Gunther Oettinger speaks during a press conference | Olivier Hoslet/EPA
Recent events such as terror attacks show the need for greater centralization of EU power, the Digital Commissioner said.
The European Union would “develop a new perspective” and “gather new dynamics” if the United Kingdom quits, Digital Commissioner Günther Oettinger said Tuesday.
Recent events like the terror attacks in Brussels and Paris have shown a need for more powers at EU level, and “my expectation would be that the European project would gather new dynamics,” he told POLITICO’s Morgen Europa event in Brussels. The EU could develop its security policy, foreign policy or anti-terrorism policy following a vote for Brexit in June 23’s U.K. referendum, according to the Commissioner.
EU countries including France have elections lined up in 2017, which would delay big changes, but “once [these are] behind us, I believe we will gather more power and strength,” said Oettinger.
Oettinger said his main concern about a potential Brexit was “a domino effect or knock-on effect,” citing Denmark or the Netherlands as examples of countries that rely heavily on the EU but whose relationship with Brussels has cooled in recent years.
The Commission has been very quiet about the referendum on EU membership held in the U.K. on June 23.
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Asked why, Oettinger joked “we always hoped the queen or the pope would say something, that is why we held back.”