lose privileges like tariff exemptions on goods, impacting trade. There are projections of a decline in tax revenues and GDP by 2030, along with potential political changes like Scotland's independence and Northern Ireland's unification with Ireland.

In summary, Brexit marks a significant shift with unpredictable global consequences. Whether it's strengthening the far right or altering the world map, the aftermath remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: unity is strength, and division is weakness, especially for Arab and Islamic countries. Let's watch who leads us next, left or right."