THE UNITED KINGDOM: REMAINING AT THE HEART OF EUROPE?

This political statement aside, the question remains as to where the United Kingdom stands today regarding the role it plays or is willing to play within Europe. The referendum planned by Cameron’s government even poses the fundamental question as to whether the UK is to remain part of the European Union or leave it. Are the EU and the UK becoming increasingly alienated from each other, or have they never truly been a good match? Would Brexit therefore be a logical consequence, or would it represent a catastrophe for the UK and / or the EU that is to be prevented under any circumstances? Can the relationship between the UK and the EU be characterised as a permanently uncomfortable partnership? Or could the British stance on the EU not in fact provide an opportunity (and a certain amount of pressure) for the EU to question some positions and to aspire to some reforms that are ultimately essential for the continued existence of the Community?