PS25

Renewing Europe

Mar 4, 2019 Emmanuel Macron

To commemorate its founding 25 years ago, PS is republishing a selection of commentaries written since 1994. In the following commentary, Emmanuel Macron called on EU citizens to focus on three goals ahead of the critical European Parliament election in May 2019.

PARIS – Never, since World War II, has Europe been as essential. Yet never has Europe been in so much danger.

Brexit stands as the symbol of that. It symbolises the crisis of Europe, which has failed to respond to its peoples’ needs for protection from the major shocks of the modern world. It also symbolizes the European trap. That trap is not one of being part of the European Union. The trap is in the lie and the irresponsibility that can destroy it.

Who told the British people the truth about their post-Brexit future? Who spoke to them about losing access to the European market? Who mentioned the risks to peace in Ireland of restoring the former border? Nationalist retrenchment offers nothing; it is rejection without an alternative. And this trap threatens the whole of Europe: the anger mongers, backed by fake news, promise anything and everything.

25 years of the World's Opinion Page

Project Syndicate celebrates its 25th anniversary with PS 25, a collection of our hardest-hitting commentaries so far.

To continue reading, log in or register now.

Get unlimited access to all 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. Subscribe Now.

Project Syndicate celebrates its 25th anniversary with PS 25, a collection of our hardest-hitting commentaries so far.

new comment has been posted. new comments have been posted.

0 Comments on this paragraph, 90 in all 90 Comments on this article

Elizabeth Pula Apr 16, 2019

There are many positive "emotional" pleas in this article for Europe. Perhaps the focus needs to be addressing the realities in the streets of France, especially Paris. While politicians continue to disregard the "plight" of the average citizen across Europe, Paris is being destroyed. Will that destruction present the new positive platform to rebuild and improve the economy of France, starting in Paris? That symbol of architecture, was not only a historic and religious landmark, it was a symbol of efforts of millions to support a lifestyle built on "social contracts". That history is by no means a perfect "rosy" picture. However, with the loss of a positive focal point for "millions of tourists" and of course, the money flows based on that economy, just what will that not only symbolic loss, but real loss do to the French economy?

Brexit is more than a symbol. Brexit was a vote by the people of a state to accomplish a significant reasonable change by social contract. If ultimately that vote is ignored and "changed", then that is the response of the elite to public voters of Britain, that their vote is essentially meaningless. Another phase in the process of destroying real meaning of any social contracts effectively accomplished by just a few, deliberately or discreetly.

Europe, and especially France now has a new symbol in the destruction of the Cathedral of Notre Dame.

Europe now enters the era of destruction from within, just like Syria, Yemen, etc. etc. Europe is getting all kinds of new public symbols. Real people can't survive on symbols.

You have your first real project to renew Europe. How did that "task" or "action" even happen? Who cares? Should anyone really care? There will be all kinds of new symbols. History of any people are just symbolic of what real efforts, and effects? By whom? For whom? and WHY?

Of course, I have ignored addressing, or referencing any of the real human and public issues.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Mauricio Duran-Loriga Apr 12, 2019

1) Britons voted out. Respect their freedom and their mandate. #FREE_BRITAIN

2) In the last quarter of the XXth century, the word "Europe" inspired unfettered hope among the European population. Today "Europe" is tantamount to chronic heaviness.

3) Brexit is the greatest threat so far against the legions of unelected officials who ruin Europe day after day.

4) The political stature among European leaders is so desperately low that Brexit has filled the last three years of their tenure, as if Europeans had no real problems 24/7.

Vous n'avez pas honte, Monsieur le Président?
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Markus Schumann Apr 4, 2019

DE (EN see below)
Wir, die Völker Europas, sind es leid, durch Brüssel (und US "think" tanks) zerlegt und durch Massenimmigration gefährdet zu werden. Die EWG, die EG, die Währungsschlange waren gute Einrichtungen. Maastricht und Lissabon, also Euro und EU, sind es nicht.

Macron vermischt erneut "Europa" und "EU". Die sogenannten EU-"Eliten" wollen einen Superstaat nach US-Vorbild, Zensur und Druck nach innen, Nachgiebigkeit gegenüber den USA und Afrika nach außen. Der Euro und Schengen haben Europa geschadet, jedem einzigen Volk, selbst den Franzosen als Hauptinteressenten. "2008" wäre ohne den Euro glimpflicher verlaufen, "2015" war möglicherweise die Hauptursache für den Brexit.

