Inside the Deal

How the EU Got Brexit Done

Stefaan De Rynck

“The Brexit you’ll never hear about from a British negotiator. An important book.” – Robert Peston, ITV Political Editor

“An accurate and true insight into the machinations of Brexit, our role as negotiators and our efforts to bring the deal over the line.” – Michel Barnier, former chief EU Brexit negotiator

“A piercing analysis of the UK’s historic decision to leave the EU, De Rynck’s masterful overview may make difficult reading for some in Britain but it offers hope that the two sides can take a more constructive approach going forward.” – Pippa Crerar, Political Editor, The Guardian

“Stefaan De Rynck had a ringside seat for all the twists and turns of Britain’s departure from the European Union. This insightful book provides important insights into Brexit from a European perspective – and explains how and why we got to where we are today.” – Oliver Wright, Policy Editor, The Times

As a close aide to Michel Barnier, Stefaan De Rynck had a front row seat in the Brexit negotiations. In this frank and uncompromising account, De Rynck tells the EU’s side of the story and seeks to dispel some of the myths and spin that have become indelibly linked to the Brexit process. From the mood in the room to the technical discussions, he gives an unvarnished account of the deliberations and obstacles that shaped the final deal.

Stefaan De Rynck was a senior advisor to Michel Barnier, the EU's Brexit Negotiator. He has worked as an EU civil servant on financial regulation, the single market, and EU Treaty changes. He has a PhD in political and social sciences from the European University Institute in Florence and teaches at the Public Governance Institute, University of Leuven.

MARCH 2023

PB £18.99 978-1-78821-504-6

HB £75.00 978-1-78821-503-9

208 pages | 216 x 138mm

Short Histories