Ireland, Malta, Luxembourg Most Exposed to Brexit Fallout - S&P

Ireland, Malta and Luxembourg are among EU countries most vulnerable to the consequences of the upcoming referendum in the United Kingdom on its EU membership, Brexit Sensitivity Index (BSI) launched by Standard & Poor's rating agency showed on Thursday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – The rating surveyed 20 countries both within and outside of the European Union and measured the effect of Brexit on goods and services exports, migrant flows and foreign direct investment, among other areas.

"According to this methodology, Ireland and other small open financial centers lead the list of sovereigns vulnerable to a UK decision to exit the EU," S&P credit analyst Frank Gill said as quoted in the report titled "Who Has The Most To Lose From Brexit? Introducing The Brexit Sensitivity Index."

All three countries topping the ranking of most Brexit-vulnerable states have extensive historical connections with the United Kingdom, while Ireland has a common border and substantial migratory flows with Britain. Malta is considered one of the top tourist destinations for Brits, with a large UK pensioner population residing on the island.

UK citizens are set to vote in the referendum on the United Kingdom's EU membership on June 23. UK Electoral Commission Chair Jenny Watson said Wednesday the commission expected an 80-percent turnout at the referendum.