Macrons Vorschläge sind zum Teil alt, zum Teil unausgegoren, in jedem Fall gefährlich.
Kommentare verbannen ist Zensur, mehr nicht. Die Regierungen fürchten, ihr Meinungsmonopol durch Fernsehen und Rundfunk zu verlieren.

Europa kann mit den USA und China mithalten, selbstverständlich. Wenn man aber wie Merkel und nun Macron meint, die "Rettung Afrikas" (die wir nicht stemmen können) ginge vor, geht uns die Kraft aus. Zum "Klimawandel" als Motor der Geldverschiebung von der Bevölkerung zu Banken und Hochfinanz (Macron = Rothschild) ist genug gesagt.

Im übrigen:
Warum sollten die Briten keinen Zugang zum EU-Markt haben? Die Schweiz und Norwegen sind außerhalb der EU, es geht ihnen prächtig, und sie treiben (natürlich) Handel mit uns.

EN (DE see on top)
We, the people of Europe, are fed up with Brussels' (and US "think" tanks) destruction, not the least by forced mass immigration. ECC, EC and the "currency snake" (in the tunnel) were good institutions. Maastricht and Lisbon, i.e. Euro and EU, are not.

Macron again mixes up "Europe" and "EU". The so-called EU-"Elites" want a US-inspired superstate, censorship and pressure within, compliance to US and Africa without.
Euro and Schengen have harmed Europe, each and every country, even France as the main pursuer. "2008" would have had far less impact without the Euro, "2015" was the probable main reason for Brexit.

Macron's suggestions are partly old, partly half-baked, in any case dangerous.
To ban comments is just plain censorship. European governments are fearing to lose their monopoly on public opinion, upheld by state-TV; that's all.

Europe can keep up with the USA and China, of course. If, however, Merkel and now Macron see Europe as the "Saviour of Africa" (a rôle we will not be able to fill), we shall lose our power there, futilely. The "climate change" as engine to divert money from us the people to them the banks and high finance (Macron = Rothschild) has been covered elsewhere.

Finally:
Why should Britons (Scots etc.) not get access to the EU market? Switzerland and Norway are outside EU, they do splendidly and they trade with EU , of course.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Rui Rodrigues Apr 3, 2019

Why not address the creation of a multi-track EU, where nation states can participate in the EU at different levels of integration and enjoy consumerate rights, benefits and in many cases make proportional budgetary contributions. I think this is what George Soros suggested.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Henk Crop Mar 15, 2019

It is good that Germany has followed with their vision on the future of the EU, as presented by CDU leader Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer (AKK) in Politico.
AKK as well as Macron want a stronger EU, however the classic difference appeared again.
Should the EU become a Superstate or should it continue on its current basis, the Confederation ? The Confederation where the sovereign Nations are the basis for the EU.
The Nations retain their identity but cooperate as much as possible.
In his sea of words M does not mention that word but all his measures are aimed at making the EU a centralized Superstate, controlled by Institutions. The EU will then be governed by the Franco-German axis.
France always thinks along these lines, as it would make the EU a successor to the French empire that for many centuries dominated Europe. Not just a country but a civilization that was felt to be superior. According to de Gaulle, the EU integration was the tool for France to regain what it lost in the battle of Waterloo, a position as leading Nation.
I do not mind discussing such an option in a public debate. However what is misleading is that such a plan is not clearly presented, but it is hidden in the proposals made by M.
Fortunally AKK has noticed that and has rightfully rejected such proposals.
M claims that "the peoples will really take back control of their future".
However with centralization, more institutions and concentration of power in the axis, the opposite will happen.
Almost all EU members have a long history, they have their own language and culture.
Many have at some time been occupied by France, Germany or Russia, which usually was accompanied by repression and plunder.
The French elite should ask themselves why would EU countries be led into another occupation ?
France, with their approach, causes misstrust in the EU and it thereby hurts the EU project.
- Henk Crop Mar 26, 2019
  
  The publication by mrs. Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer is titled "Getting Europe Right".
  www.cdu.de/artikel/getting-europe-right.
  A new reply to this comment has been posted.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Alex Aslanidis Mar 11, 2019

This comment was removed by a moderator. Replies to this comment may also be deleted. Please note that we moderate comments to ensure the conversation remains topically relevant. We appreciate well-informed comments and welcome your criticism and insight. Please be civil and avoid name-calling and ad hominem remarks.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Jean-Pierre Dumas Mar 10, 2019

Well, a lot of bureaucratic institutions to do what? A European Agency for Democracy, a European Council of Internal Security, a European Climate Bank, a European Food Safety Force, a European Innovation Council...There are already an EC, a Council of Ministers why add so many useless institutions?

