EU in Crisis: How Brexit Backfired and Sparked a Surge in Euroscepticism Across Europe!

Former EU negotiator Michel Barnier has criticized the French for what he sees as a failure to learn from Brexit.

If Marine Le Pen's national rally emerges as a major force in the upcoming European Parliament elections, it may suggest that French voters do not fully appreciate the importance of Brexit.

Alternatively, it could indicate that French voters understand the situation well and see the European Commission's attempts to penalize Britain as ineffective.

Initially, the EU tried to impose a tough deal on Britain to eliminate other potential dissenters, but this approach backfired, leading to increased Euroscepticism in France and other countries.

Recent events, such as Dutch support for Geert Wilders' call for a referendum, the success of Germany's Eurosceptic AfD and the stance of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, indicate a wider trend towards EU skepticism.

Barnier's claim that Britain faces increased trade barriers after Brexit does not resonate with French Eurosceptics.

For example, French farmers protesting against cheap imports are not looking for fewer trade barriers, but more, as demonstrated by protests against Spanish wine imports.

Moreover, Barnier's comments are unlikely to convince French free-traders, who recognize the protectionist nature of the EU.

Despite the existence of free trade agreements, the EU imposes bureaucratic obstacles that deter importers through non-tariff barriers and excessive regulations.

Recent farmer protests can be attributed to burdensome regulations, such as keeping meticulous records of fertilizer use and precise measurements of chicken cages.

Such rules fuel discontent among EU citizens due to the EU's failure to address issues such as illegal immigration, corruption and interference in member states' governance.