David Cameron, the EU, and the Road to the Referendum: Navigating Internal Divisions and European Diplomacy
The Lisbon Treaty, which came into force in 2009, introduced significant structural changes in the European Union by establishing key positions such as the President of the European Council and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. These changes heralded a new era of EU governance, but they also brought to the fore complex challenges for member states grappling with the balance between national sovereignty and collective European policies. For the United Kingdom, from 2007 onwards, issues surrounding foreign and security policy increasingly manifested as pressing domestic concerns. The UK faced mounting challenges due to undocumented immigration, with significant numbers breaching border controls. This influx strained public services and fueled widespread anxiety about the economic, social, and cultural impacts, with many expressing fears over the integrity of British identity and traditions. Growing Euroscepticism and the Push for a Referend...