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Post-Brexit plans
Revealed by a foreign memo obtained by the Estonian Public Broadcasting channel, it seems that no major consequences are forecasted following Brexit for either Estonians or British citizens living in Estonia. The 22-page document shows however that Brexit will result in a slight weakening of the Estonian economy, as well as changes to travel, driving, and residency requirements for UK citizens living in Estonia. According to the memo, currently around 1,300-1,500 Brits reside in Estonia, compared to around 15,000-20,000 Estonians living in the United Kingdom. Following a law in 2019, British citizens will be governed by the Aliens Act which will convert the rights of residence to a temporary residence permit. Nonetheless, the right of permanent residence, obtained by EU nationals after 5 years living in Estonia, will be suspended by a long-term residence permit. The memo additionally reveals that when the UK leaves the EU, a 0.38% drop in EU’s GDP is expected, though rising by 1.54% in the event of a no-deal. An increase from 6 to seven MEP seats in Estonia is also likely to be observed post-Brexit.
The article in English: Foreign ministry memo reveals extent of Brexit planning
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A blow for Boris
Handelsblatt writes this week on the Supreme Court’s ruling condemning Boris Johnson’s proroguing of parliament as unlawful. The article points out that the severity and unanimity of the decision came as a surprise, as British judges tend to be wary of interfering too much in politics. The article continues that with the ‘crushing and unanimous’ verdict, the Supreme Court wanted to set an example. Since the suspension of Parliament, the Court was the only remaining body able to control the government. Through its decision, the Court assumed its responsibility and gave the power back to the Parliament in order to let it decide about the next steps. The verdict therefore seemed inevitable. Aside from the consequences for Boris Johnson and Brexit, the ruling also shows that Britain needs a written constitution, to avoid unscrupulous leaders like Johnson abusing the government in the future.
The article in German: Diese Ohrfeige für Boris Johnson reicht noch nicht aus
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Bombshell court ruling
This week Luxembourg website RTL focuses on the UK Supreme Court’s ruling of unlawful suspension of Parliament by PM Boris Johnson, followed by the returning of MPs on Wednesday. At the newly reconvened House of Commons, Johnson declared court’s decision as wrong and repeated his previous vow that the UK will leave the EU on October 31st with or without a deal. After the suspension, the British PM was faced with call to resign, to which he challenged opposition to call a confidence vote in the government. However, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn declined the offer. Boris Johnson, who flew back earlier from the UN General Assembly in New York, accused lawmakers of trying to undermine Brexit. Johnson continues to insist Brexit will happen on October 31, however unless he finds a loophole in the law passed by MPs a week before the Parliament was suspended, he can do this only by getting a deal.
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All roads lead to Ireland
Spanish newspaper Cinco Días discusses the difficult road Northern Ireland had to take in order to achieve a no border with the Republic of Ireland and expresses concern about the future of border restrictions in Ireland. The 1980s saw Margaret Thatcher in power, imposing harsh restrictions on Irish Republicans, thus resulting in series of prison hunger strikes, shootings and bombing on the streets of Northern Ireland. This period was also marked with a gloomy economy, until Irish politician John Hume brought together two American politicians from Irish descent – then President Ronald Reagan and House speaker Tip O’Neill - with the common cause to internationalize the problem of Northern Ireland. Thus, urging the two Americans to help unite the Irish and British governments in a way never seen before – by loosening border restrictions and pushing forwards to a single market. Presently, a backstop has been agreed and Prime Minister Johnson has the task to maintain an alignment within Ireland and the UK.
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