Cambre’s Leanda Barrington-Leach outlines how the EU capital sees Theresa May’s electoral bet.

When Theresa May called a snap election, the EU shrugged. Brussels steers clear of national votes. It is not however likely to escape unscathed from the UK campaign.

Many in Brussels hoped that the prospect of May gaining a stronger mandate would favour a softer Brexit. Such hopes soon waned. In Brussels, the UK annoyed its partners by blocking a debate on the post-Brexit EU budget, while at home May lost no time in ramping up the “common enemy” campaign rhetoric.

The subsequent EU visits to London were not cheerful. Tusk and Juncker warned the UK lacked a clear understanding of the situation and was insufficiently prepared for negotiations. Theresa May accused the EU of election meddling, Russian-style. EU commentators were shocked by the support given by the Leave campaign and the British right-wing press to the far-right Le Pen in France (and its mockery of the pro-EU Macron).

The EU prefers to negotiate with a government holding a clear and strong mandate. Early indicators suggest however that the UK election may burn more of a dwindling number of bridges between Brussels and London.