Where Does Europe Go Now?

Is the notion of a “United States of Europe” a fool’s dream? As I have said before, the majority of the parliaments of Europe are run by elitists who try to be populists. The French National Assembly and the German Bundestag do not really represent their respective populations. Of course, this is somewhat true in the US as well, but it doesn’t seem to rise to the same level here.

As reported on Deutsche Welle: "I am convinced that we need the constitution if we want a democratic, social-minded and strong Europe," Gerhard Schröder said recently. Perhaps, for whatever reason, the European population is not convinced. The leadership has definitely done a horrible job of explaining the rationale behind ratification. In some respects they treated their populace like they accused George Bush of treating them…unilaterally. Schröder said the ratification process must continue. "The crisis about the ratification of the European constitution cannot become a general crisis about Europe," he said. There was no sound alternative, he added. Was this explained prior to the votes?

Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker indicated that "Europe no longer makes people dream."

This could be a huge part of Europe’s current problem. Europeans seem to be in the same type of funk that we in the US were in during the 1970’s (ie, the malaise of low expectations). A bit of good ol’ fashioned American “can do” could be in order for Europe.

The EU summit in Brussels on June 16^th and 17^th will be very interesting indeed. We will see if the leadership is willing to “look in the mirror.”