At last E. Macron does not mention its European budget which is another source of additional expenditure for countries overburdened by spending and deficits.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Jean-Pierre Dumas Mar 10, 2019

This is a notable change from its La Sorbonne speech
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Jean-Pierre Dumas Mar 10, 2019

One way of reducing incitements to hate and personal violence might be to oblige internet media (facebook and others) to publish only opinions with the real name of the author. No more anonymity.
- jonathan Story Mar 10, 2019
  
  I agree.
  - Jean-Pierre Dumas Mar 10, 2019
    
    Thanks
    A new reply to this comment has been posted.
  A new reply to this comment has been posted.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Frank Weyhers Mar 10, 2019

Macron redet viel und sagt nichts Neues.
Prof. Dr. Bernd Lucke zerpflückt dessen Reformvorstoß
Https://lkr.de/a-allgemein/macron/
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Henk Crop Mar 9, 2019

I appreciate that Macron presents his vision on the EU and his proposal to develop a road map.
The EU has declined in populairity and also Brexit is a warning signal.
However I think that has been mainly caused by Brussels and the national europhiles.
The project has moved too fast and a bridge too far. Uncontrolled, by an ever closing Union approach, heading for an EUSSR.
The common market has been a tremendous achievement and it still is the most valuable asset of the EU. But many projects launched over the past 20 years have been less successful and have cost lots of money.

Macron wants to expand the market with measures on freedom, protection and progress.
Freedom: Every member should protect its own security against cyber attack, foreign finance, incitement to violence. But it should maintain freedom of speech. Perhaps a coordinating EU office could be useful.

Protection of the EU: This is a project where the EU has completely messed up. Schengen was introduced without border control operational. Asylum procedures take 10 years or more. Illegal immigrants are hardly deported. Some cities have more than 50 % immigrants. Loss of cohesion, increase of crime. Macron and other politicians have to commit themselves and state when they have brought this disaster under control. Laws and treaties have to be altered. Just another agency is not enough.
Financial Protection: Measures are needed to prepare the Eurozone for the next financial downturn, without transforming it into a transfer Union. The EU has a Euro 2600 trillion debt.
Defence Protection: Relationship with Russia should be normalized.

Progress: Industry is working on that everyday. Countries like Germany, Netherlands, UK, Sweden and Denmark rank in the top 10 on the Global Competitiveness Index.
The EU could improve it's competitiveness when people in all members learnt the english language.
The orientation towards Africa is incomprehensable. The days of colonalization are long gone. They have trouble in Africa: high birthrate and poor government. However they are all sovereign nations and only they can solve that.
Orientation on the USA is more comprehensable as it still is our major partner.
- jonathan Story Mar 10, 2019
  
  We are watching a revolution conducted from above. Europe’s revolution is special in the sense that the old regime is determined to overthrow itself without the consent of its peoples. This is the source of what European élites call the populist revolt. See my blog:
  https://storybookreview.wordpress.com/2018/09/30/europes-revolution-the-unintended-consequences-of-good-intentions/
  A new reply to this comment has been posted.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
nielschristianclausen Mar 9, 2019

Non Macron. Vous avez mal compris les leçons de Adenauer et De Gaulle.
Vous êtes élu serviteur du peuple français et non pas directeur des états européens.
- Markus Schumann Apr 4, 2019
  
  Oui! D'accord, M. Clausen.
  A new reply to this comment has been posted.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Theodore Schrader Mar 8, 2019

I'm afraid Mr. Macron and his documented technocratic aloofness and elitism make him an in-the-flesh recruitment poster for populist, nativist parties across Europe.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Raja Rajamani Mar 8, 2019

All theories here. No plans for action. Let Macron list out in numbers what actions needs to be done, by when, by whom , what cost, and who will bear the cost.

I feel there may be two levels of membership. The seniors comprising of Germany, France, Italy, Spain and. (If it returns) UK. These provide the leadership and direction. A single vote each in this table for the new , Hanseatic League , Balkans and Central Europe. So totally 8 member compact decision making body.

