Fact Check: The U.K. and Germany are both members of the European Union
What We Know
The claim that "The U.K. and Germany are both members of the European Union" is factually incorrect. As of January 31, 2020, the United Kingdom officially left the European Union (EU) following a public referendum held in June 2016, commonly referred to as "Brexit" (source). Germany, on the other hand, remains a member of the EU, having been one of the founding countries when the union was established in 1993 (source).
Analysis
The assertion that both countries are EU members fails to account for the significant political and legal changes that occurred due to Brexit. The U.K.'s departure was a landmark event in EU history, leading to extensive negotiations regarding the terms of exit and future relations between the U.K. and the EU. The official exit was marked by the end of the transition period on December 31, 2020, after which the U.K. no longer participated in EU institutions or policies (source).
In contrast, Germany continues to play a vital role in the EU, contributing to its policies and decision-making processes. The EU currently comprises 27 member states, with Germany being one of the largest and most influential members (source).
Given the timeline and the implications of Brexit, the claim lacks validity. The sources used to verify this claim are credible and well-established, providing a clear historical context regarding the membership status of both countries in relation to the EU.
Conclusion
Verdict: Unverified
The claim that "The U.K. and Germany are both members of the European Union" is incorrect. The U.K. is no longer a member of the EU, having exited the union in 2020, while Germany remains an active member. The claim does not reflect the current political landscape and is therefore deemed unverified.
