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Speaking in Dublin at the Institute of International and European Affairs, the Commissioner outlined the effects of Britain’s departure from the EU on Ireland and Europe, saying Brexit has sent a shock wave through the union.
“Brexit has sent a shockwave through the foundations of the European Union, and far from being over; history has come roaring back, with troubling echoes from the past,” he said.
Speaking with his European hat on, the Commissioner continued by saying that anti-European rhetoric has become “a convenient fleece with which to disguise the resurgent wolves of Europe’s history: nationalism, xenophobia, and appeals to our lowest instincts.
“This is the existential wake-up call that European democracy has needed. There is no time like a crisis for clarifying the mind.”
He added that Brexit was “an entirely avoidable calamity”, but it did serve the “very healthy purpose of bringing Europe into people’s conversations and into their consciousness. And maybe a realisation that what we share together is important and worth fighting for.”
Impact on Ireland
The Commissioner added that Brexit came as a “hammer blow” for Ireland, and while the country finds itself in an “invidious” position, it is “taking to the challenge with ‘steel in its spine’”.
“If ever there was a time for all politicians and parties to put on the ‘green jersey,’ this is it,” he said.
A hard Brexit could result in a 30% drop in exports to the UK and add €20bn to the national debt
He acknowledged that a difficult road lies ahead for Ireland with a hard Brexit now looking increasingly likely.
“The Department of Finance estimates that a hard Brexit could result in a 30% drop in exports to the UK and add €20bn to the national debt over the next decade, with the potential for up to 40,000 job losses,” he added.
“Accordingly, the Irish Government, the Irish agri-food community and other trading sectors of the economy are preparing for a full spectrum of possibilities” he said, adding that Ireland needs to ensure the solutions it proposes for its problems are acceptable to the remaining 26 EU partners . “The sympathy and understanding for Ireland’s position should not be mistaken for sympathy and understanding for any solutions proposed.”
Ireland’s reaction
As for how Ireland should deal with Brexit, the Commissioner espoused the reinforcement of old coalitions and the building of new ones. This is the correct way to proceed, he said, adding that Irish diplomatic outreach is being strengthened in all European capitals, where the complexity of the Brexit issues and Ireland’s unique exposure may not be as well understood as in Dublin, London or Brussels.
He also stressed that the UK, as a co-signatory to the Good Friday Agreement, is equally responsible for finding the best possible solution to minimise the impact of Brexit on the island of Ireland.
Hinting at the possibility of a Brexit fund for Ireland, as referred to by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny this week, Hogan added that regulatory issues and potential sources of financial support must be identified.
“Exceptional times warrant exceptional measures,” he told listeners.
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