I can go on. I feel 27 members and each with a veto was a big mistake. A good organization corrects its mistakes. Otherwise it breaks up or becomes disfunctional.
- Henk Crop Mar 9, 2019
  
  Raja. I agree with you that the EU should have an EU management team, grouped around the EU President. But one representative for Eastern Europe and the Balkans. They are way behind in economic and democratic/institutional development. The EU should set up development programs tied to the needs of each member. Economic development can easily take half a century.
  Veto's should only be applied in limited situations. The EU is a cooperation of sovereign members, not a state.
  - Markus Schumann Apr 4, 2019
    
    Give them two votes, but let BeNeLux (founders!) have a ninth one (odd ensures majorities ;-)
    A new reply to this comment has been posted.
  - Heinz Günther Mar 9, 2019
    
    Development programs begin the moment that a state it considered a potential member. That is the reason for turkey to still negotiate a membership that will never happen.
    
    Depending on the stage of the progress, financial aid, consulting and tax reductions are applied.
    
    This process certainly does not stop after the integration as a member, which you can easily see in Poland. If one would research before comment!
    A new reply to this comment has been posted.
  - Heinz Günther Mar 9, 2019
    
    Hi Henk,
    
    The EU Council has three voting systems, simple majority, qualified majority and unanimity. Which is applied depends on the topic of decision.
    
    Qualified majority (55% of member states representing at least 65% of citizens) is the by far most often used voting system, applying to about 80% of the EUs legislation.
    
    See here: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/council-eu/voting-system/qualified-majority/
    
    So the Veto right is very limited.
    A new reply to this comment has been posted.
  A new reply to this comment has been posted.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Slawomir Sierakowski Mar 8, 2019

Macron's striking technocratic tendencies represent a fundamental error. He is all agencies, treaties, and conferences. Macron betrays his mode of thinking in one of his statements: "Europe is not just an economic market. It is a project." But it is the market that is now more lively and more human than any kind of "project," even if the market often unfair. As one wise therapist put it, life is not a project. It is not without reason that we discuss the identity of states the same way we discuss people's identities. We will not revive the European Union by exchanging projects. The EU needs to generate interest. It needs an identity and real community instead of ever more meaningless agencies. Europe has already more than 20. In this only one piece, Macron proposed 4 more. The EU will never be sexy if it continues to be purely bureaucratic. Nevertheless, Macron deserves a great deal of respect for his tenacity and his creativity. Without Macron, there would be no debate on reforming the EU at all.
- Henk Crop Mar 9, 2019
  
  Slamowir. Well put. Also the EU Commission, unelected public officials, should focus more on serving the members instead of just writing binding regulations in the Berlaymont building.
  A new reply to this comment has been posted.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Adrian Wu Mar 8, 2019

Budget for the new European Innovation Council to spearhead new technological breakthroughs ? Perhaps call it Made in Europe 2025 ? Won't this attract the wrath and sanctions of the Americans ?
- Markus Schumann Apr 4, 2019
  
  Of course, it will.
  So it would, if.
  Hence, it won't.
  We are quite timid.
  Maybe, this is not so bad after all.
  But we should acknowledge.
  Frees you psychologically.
  A new reply to this comment has been posted.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Peter Schaeffer Mar 7, 2019

"This comment was removed by a moderator. Replies to this comment may also be deleted. Please note that we moderate comments to ensure the conversation remains topically relevant. We appreciate well-informed comments and welcome your criticism and insight. Please be civil and avoid name-calling and ad hominem remarks."

Censorship is the true essence of the "New Europe".
- Markus Schumann Apr 4, 2019
  
  Ah-oh.
  Knowing Mr. Schaeffer as being generally in line with my own thoughts, but having missed the comment, while alive, it seems PS has ceased to be an "open forum for debate" and aligns with Mr. Soros' view, certainly in unison with Macron.
  A new reply to this comment has been posted.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Henk Crop Mar 6, 2019

Great that Macron presents his ideas for an EU road-map (renaissance). He should be followed by other leaders in particular of Germany, Italy and the Hanseatic group with smaller members.
These ideas should be incorporated in the election programs of the parties in the EU parliament
On this basis the EU Council could develop a to-do list for the EU, which has support by the EU citizen.
It will also prevent the "ever closer Union" approaches by the, public officials, of the European Commission.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Emanuel Müller Mar 6, 2019

