Britain could head towards an exit from the European Union if its problems are not addressed, British Prime Minister David Cameron was set to warn on Friday in his long-awaited speech on Britain’s relationship with Europe, which he postponed due to the hostage crisis in Algeria, reports the BBC.
Cameron was scheduled to deliver an important speech on Europe on Friday in Amsterdam, in which he was expected to advocate for redefining Britain’s relationship with the EU and reclaiming some powers from Brussels, which would likely face significant resistance from European partners who are not inclined to change European treaties. Diplomats in Brussels are unclear about what exactly Cameron wants and how he envisions Britain’s role in Europe after 40 years of membership in the European club.
Excerpts from his speech released on Thursday evening show that he intended to present a ‘positive vision for the future of the European Union. A future in which Britain wants… to play a committed and active role.’ He planned to emphasize that the structures of the EU will undergo ‘fundamental changes’.
– There is a gap between the EU and its citizens that has dramatically grown in recent years and represents a lack of democratic accountability and consent, which is particularly felt in Britain – said the British Prime Minister. According to him, the situation has been exacerbated by the drastic austerity measures taken to help the eurozone emerge from the financial crisis.
– If we do not address these challenges, there is a danger that Europe will fail, and British citizens will head towards exit. I do not want that to happen. I want the European Union to be successful, and I want a relationship between Britain and the EU that will keep us inside – the excerpts from Cameron’s speech state.
