I found this marvelous chart on the website of the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIAA). The IIAA is an Irish think tank with a main focus on topics related to the European Union. It describes itself as 'an independent, not-for-profit organisation with charitable status'. The chart gives an oversight of the different components of Europe's anti-crisis strategy. It may look puzzling at first, especially if you are not that into economic terminology. Still, it is one of the most comprehensive and understandable explanations I have seen. Next time when you hear a journalist or politician rambling about eurobonds or the financial stability pact, just take a look at this chart.
As is evident from the image a lot is going on and it should be sufficient to stabilize the situation. Still, in the long run there is a lot of work to be done. I'm happy that the chart hints toward greater integration in social and economic areas such as employment. I'm also a big supporter of the fiscal union with 'more cash transfers between rich and poor regions'. A lack of unity and over-emphasizing one side of the integration process is what brought us this mess. More Europe - and a more balanced Europe! - thus is the way forward.
2 opmerkingen:
More Europe? Sure. But only if the people want it.
What we now see is that people DON'T want more Europe, and vote for Euroskeptic parties en masse, whether they be righist or leftist, socialist or conservative...
Maybe more Europe IS the way to go. But not over the heads of those you CLAIM to represent.
Hey J.J., thanks for your comment. When I say we need more Europe, I'm talking about an economic necessity. If we want to hold on to a common market/currency (which is profitable) we can not go without stronger coordination on social issues, etc.
The current wave of anti-european sentiments is faulted in two ways: (1) It should target the current Europe, not the Europe that could be. (2) The disputed measures come from the Council, basically an agreement between heads of state. The real Europe (Parliament, Commission, ECB) are on a leash here...
I hope this places thins in perspective :D
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