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The EU needs to get its act together if it wants to be successful in building and sustaining global credibility.
The European Union has discovered, since Donald Trump’s first term at the White House, that even long-standing alliances can wear thin. This is why it is seeking to strengthen ties with like-minded partners.
But in order to build a coalition of like-minded countries committed to supporting a rules-based international system, the EU must first overcome its own internal divisions.
These divisions are evident in its multiple attitudes towards climate and environmental policy, equality and diversity. They materialise in political support for populist and Eurosceptic leaders, as can be seen in Hungary. And, as previously mentioned, Russia and the US are taking advantage of these differences to weaken the bloc.
Inner rifts
This is a big challenge, and it’s not going anywhere. Europe’s democracies are unstable and unpredictable.
Michel Catala, Professor of contemporary European history at the University of Nantes, Interview by Cléo Arzul, euradio (in French)
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“There are also problems in Europe: a temptation towards illiberalism and authoritarian regimes. So I think that Europe must defend its values, it must remain firmly anchored in its value – if only one remains [to defend these values], it must be Europe – I think that in this way it will also regain its attractiveness and regain significant strength.”
So, while we need stable international relationships, we also need to fight divisions and instability internally. For Luxembourg’s Gusty Graas, this means engaging actively in policy areas that are essential to our internal cohesion.
Gusty Graas, Member of the Luxembourg Chamber of Deputies – Democratic Party, Chair of the Foreign and European Affairs Committee, Interview by Jean-Claude Majerus, Radio 100,7 (in Luxembourgish)
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“This is why active engagement in social policy is essential. Politics cannot be reduced to economic aspects alone, however important they may be. Social, cultural and historical dimensions also play a fundamental role. These values must be defended so that they can be preserved for the future.”
The EU still has the capacity to influence the global balance, but it cannot project strength if it does not strive to foster greater unity internally.
Gusty Graas, Member of Parliament for the Luxembourg Democratic Party (DP), Chair of the Foreign and European Affairs Committee of the Luxembourg Parliament, Interview by Jean-Claude Majerus, 100.7 (in Luxembourgish)
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“The European Union only has a chance if it moves closer together and becomes more aware of the need to acquire greater autonomy. And I see some hope; Europe has potential. That does not mean that all relations with the United States should be severed. No, we must of course try to maintain the best possible diplomatic and economic relations. But we also have to be realistic. There will be a number of issues that will certainly not get any easier in the coming years. And that is why Europe must think more about itself and show its strength to the outside world.”
- Author: Hermine Donceel, Euranet Plus News Agency
