The End of Europe? The Potential Consequences of the British “Referendum Lock” and “Sovereignty Clause” for the Future of European Integration
The End of Europe? The Potential Consequences of the British “Referendum Lock” and “Sovereignty Clause” for the Future of European Integration

Summary/Abstract: The aim this present article is to describe what are the possible consequences may arise from the British Parliament’s amendment to the European Community Act. This includes the so-called “referendum lock” (is requires a referendum after any change in the EU’s institutional and legal status that would lead to an essential transfer of sovereignty to the EU), as well as the “sovereignty clause” (it confirms that it is solely the Parliament that holds direct legislative power within the territory of the United Kingdom). The passing of this act into law may have farreaching consequences for the future of the European Union. The necessity of conducting a referendum in European issues, in light of Britons’ extensive and continuous reluctance to European integration, may result in Great Britain’s exclusion from future pro-integration activities. This, in turn, could shatter the unity of the European nations and effectively lead to the victory of the “multi-speed” idea of integration.

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