EU and how it still impacts the UK

The Brussels effect

The Brussels Effect is the process by which the European Union (EU) unilaterally sets global standards and regulations that extend far beyond its own borders.

Economic 

Impacts (EU sets the trend): EU sets trends (geographically close) Pound is closer to dollar, US/China/Russia too far Aston University Business School using trade data concludes a loss of 53.8% of the type of exports and 31.5% for imports Post Brexit 

No impact (In theory the UK is independent): British firm Octopus Energy is entering the Chinese market for the first time Post Starmer 2026 visit.

Policy

Impact (EU soft power influence) UK doesn’t chlorinate chicken (despite Trump wanting that) to trade with EU and Iphone lightning cable vs USBC (Newest iphone USBCs) 

No impact: Post Brexit the UK has more Sovereignty (political/legal) to do own policies (in theory.) More control over immigration, exclusive UK management over healthcare and defence and foreign policy 

Legal

UK has hard power: Windsor framework (Foreign secretary and defence weren’t face of it)  which sorted NI issues when UK left EU. If not sorted then R of I border closed but good friday agreement. 

EU still impacts: But Human rights, ECHR 1998 (Reform British Bill of Rights,) parliamentary sovereignty which in theory we could, we just don’t because conventions)