The UK is fast approaching the date of its exit from the EU. The Britons have already got used to this prospect. The unexpected outcome of the independence referendum in June 2016 sparked controversy among the UK nationals and dealt a blow to the idea of the European integrity.
Importantly, the Brexit referendum was held in the period when the EU authorities had to tackle other highly complicated problems apart from shaky relations with the UK such as the refugee crisis and economic stagnation. Moreover, Brussels did not rule out the scenario that radical right parties could win the parliamentary elections in France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Later on, these fears never materialized. As for Brexit, the EU authorities are going to gain benefit from the divorce with the kingdom. Guntram Wolff, the Director of the Bruegel think tank, said that the European Commission revised forecasts for the UK economic performance upward, not downward for the first time this year. At the same time, the IMF downgraded its forecasts for the UK, he noted. A lot of economists detected some malevolence in his sarcastic remark. Indeed, euro commissioners have a good reason for joy as the eurozone has outpaced the UK in economic growth and macroeconomic indicators since the Brexit referendum.
At present, EU top officials view Brexit as a boring matter related to Great Britain. Besides, the population in continental Europe does not attach too much importance to consequences of the UK exit from the EU. The recent poll of Chatham House conducted in nine EU countries revealed that mere 18% believe that Brexit would undermine the euro block.
