Some complain that the EU lacks a “worldview.” In fact, the EU ‘s problem is that it has too many of them: shared histories are an insufficient basis for shared policies.
WARSAW – Some complain that the European Union lacks a “worldview.” In fact, the EU’s problem is that it has too many of them.
Europeans’ common experiences and interests mean that they should have a shared view on global issues. But the sad reality is that political, social, and economic pressures tend to push EU members and citizens in opposing directions; shared histories, it seems, are an insufficient basis for shared policies.
Nevertheless, the more pragmatic Europe’s policies are, the greater the chances of success, not least when it comes to global issues. Europeans have a shared appraisal of many of the world’s problems, and often put forward common methods and strategies for coping with them.
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WARSAW – Some complain that the European Union lacks a “worldview.” In fact, the EU’s problem is that it has too many of them.
Europeans’ common experiences and interests mean that they should have a shared view on global issues. But the sad reality is that political, social, and economic pressures tend to push EU members and citizens in opposing directions; shared histories, it seems, are an insufficient basis for shared policies.
Nevertheless, the more pragmatic Europe’s policies are, the greater the chances of success, not least when it comes to global issues. Europeans have a shared appraisal of many of the world’s problems, and often put forward common methods and strategies for coping with them.
We hope you're enjoying Project Syndicate.
To continue reading, subscribe now.
Subscribe
Get unlimited access to PS premium content, including in-depth commentaries, book reviews, exclusive interviews, On Point, the Big Picture, the PS Archive, and our annual year-ahead magazine.
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