If it might be true that "It has always defined the standards of progress" it shouldn't be afraid of a renewal that doesn't involve more of the same eurocentric suprematism given the fact that the economic center of gravity won't be anywhere near the West for the foreseeable future, and should accept that the cultural DNA of progress, if there is such thing, might have been integrated non-exclusively into the cultural DNA of China.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Alexey Tuzikov Mar 6, 2019

This comment was removed by a moderator. Replies to this comment may also be deleted. Please note that we moderate comments to ensure the conversation remains topically relevant. We appreciate well-informed comments and welcome your criticism and insight. Please be civil and avoid name-calling and ad hominem remarks.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Jonathan Engel Mar 6, 2019

President Macron is at least consistent with all the French Elite who preceded him, in his European vision thing. Unfortunately for him the French People, like those of other countries, when asked if they wanted the Treaty of Lisbon in a referendum said "NO".

The politicians said the people were an ignorant lot and went ahead anyway. This is the vision that Mr. Macron is pushing : that the people are an ignorant lot and that the Elite Enarchie knows better. Brexit was a bit the result of the same arrogance: putting some glove puppets in Brussels, each failed politicians in their own countries, in nominal charge of affairs, to cover for a small army of variously competent, but entirely un-elected bureaucrats who supervised the gumming up of any progress with "norms", "regulations" and red tape in general, worthy of a hybrid between "Yes Minister" and the "Goon Show".

Mr President takes the view that everyone has benefited from the Euro. The Centre for European Policy in Freiburg seems to disagree as concerns all countries bar Germany and Holland. Mr. President seems to assume that he is standing, more or less alone, against the "brown shirting" of the "Europe of voters". This seems to be a position likely to reflect his own hubris rather than the real concerns of voters, who are the "shareholders" of the Europe of Countries he is so disdainful of.
- Henk Crop Mar 9, 2019
  
  Jonathan. Well put. The voters are their "shareholders" as well as "their customers".
  They like to address them as, no good, populists or nationalists.
  A new reply to this comment has been posted.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Peter McLoughlin Mar 6, 2019

‘The trap’ is humanity has still not accepted the true cause of war:
• Power, (manifested as interest) was present in very conflict in history – no exception. It is the underlying motivation for war. Interest cuts across all apparently unifying principles: family, kin, nation, religion, ideology, politics - everything. We unite with the enemies of our principles, because that is what serves our interest. It is the one thing we will destroy ourselves for, as well as everyone else.
• History shows that every civilization/nation eventually gets the war it is trying to avoid: utter defeat. This applies as much today as any other time in history.
• Leaders and decision-makers delude themselves, blindly repeating the pattern of history. That is why we are on course for another world war – nuclear war.
https://www.ghostsofhistory.wordpress.com/
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
nigel southway Mar 6, 2019

The leader of France needs to listen to his people of France rather than focus on EU issues.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Lm7RasN0Gs
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Carl Bildt Mar 6, 2019

President Macron gives new impetus to the necessary debate about Europe’s future challenges. On present trajectory we risk become a play-board, rather than being a player, in the global great power competition. President Macron helps us to see the necessity of doing better.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Erik Berglöf Mar 6, 2019

Another inspiring intervention on Europe from President Emmanuel Macron. Rich in concrete proposals on common public goods. But does he have any credibility left after domestic missteps? Perhaps the kind of grand "debat" in Europe he proposes can help rebuild trust.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Sebastian BELZ Mar 6, 2019

President Macron is absolutely right in his position. It is of highest importance to develop a positive picture for the future of Europe. Its nations cultural diversity, their differing heritages and habits are no danger for one another at all, but an enrichment for life, that furthermore has got the potential to stabilise the Continent in a globalised context much more than in the past.

These days nationalistic populists try to undermine the content in and trustworthiness of the EU by fuelling fears and hatred with many lies. Never ever in history a "my nation first" policy led to a success- and peaceful future in a sustainable sense. Our planet has got much more urgent problems to solve than persisting historic conflicts.

Unfortunately the generation of people with life knowledge of WWII are about to leave the stage. It is the obligation of our present generation to maintain their unique, epic experiences and transform them into a rational future setting, where welfare, safety and equality for every human is guaranteed. During the past decades we made some progresses in this respect, but we have to perpatuate this for much longer. I am very confident, that we will manage to do so, we just mustn´ t take ever anything for granted!

