EU and its challenges

 European Union

• The EU faces major challenges due to instability in its two largest member states, France and Germany. This comes at a time when the EU must deal with external threats (Russia, China, US trade tensions), support Ukraine, manage debt, and strengthen its own defence.
• The rise of far-right and populist parties across Europe is reshaping the political landscape, threatening the unity and stability of the EU.

Combating the xenophobia

The crisis created by the pandemic and the way countries have responded to it, particularly by closing the borders and banning international travel, are fertile soil for the xenophobic sentiments to grow. One of our challenges is to fight that. We cannot allow the narrow-minded and xenophobic ideas to win the day. The world would be a terrible place if we let prejudice and chauvinism to take control.

August blues

At this time of the year, a good number of people in the Northern Hemisphere are on leave. This is the peak period of the Summer season. But this year, I see some differences. Many people are worried. They look at the international politics scene and do not like the current trends, the surprise decisions, the conflict approach that seems to guide some of the leaders. There is a good deal of uncertainty. That might end up by having an impact on international peace, in addition to the one on the economic situation. Then, people look at the type of weather we are experiencing, the news about the nature, the whales, the Arctic, and wonder about the future.

I do not want to be pessimistic in August. But there is no doubt that things are taking a shape that does not announce easy days ahead of us. It would be inappropriate not to register the apprehensions that one can discern. As it would not be right not to call for a different kind of leaders.

Me and myself

Every day, and in the end, the real challenge is all between you and yourself.

Imagination and intuition

With change taking place at such a fast pace, the organizations have to become very flexible and adaptable. Rigid structures will be on the losers ‘side.

Unfortunately, that´s the case with many government administrations and public institutions. They can´t change fast enough, they have their own inertia and therefore they face the risk of becoming an economic and bureaucratic burden at a time when they should be anticipating the future and be able to respond to the new challenges.

The concept of anticipation is also crucial. The leaders are those who can read the signs and foresee the next generation of threats and opportunities. Imagination is, more than ever, a very precious commodity. 

EU Budget: too long a period at a time of uncertainties

I should write about the EU budget 2014-2020, as approved today by the EU Council. And add that even if the total amount matters, what matters more is how money is allocated. How much money goes for the big issues that have a strategic impact over the future of Europe? That’s the key question.

And what are those issues?

First, those related to the economic disparities between different corners of the European space. How can we unite the Continent when some countries and regions are kept far behind in terms of development and the gap keeps increasing?

Second, investments in science and technological research. The future of Europe has to be built on a knowledge economy, not on steel and textiles. Unless, of course, if the textiles are at the sharp end of the creative industries, both in terms of design and advanced materials…

Third, funds and programmes for youth employment promotion, youth education for the jobs of the future, preparing a youth with a European mind-set and a global outlook.  

Fourth, internal security, including cyber-security, and security co-operation with the neighbours of the EU.

Fifth, a common external policy, including an effective development aid agenda and enough resources for humanitarian relief and response.

These are the budget lines we need to look at, as a matter of priority.

Having said that, I am also very concerned about a process that approves financial resources for a long period of time – seven years – when we live in a world that is changing rapidly. It is good to have a long term vision but it is better to have a system that is flexible and can be adjusted to respond to new challenges as they develop. I do not think the EU budgetary process is tailored for that. 

Leaders

"Be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them."

William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night