Brexit: the United Kingdom leaves the European Union

The New York Times retrospectively covers Brexit as a major democratic choice — 52% for leave in 2016, effective exit 31 January 2020 — that shook post-war European order. The paper analyses unkept NHS and immigration promises, the economic bill for Britons and populists' role. Compared with Trump or sovereigntist movements, the NYT sees Brexit as symptom of global elite and globalisation distrust — without final verdict.

Le Monde places Brexit in a painful Franco-European perspective: betrayal for europhiles, relief for sovereigntists, but proof the EU can lose a major member. The daily recalls endless negotiations, Irish backstop, Dover truck queues and France's role in a Europe of 27. Retrospectives stress weakened British soft power and whether others might follow.

Al Jazeera covers Brexit as a case study on tensions between national sovereignty and regional integration — relevant for Gulf, North Africa and Maghreb. The outlet recalls the UK remains tied to the Arab Commonwealth and Gulf energy but its European voice on the Middle East weakened. Comparative analyses show how Brexit fuelled debates on identity, immigration and trade — with lessons for Global South regional blocs.

TASS retrospectively approaches Brexit as structural EU weakening and opportunity for Moscow to recalibrate relations with London — sanctions, energy, intelligence. The agency notes the UK sought more pragmatic partnership with Russia despite Ukraine, sign of Western fragmentation. Analyses stress Brexit confirms crisis of liberal integrationist model and opens space for bilateral relations outside European framework.

Xinhua presents Brexit as a shock to multilateral governance and global trade — the UK leaves the world's largest single market as Beijing develops its own partnerships. The agency recalls difficult negotiations on Chinese investment in London and the City's role. Retrospectives compare Brexit to other protectionist trends to show weakened Europe benefits multipolarity — with uncertainty for global supply chains.