Europe re-emerges in Britain's vision, driven by Macron and Merz's Democratic Renewal
A United Europe: Challenges and Progress
The European Union (EU) is navigating a complex path towards unity, particularly in the areas of defense and immigration, as it responds to global events and internal dynamics.
The recent invasion of Ukraine and the ending of NATO solidarity by former US President Trump have shaken Europe out of complacency, prompting a renewed focus on unity and self-defense. This is evident in the treaty between Germany and Britain, which promotes cooperation on defense, economic growth, and tackling illegal migration.
However, the question of whether a Europe united by human rights and democratic ideals can exclude those who no longer share those values remains a contentious issue. The EU's commitment to liberal democratic values is being tested by right-wing parties, some bordering on fascism, within its own borders.
In terms of defense, the EU recognizes the need for more unity and stronger political institutions to speak and act with one voice amid global changes. This includes adapting decision-making procedures and enhancing democratic accountability as part of reforms aimed at a more powerful and resilient Union. Yet, internal political differences remain, as demonstrated in economic and trade negotiations with the United States where national interests sometimes clash with collective EU strategies.
Some European countries, including Britain, may struggle to meet the financial burden of common defense. This was evident in the state visit of President Macron to London, the first European country to receive such an honor since Brexit. The visit, which included a royal feast at Windsor Castle, wreath-laying in Westminster Abbey, and a speech to both Houses of Parliament, was symbolic of a renewed purpose in unity with France and Germany.
President Macron also brought the Bayeux tapestry as a gesture to the British Museum, a first in 900 years. However, the move was met with criticism by some, such as John Redwood, a recent Conservative MP, who saw it as a reminder of the invasion and English serfdom by the Normans.
Regarding immigration, the EU is implementing advanced systems such as the Entry/Exit System (EES) scheduled for rollout starting October 2025. This system is designed to improve border management and track entry and exit movements efficiently, reflecting the bloc's commitment to better control immigration flows while maintaining security.
Despite ongoing internal challenges, there is a strong desire among many Europeans for closer integration. A EuroTrack poll found the EU population enthusiastic about Britain rejoining, and many British people are wanting to return to the EU, with a larger majority regarding Brexit as a bad error.
However, Slovakia and Hungary have been obstructing the latest sanctions against Russia for the Ukraine invasion. This internal division tests the collective strength and decision-making capacity of the EU, highlighting the ongoing struggle for unity in the face of external pressures.
In summary, the EU is actively pursuing reforms and policies to enhance unity and effectiveness in defense and immigration. However, political fragmentation and divergent national interests continue to present challenges to a fully unified European response to world events. The overall trajectory is toward strengthened integration with ongoing adjustments to internal dynamics.
Sources: [1], [2], [3], [4], [5]
Note: The author, Polly Toynbee, is a commentator for The Guardian newspaper. Her latest books include 'An Uneasy Inheritance: My family and other radicals' and 'The Only Way is Up: how to take Britain from austerity to prosperity'.
- In the face of global events and internal dynamics, the European Union is promoting policy-and-legislation that focuses on strengthening defense and addressing illegal immigration, as evidenced by the treaty between Germany and Britain.
- Amidst calls for closer integration, the EU's progress towards unity is challenged by war-and-conflicts, such as the invasion of Ukraine, and internal politics, including differences in policy-and-legislation and general-news related to defense and immigration.
