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by exceptione
3644 days ago
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The EU is just a political union. It can break apart without necessarily destroying the economies of its member states. Wrong. What can be sold in what condition is regulated by law. Countries have different preferences of what is allowed and what not. This law requires the governments to sit together, argue and come up with regulations. The single rule for all they decided upon is what makes the single market. The UK has to at least implement everything the EU decides. Without a say in its proces. Big win. Im sorry to tell you that you are overly optimistic. Trade deals are a very hairy topic. Look at TTIP, it will likely fail. You know that the Norwegians pay for access to the common market? |
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It is, fundamentally, a political construct. It has gained legitimacy and law-making powers across its member states, but it could cease to exist tomorrow and its member states would continue to exist.
There is absolutely no comparison between TTIP negotiations and the UK becoming a member of the EEA. The latter is extremely simple to implement. It is effectively the status quo.
There are two important differences between Norway and the UK:
1. Norway is a net exporter to the EU; the UK is a net importer. Norway is effectively paying for the right to sell its goods and services into the EU. By the same logic, the EU should pay the UK to join the EEA;
2. Norway is a much smaller economy than the UK, and the EU could probably cut ties with Norway without destabilising the union. It cannot do so with the UK.
Noted that UK companies selling into the EU would still be subject to EU regulations. I don't see that as an issue.