Post-Brexit European Map: the New Continental Status Quo and Institutional Decision-Making

Brexit became part of the European public consciousness following the 2016 referendum. We are only just starting to realize the actual effects and consequences of the UK’s withdrawal in multiple issues. The article analyzes the new, post-Brexit continental status quo and the changing trends in institutional decision-making. The position and dominance of the Member States are reflected in their role in the EU institutions. The weight of the Member States in decision-making also has a significant impact on the development of individual common policies. Brexit has strengthened the dominance of Germany and France. However, it also affected the position of Central and Eastern European states. Poland has become one of the “big Member States” that could make the combined dominance of the Visegrád states (Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia) more relevant in forming the future of the EU..