Inside the Deal: How the EU Got Brexit Done

Stefaan De Rynck, a close aide to Michel Barnier, provides an insider's account of the Brexit negotiations, revealing the EU's perspective and dispelling myths. He highlights the EU's unity and Barnier's successful protection of EU interests, despite the UK's attempts to force concessions. Brexit was not a fight with the UK, but a fight to secure a deal that worked for the EU.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 24 January 2023
Publisher: Agenda Publishing

Stefaan De Rynck, a close aide to Michel Barnier, played a pivotal role in the Brexit negotiations. In this candid and forthright account, De Rynck presents the European Union's perspective and aims to debunk the myths and misinformation that have become inseparable from the Brexit process. From the atmosphere in the negotiation rooms to the intricate technical discussions, he provides an unvarnished account of the deliberations and challenges that shaped the final agreement.

De Rynck vividly illustrates how the EU-27 maintained unity throughout, while the United Kingdom experienced fluctuations in leadership, negotiators, prime ministers, and strategic approaches. Attempts by the UK to prolong the negotiations and impose ultimatums to coerce the EU into acceding are exposed as ineffective in altering the course of events. Instead, Barnier's team successfully safeguarded EU interests, fulfilled the mandate established by 27 national governments, and reached different forms of Brexit agreements with two UK prime ministers.

It is important to note that for the EU, Brexit was not a confrontation with the UK. Rather, it was a strategic endeavor to secure a deal that would benefit the EU. The negotiations were driven by a commitment to find mutually beneficial solutions and to uphold the interests of all 27 member states.

De Rynck's account sheds light on the complex dynamics and intricate negotiations that led to the Brexit agreement. It provides a valuable insight into the strategies employed by both sides and highlights the resilience and determination of the EU in safeguarding its interests. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the intricacies of the Brexit process and the broader implications of this historic event.

Weight: 642g
Dimension: 164 x 240 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788215688