Putin, of all people, is giving the troubled EU a new impulse

In 2022, the EU was violently shaken. A corruption scandal in parliament shocked member states, countries drifting at the right distance from Brussels and the war in Ukraine caused fear and energy problems.

Gilbert Casasus (66), emeritus professor of European studies, describes 2022 as “not a bad year” for the EU. Because it is precisely the war that has forged the EU countries together. In addition, the EU has succeeded in showing solidarity with a Corona aid plan. He takes stock of Sunday’s outlook.

«The EU Parliament, which likes to describe itself as a role model, is experiencing its worst crisis since its existence and since its first direct elections in 1979. The corruption scandal, in which several parliamentarians apparently allowed themselves to be bribed for good by Qatar PR, is due to a work order that is too much under the direct influence of lobbyists.

As profiteers, they exploit the weaknesses of a political body that, as a teacher, always tried to blame the others, ie the Commission or the Council of Ministers. That is why a reform of the European Parliament is essential.”

“Following the unilateral termination of the framework agreement on May 26, 2021, it took more than a year for a tentative rapprochement between Switzerland and the European Union to take place in 2022.

A new edition of an updated template or the contractual arrangements for a new agreement are not imminent, as they depend both on the different positions and interests of the EU member states and on the outcome of the elections to the Swiss National Council in October 2023. Both opponents are only at the beginning of a negotiation process that cannot be crowned with a successful conclusion until 2024 at the earliest.”

“In the run-up to the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Élysée Treaty of Friendship on January 22, 1963, some disagreements between Berlin and Paris become apparent. The Franco-German engine is faltering and the two leading countries in Europe are at odds on important European issues.

The Prague speech of Olaf Scholz (64) on 29 August 2022 to strengthen the EU aroused outrage in Paris and aroused suspicions that Berlin now wanted to steer a wayward course towards Europe that would gradually abandon the foundations of Franco-German cooperation . A crisis in Franco-German relations would do lasting damage to the EU.”

“Since the resignation of Angela Merkel (68) as German Chancellor, the EU has been missing a leader. French President Emmanuel Macron (45), who had an extremely favorable starting position at the beginning of the year, had the best chance of this: France held the presidency of the EU, his re-election was certain and he mediated between Russia, Ukraine and the EU. Moreover, he did not have to fear any competition from Olaf Scholz.

But it turned out differently than expected: the presidency of the EU Council barely suited his election campaign, his mediation efforts in the war in Ukraine failed and the lack of a majority in the French parliament makes him vulnerable at home and abroad.”

“In the eyes of political scientists, Italy is seen as a European laboratory. Much of what happened there later also found its way to Europe, following the example of the party crisis in many (neighboring) countries in the 1990s. Despite having one of its best governments ever by the summer of 2022, Italy opted for a right-wing to far-right coalition in September.

A success of the right-wing and restrictive migration policy could have far-reaching consequences for the EU. However, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (45), known for her anti-European slogans, is willing to compromise with the EU to collect almost 200 billion euros from the European Corona relief fund for her country. »

Right-wing parties are not only on the rise in Italy: in Hungary Viktor Orban (59) managed to retain his two-thirds majority, Marine Le Pen (54) achieved record results in the French presidential and parliamentary elections and in Sweden, the Swedish Democrats are now the second strongest party in government.”

“The biggest event for the EU in 2022 was the war in Ukraine. But it is precisely this crisis that helps to strengthen the EU. Russian President Vladimir Putin (70) has failed to divide Europe. Since the outbreak of war, the EU has spoken almost unanimously – with the exception of Hungary – in favor of Ukraine and has once again distinguished itself as a global player.

The EU passed this difficult test with flying colors and, compared to the Balkan wars of the 1990s, has shown its solidarity with Kiev and its unity.”

This is what a new EU treaty should look like

Gilbert Casasus thinks it is necessary for the EU to discuss a new treaty, because: “The current Treaty of Lisbon is no longer able to cope with today’s European challenges.”

A new EU treaty should take into account the following aspects:

• Strengthen the EU first and then welcome new accession countries. The expulsion of a state must also be possible.

• Creation of a «European Political Community».

• Acquire new skills in health, social affairs, energy, transport and infrastructure.

• Creation of a European defense policy.

• Redesign of the European elections and set up transnational list connections.

• Introduction of a second legislative chamber with representatives of the Member States.

Casasus sums it up: 2022 may not have been a good year for the EU, but in comparison it was much better than the years of the Euro and Greek crises or 2016, when Boris Johnson and Donald Trump (76) were ‘men of the hour » were valid. Casasus: “Historically, a ‘disintegration of the European Union’ was never imagined in 2022!”