EU puts ‘ever closer union’ on hold

Jorge Valero, Euractiv, 12.10.2016

Quotes

Link to full text


As the EU prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary, the “ever closer union” principle that underpinned the European project is being put on hold as the bloc struggles to survive its annus horribilis. [...]

The future looks gloomy. EU institutions and national governments “will continue with this muddling, progressing step by step toward the lowest common denominator, with no clear vision”, Janis Emmanouilidis, Director of Studies at the EPC, commented. [...]

“The problem is much deeper,” agreed Emmanouilidis. “Mainstream parties have lost not only room for maneuvering because of the populist parties. The biggest risk is the polarization between the winners and losers,” of the current system, he added. [...]

“It is a vicious circle,” adds Emmanouilidis, because some of the measures that could help to narrow the gap between the winners and losers are getting sidelined. [...]

When the EU faces its worst humanitarian crisis on its soil, and still struggles to deal with the collateral damage of the Great Recession, free InterRail tickets, the end of roaming ,or free wifi “of course is not enough”, emphasised Emmanouilidis. [...]

“I have a sense of déjà vu when I read about a lot of them,” Emmanouilidis said. [...]

Europe could also aim for the stars, but only if it fixes its backyard first. “The national narratives about Europe are in crisis,” Emmanouilidis stated. [...]

Read full interview here



Latest media contributions

EPC Update & Post-summit Briefing – The October Summit: EUrope's Zeitenwende discontinued?
Online Briefing, YouTube, 21.10.2024

Εξορία ή εξημέρωση για τα άκρα;
Quotes, Kathimerini (GR), 06.10.2024

EPC Update – Shifting landscapes: The new Commission, electoral tides, and the Draghi report
Online Briefing, YouTube, 19.09.2024

Economic portfolios are key in talks to choose new EU commissioners
Quotes, Euronews, 28.08.2024

EPC Update – Democracy at work: The vote on von der Leyen and impact of key elections
Online Briefing, YouTube, 19.07.2024

"Von der Leyen hat Kompromisse gefunden"
Interview, rbb24 inforadio, 18.07.2024

Neue EU-Schulden? Die Frankreich-Wahl spielt Olaf Scholz in die Karten
Quotes, Die Welt, 12.07.2024

Γιάννης Εμμανουηλίδης στην «Κ»: Οδηγούμαστε σε καθεστώς σύγχυσης
Interview, Kathimerini (GR), 07.07.2024

EPC Update / Post-summit Briefing – The June Summit: A new EU leadership and an ambitious strategic agenda?
Online Briefing, YouTube, 28.06.2024

Ε.Ε.: Οι νέοι συσχετισμοί και η μοιρασιά των αξιωμάτων
Quotes, Kathimerini (GR), 16.06.2024


Media