1st February, the Union Jack will no longer float in front of the European Parliament buildings. A total of fifteen flags will be removed from their flagpoles, one of which will be donated to the House of European History in Brussels. As for the seventy-three British MEPs, they will step down from their elective office eight months after being elected in May. Some have long believed that Brexit would not happen. But Boris Johnson's overwhelming victory on December 12, 2019, lifted all uncertainty.
Wednesday 29 January, these British elected representatives will no doubt be numerous – at least among those who do not belong to the Brexit Party – to vote against the divorce agreement between London and Brussels but not enough to prevent the European Parliament from validating it, and Europe to take the last step before the withdrawal of the United Kingdom on January 31. After which, David Sassoli, the President of the European Parliament, will bring together the starters for a last drink, "As is always the case when there are departures, during elections for example", specifies his entourage. No question of giving the impression of celebrating Brexit!
Whiskey and sheep's stomach
In recent days, the opportunities to say goodbye have multiplied. On the evening of January 22, the LibDem Scots were the first to throw a party. On the program: whiskey, belly of sheep and traditional dances. This week, the Greens, the Social Democrats of S&D and the Liberals of Renew have all planned a small hop.
"Almost half of the new entrants come from France, Italy and Spain, which changes the prism, especially on the subjects of agriculture and trade" A think tank
While the British elected officials bid farewell, their replacements settled. It was decided, before the ballot on May 26, 2019, that 46 of their seats would be reserved for countries which could join the Union in the coming years and that the other 27 would be redistributed to take account of recent demographic developments in the twenty- seven remaining member states.
Since May 26, "The reservists", as they are called, therefore wait – more or less impatiently – for their place. "Almost half of the new entrants come from three Mediterranean countries, France, Italy and Spain, which changes the prism, especially on the subjects of agriculture and trade", comments the VoteWatch Europe think tank. "The elected members of the eurozone will be much more numerous and this will give more legitimacy to Parliament when it comes to dealing with matters concerning the Monetary Union, as was the case during the Greek crisis for example", adds Italian Enrico Letta, president of the Jacques Delors Institute.
