London (Brussels Morning) – The upcoming Euro elections, marked by the UK’s absence, highlight the complexities of EU-UK relations, internal EU dynamics, and the challenges facing the European Union’s future.
There is something fundamentally depressing about the forthcoming Euro elections, primarily because they will be the first without UK participation. However, the UK remains indirectly involved, as the election outcomes will shape future UK-EU relations. The EU Commission has recently proposed a youth mobility programme, yet the UK has outrightly rejected it, despite strong youth support for closer EU relations. Both the Conservative and Labour parties exhibit a dismal attitude towards engaging more closely with the EU, with notable exceptions like Labour MP Stella Creasey advocating for seizing such opportunities.
What are the Current Challenges Facing the UK Post-Brexit?
The UK Government’s recent announcement of the sixth postponement of the border checks regime underscores the ongoing difficulties post-Brexit. Additionally, the UK’s struggle to source drugs, partly due to its departure from the European Medicines Agency, further complicates the situation. Promised trade deals, such as one with Canada, remain unfulfilled, highlighting the unachieved aspirations set forth during the Brexit campaign. Thus, the UK observes the upcoming elections from an outsider’s perspective.
How Has the EU Changed Since the UK Joined in 1979?
The EU of today vastly differs from the body the UK joined in 1979. Initially, there were hopes for an “ever closer union,” bolstered by the Single European Act, which was a collaborative effort by figures like Margaret Thatcher, Arthur Cockfield, and Jacques Delors. Presently, the EU appears more divided, with significant tensions between richer and poorer member states. Movements in France and the Netherlands suggest a desire to abandon the EU project, and without the single currency, the cohesion of the union seems fragile.
What Are the Internal Challenges within the EU?
The reality of the modern EU reveals a landscape where countries like Hungary and Poland frequently flout the rules, and numerous member states appear to game the system. Corruption and embezzlement of EU funds are concerningly common. Historically, the UK played a crucial role in ensuring financial accountability within the EU. Post-Brexit, Germany has had to adopt a more visible stance in addressing excesses, a role previously managed behind the scenes with UK support.
How Can the EU Build a Stronger Vision for the Future?
A cohesive EU cannot be sustained by superficial or opportunistic alliances. For the EU to endure, the European Parliament must take a stronger role in forging a unified vision for Europe. Currently, there is excessive point-scoring among the upper echelons of the European Parliament. As EU citizens prepare to vote, they should be inspired by John F. Kennedy’s sentiment: “Ask not what Europe can do for you but what can you do to build a stronger Europe.” A visionless Europe risks disintegration, underscoring the need for visionary leadership and unity.
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