A decade after Brexit, former EU negotiator Michel Barnier has thrown down the gauntlet: the EU is open to the UK's return, but without allowing it to cherry-pick only what suits it. For citizens, rejoining would mean fewer trade barriers, although it would also entail accepting the free movement of people. The ball is in the new London government's court.
The technological aspect of a possible reintegration 🔧
From a development standpoint, the UK's return to the bloc could streamline device certification and cybersecurity cooperation. Harmonizing technical standards would reduce costs for startups and manufacturers. However, data system interoperability and adoption of the GDPR regulation are critical points. Without a common regulatory framework, any digital integration will remain partial and slow.
Brexit: the move that never quite gets done 📦
Ten years on, it seems the UK is still moving cardboard boxes without deciding where to put the sofa. Barnier reminds them the door is open, but they can't just walk in with a library card. Meanwhile, Brits queue at customs with their blue passports, wondering if this independence was what they signed up for or just a bad dream with endless paperwork.