The reaction in Europe to the UK's referendum mirrored the stern response seen during Greece's 2015 rejection of a bailout. Many European leaders, including former European Council President Herman Van Rompuy, criticized UK Prime Minister David Cameron's choice to hold a referendum, labeling it one of the worst decisions in decades. This sentiment highlights a broader disapproval of national democratic processes, especially when they challenge established EU frameworks.

Stiglitz's analysis underscores a tension between national sovereignty and European integration, emphasizing how elite perspectives often dismiss public opinion. The negative reception to the UK's democratic decision reflects a reluctance within the EU to embrace the consequences of giving citizens a voice, revealing a systemic fear of accountability that can undermine the union's legitimacy.