Analyse : Les défis mondiaux seront un moteur des réformes en Europe

Nick Butler estime dans le bulletin du Centre for European Reform (CER) que l’UE doit regagner son intérêt et peut le faire en répondant efficacement aux défis mondiaux d’aujourd’hui. 

The article outlines the fact that ten years ago, Europe faced a particular set of challenges, shaped by the fall of the Berlin Wall. Enlargement to the East, the liberalisation of global markets and the economic rise of Asia, left us in no doubt that reform was necessary. A decade on, the challenges raised by working in a Union of 25 member states and the need to be economically competitive has once again made reform a top priority.

The author continues by stating that reform is not just about introducing or reworking treaties, first and foremost, “Europe needs to regain its relevance.” To do this, Europe must respond effectively to the present global challenges.  This agenda is largely set by events outside of Europe’s borders. However, it is precisely on issues such as global warming, terrorism, and the need for education and innovation that “Europeans of every nationality can unite.”

The pace of reform may be erratic and often slow, but if Europe can respond effectively to these challenges, (and the author emphasises that Europe is not just the EU but also takes shape in the form of public debate, business, and so on) then it will be possible to regain popular support for “for the cause of union and common action.”