Klkl
Is the European Union an empire?
> The EU is an empire enlarged by
negotiation and consent
> The EU is an empire without an emperor
> The EU is an empire governed by
indirect rule
What did European integration bring?
> Cooperation instead of conflict; Europe a
global player.
> Prosperity through free markets and free
trade
> Free space to travel at affordable prices
> Monetary stability through the Euro
What does the EU lack?
> Connection to the people. Public view is
hostile or distant:
> EU: Brussels is a monster, a behemoth
> Top EU leaders are unelected; Mandarins
call the shots
> EU is felt as a bureaucratic occupation
force
Constitution did the wrong thing
> to put the EU on a federal footing
> Political elite far ahead; public did not
follow
> Constitution strengthened perception
of ‘imperialist empire’
> Constitution turned EU into threat to
national identity
New Treaty, does it improve?
> Does the text re-connect European integration to the people? (not aconstitution, but unreadable and elusive)
> Does the Treaty streamline the institutionalframework? (size of Commission,European Parliament, duplicity, agencies)
> Is mission of EU concentrated on limitedpolicy-areas? (CAP, Regional Policy,Energy Policy, Immigration Policy)
Conclusion
> Bureaucratic machinery: streamlining
too slow; mission unfocused
> Enlargement: enlarge economic
concept EU, not EU itself.
> Estrangement from people: some
leading positions should be elected, like EU President, Commission
President and Commissioners.
Thank you!
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