The EU beyond Brexit

This chapter looks at the future of the European Union beyond Brexit and analyses the plan, precedents, and prospects for the Conference on the Future of Europe. The establishment of the Conference on the Future of Europe is potentially an innovative model and path-breaking initiative to reform the EU and make it more effective and legitimate, along the lines of prior, out-of-the-box initiatives such as the Conference of Messina and the Convention on the Future of Europe. The Covid-19 pandemic has delayed the start of the Conference on the Future of Europe, but has also increased its urgency. Yet, the chances of success of this initiative are closely connected to the mechanics of treaty reform. As such, the chapter suggests that the Conference should consider channelling its output into a Political Compact, subject to an entry into force rule that do away with the unanimity requirement, as it has been done previously in the field of Economic and Monetary Union (EMU). Clearly, success cannot be taken for granted and there are many difficulties ahead, but the EU is facing a decisive moment.