Graham Butler

‘Slow change may pull us apart’: debating a British exit from the European Union

ABSTRACT With a referendum set to take place on 23 June 2016 in a large and important European Union (EU) member state on whether it should remain within the Union or leave altogether, this year will prove crucial for all Europeanists. Brexit is a real possibility that both the Union and other member states must be prepared to plan for and eventually absorb the potential impact of. Whilst the process of ‘will they, won’t they’ will continue until the referendum, and even beyond, this level of uncertainty creates challenges for the existing actors with a stake in the process. This introductory contribution will set the scene for the ensuing debate, which flows from the various perspectives that each of the authors have with regard to the ultimate question of a Brexit. The three editors introduce the legal, political and economic themes that run through the articles, whilst simultaneously attempting to map out the trajectory for if, when and how a Brexit may actually occur, given the differing perspectives in the debate.

Operation Sophia in Uncharted Waters: European and International Law Challenges for the EU Naval Mission in the Mediterranean Sea

This article addresses the main legal challenges facing the European Union (EU) Naval Force, EUNAVFOR Med (‘Operation Sophia’), established in 2015, to disrupt human smuggling and trafficking activities in the Mediterranean Sea. It examines a number of legal issues that have given rise to scepticism on the viability of this type of operation, ranging from challenges under European Union law regarding mandate and oversight, to complex questions of compliance with international law. Forcible measures may be at variance with the international law of the sea, binding on the EU and its Member States alike. Even if such strictures can be avoided by a broad United Nations mandate and/or the consent of the neighbouring government(s), international refugee law and international human rights law provide limitations on the measures that Operation Sophia will be tasked with. Different avenues will be explored to ensure the Operation’s compliance with these different legal regimes.

The Irish Presidency: Power, Ceremony and Politics

mounting debt. One of the most controversial aspects of the bailout of the troika was the insistence that all bonds, including those of unsecured bondholders, must be guaranteed. This was important especially for the international actors who feared a contagion effect that might have undermined confidence in bonds of other states. Donovan and Murphy do an excellent job of not only detailing the financial collapse, but also emphasizing its important social and psychological impacts in Ireland. The authors highlight both the demise of Fianna Fáil in the 2011 elections and the acceptance of the Irish people of the need for austerity after the excesses of the Celtic Tiger. They also suggest that economic growth can only be recovered by sustaining foreign direct investment and a recovery in domestic confidence and consumption. Second, they highlight that further austerity is necessary in Irish government finances in order to cope with the large debt and deficits that continue to plague Irish public finances. Donovan and Murphy highlight the need for more effective European wide financial regulation which would prevent future crises like the ones in Ireland and other EU states. The collapse of the bubble has had different impacts on different groups in society with those exposed to mortgages taken out at the peak of the bubble, the younger cohorts, and those in the private sector most likely to have suffered financial losses. In summary, this book represents the most comprehensive and thorough analysis to date of Ireland’s economic crisis and its consequences.