Why the EU fears a long Brexit delay

In the past I’ve explained why the EU would be happy if the Commons accepted May’s deal. In essence, the Withdrawal Agreement would allow the EU to impose its integration project on the UK, and the UK wouldn’t be able to do anything about it. In contrast, EU federalists have made it pretty clear they fear a Brexit delay.

This is consistent with the tough rhetoric coming out of Brussels at the moment demanding a ‘price’ for any long delay. The PM has avoided that by proposing a short delay. There are noises coming out of Brussels that suggest next week there will be an EU Council decision on delaying Brexit. In that case, it seems likely that May will try to circumvent Erskine May, so MPs can have a Meaningful Vote 3 on her deal before that meeting. At that point, the choice will once again be between May’s deal or a serious delay to Brexit.