Panel discussion with leading European experts: Thierry de Montbrial, Robin Niblett and Eberhard Sandschneider
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On March 18, the German constitutional court confirmed the legality of the Euro bailout packages. This is good news for Europe, even though the financial crisis is not yet over—it is a common view which was challenged by Eberhard Sandschneider, director of the DGAP’s research institute: Europe lives in a state of a constant crisis; it thus becomes the norm; we have to get used to it—according to Sandschneider—because sooner or later new crises will emerge. Crisis management therefore becomes the main touchstone for the EU. Europe will be successful inasmuch as it can offer sufficient solutions to global crises and take into consideration the very basic needs of Europeans. Many see prosperity and peace in Europe endangered. These essential interests, fears, and problems do unite Europe much more than often assumed. “I am struck by similarities in Europe,” stated Robin Niblett, director of Chatham House.
Opinion polls show a partly confusing picture of the fluid attitude of British citizens toward EU membership. For the first time in a year, a majority of British citizens favored staying in the EU—according to last week's report by YouGov, a public opinion research institute. This constantly moving debate mirrors the utilitarian view of British citizens of the EU. The “in-or-out” question can be rather translated as “do we need Europe for our domestic challenges?” Currently Europe provides little answers to Britain.
Nevertheless the UK has more in common with the European continent than first meets the eye. There is a long list of policies that have never been questioned: the single economic, digital, services markets as well as common trade, energy, and foreign policies. At the same time the UK serves as a manifestation of principal challenges that are evident across Europe: loss of confidence among the general public; the questioning of European institutional legitimacy by national sovereignty.
Thierry de Montbrial, founder and president of the Institut français des relations internationals (Ifri), refers to the difficult balancing act for Europe. How to consolidate power without undermining diverse national identities? Europe needs to reconsider how it governs itself. But leaving aside all the difficulties and shortcomings of Europe, it is obvious that the EU has no alternatives.
Even European neighbors—such as Ukrainians—see no alternatives to Europe. They have died on the Maidan in Kiev for European values. This should be a food for thought for those who wish to blame Europe for everything. There is a broad understanding among EU countries that the rule of law has to be firmly embedded in Europe. The style Russia applied in Ukraine collides with this fundamental principle and cannot be tolerated by the EU. It is too early to judge Europe’s response and the effectiveness of economic sanctions against Russia, but the important message in the Ukrainian crisis is: Europeans stand together.