The EU badly needs its institutions - Commission, Council and Parliament + ECB - to gain prominence, power, initiative, independence and lead the EU from the front in the interests of every single member-State in the bloc. The reason Europe looks in a shambles is that Germany subtly acquired an overwhelming weight since the financial meltdown of 2007-8. Internally, nothing in the EU can move without its tacit or overt agreement. In many ways, the institutions work as near conduits or mouthpieces for the German interest. Inconsequential bodies in practice, in the minds of many Europeans tired and fed-up with a state of limbo that brings them no direct benefit.
In a nutshell, the so-called European political project is moribund, the result of accumulated weaknesses by the leaders from relevant countries not least AMerkel herself. The fact that she displayed remarkable will and strength on several matters - and must be applauded for that - does not hide from view her country's every major failing that so contributed to stalling the EU.
Brexit is primarily an internal UK issue - has long been - but majority opinion in Britain would never have swayed the way it did if not for the looseness of a drifting Union that lost its appeal to the learned let alone to the common man. Many Europeans may even eye AMerkel with sympathy but they resent coming under the German wing and always will. Germany as the EU's dominant force, which is, rightly or wrongly, a common perception. A Union that has seen one clear winner, a few satellite winners around it and far too many losers. Not to mention the domestic problems each country faces anyway.
Above all, no common EU goal appears in sight despite the Commission's official rhetoric.
Viewed from outside the reality of German dominance likely feels even greater.
And suddenly DJTrump comes along and now sits at the White House. His manner and style may not be right but is it not the case that the man does have a point on far too many issues? Or is it too hard to acknowledge just that because of strong dislike for the messenger?
Germany as the leading country in the EU now has the unique opportunity to show that it does stand fully behind the European project, the Eurozone, the Euro, European defence and all things European. Failure to do this will only prove DJT right over time.
Such a predicament would be very dire for the very survival of the EU as a force to reckon with.
I am factoring a 27-member bloc in the wake of the UK's already sure departure.
Sem comentários:
Enviar um comentário