I believe that most Europeans would agree that the European Union offers their nations the greatest possible protection against the threats of the era, yet few defend it.
The “Euroskeptics” at the extremes of the political spectrum are not a majority. But they are dynamic, as the centrist, “systemic” forces seem exhausted by challenges that they are unable to handle adequately. They apologize for what they have not achieved, whereas the extremists raise banners and shout with the self-confidence of those who know that when they come to govern they will be able to blame all their failures on those who came before.
By the time citizens catch on that excessive confidence in simplistic solutions is no solution, society will have changed so much that politics will not be about programs and debates, but simply conflict between uncompromising groups. In the United States today, shortly before the midterm elections, we see how a society becomes warped when those in power serve their personal interests instead of pursuing the greatest good for the greatest number of citizens. What still looks like a collective process – in this case the Republican Party, Congress, the elections themselves, the judiciary and other institutions – is bent to the will of a group of extremists who, as they strengthen their position, provoke dynamic reactions and, consequently, greater division.
The United States’ behavior on the international scene, and its domestic developments, force the Europeans to chart a course in a difficult global environment even as their own internal tensions hinder the Union’s collective efforts. We know that in a world of unpredictable, dangerous great powers, the much-desired cooperation of “mid-level countries” already exists, in Europe at least. But, whereas strengthening the Union is the only hope for it and each of its member-states to survive, leaders and citizens appear unable to start a pan-European campaign in its defense. The reports by former Italian prime ministers Draghi and Letta show the way forward, yet governments and voters are caught up in domestic issues, leaving Europe to its fate.
It is as if they are ashamed of what the Union has achieved, simply because its enemies will not stop shouting and have powerful friends outside Europe.