European political backdrop to impact Brexit negotiations – Standard Chartered

According to analysts at Standard Chartered, heightened political sensitivity is likely to toughen resistance to the UK ‘cherry picking’ EU membership benefits.

Key Quotes

“Elections in France (April-June) and Germany (September) will dominate their agendas for the first six months of Brexit negotiations, leaving the European Commission in the driving seat initially. Heightened political sensitivity is likely to toughen resistance to the UK ‘cherry picking’ EU membership benefits outside the bloc.”

“Once France’s elections are over, Italy is likely to move into focus. A general election is due by May 2018. Opposition parties oppose EU/euro (EUR) membership, either ideologically or opportunistically, and only a slim majority of Italians are in favour of the euro. Voting for the leader of the current government party, the Democratic Party (PD), takes place on 30 April; former PM Renzi may be re-elected.”