Cher Emannuel, if I was French, I certainly would vote for you directly. Hence being a European of German origin, I will do so indirectly. Always at your service.

Vive l´ Europe! Es lebe Europa! Long live Europe!
Yours S. Belz
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
jagjeet sinha Mar 6, 2019

CLUB WEST IS NOT FRANCE & GERMANY ONLY
President Macron perhaps is the hope that European Union needed.
By overthrowing the Establishment when he won, democracy took centre stage.
Not very different from the reasons why Brexit and Brexit plus plus won.
Faith in democracy had given hopes in France as in Britain and America.
Status quo was no longer acceptable.

This intervention by President Macron shows that Democracy works.
His statesmanship at this juncture is the hope Europe has.
The experience and wisdom derived from decades of EU needed action.
Europe, with 20 languages, cannot become America or Australia.
One Language Unions make federalism easy and inclusive.
Multiple languages require multiple MegaCities - hubs for inclusiveness.
Canada has two languages - hence Toronto and Montreal both hubs it needs.
In attempting to turn Brussels into Moscow, the EU can become EUSSR.
United Nations and ASEAN have New York and Singapore as headquarters.
Singapore doesn't aspire to become Moscow - just like Ottawa.
Europe needs several hubs, several Brussels - ensuring inclusiveness.
Inequalities bequeathed manifest themselves in depopulation of Regions.
The resultant consequences are unlimited migration - without Transfer Union.
Brexit was one consequence - nearly 2/3 of European migration headed for UK.
Commonwealth Preferences Area always had controlled migration - not unlimited.

Macron understanding of democracy represents hope.
Brexit should not have happened.
Brexit plus plus should not have happened.
Germany is opposed to Transfer Union - and will not permit its progress.
France is opposed to Agriculture Union - and protects its CAP.
Britain was opposed to Unlimited EU Migration - but unable to block it.

Peace n prosperity in Europe can have no expiry date.
Seven Decades since 1945 were underwritten by The Anglosphere.
Not Europe alone - in their bravado, France and Germany must be on guard.
Club West was never France and Germany alone - America and Britain too.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Gene Frieda Mar 5, 2019

Finally the call to action that we had hoped for from Macron all along. While the call for a Conference on Europe is overdue and laudable, France also needs to lead by example given the propensity of Europe to get bogged down in endless debate and to add new agencies rather than reforming existing ones. History has generally shown such gatherings to be exercises in protecting parochial interests of individual countries. The call to action is exciting, but Macron needs to give other countries a reason to follow France.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Douglas Leyendecker Mar 5, 2019

How do you solve a very large and very complicated problem? You generally do so by breaking it down into smaller more manageable parts. Singapore doesn't need a giant land mass to be successful. Hong Kong didn't either. Israel? New Zealand? Why is bigger better? Why is combining different cultures with different languages supposed to work better? The Brexit challenge makes it obvious there is no easy way out of this bureaucratic mess.
- Rolf Wasén Mar 8, 2019
  
  Agree, by inducing a systemiska error the chance of success in considerably diminished
  A new reply to this comment has been posted.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Angel Gavieiro Mar 5, 2019

Yes, it was about time that an EU political leader makes a clear and rotund stance for Europe, the EU, the Euro and, in sum, the project post-WWII that has achieved a level of peace, prosperity and freedom in this continent unprecedented in its history.
It is easy to lose historical context in the day-to-day, year-to-year, but when you look generation-to-generation the light switches on: my grandfathers as many of those from European readers fought in the XX century wars, and like them many from prior generations... that is was the lesson learned that led to the current EU and must not be ever forgotten, because we want our children and grandchildren to enjoy, at least, as good peace, freedom and standard of living as our current generation has enjoyed... anything less than that should be failure for us, Europeans.
Thus, let’s lift our heads and feel pride for this project, despite its human deficiencies and failures, and let’s unite to make it better day-by-day, year-by-year and generation-by-generation.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Helmut K. Anheier Mar 5, 2019

Bravo, President Macron for laying out your vision for Europe! The future has always belonged to visionaries capable of making concreate proposals that lead to action and then progress. So “yes” to the three proposals: to the protection of democracy, to a common defense, and to pro-active governance. Like all worthwhile visions, these proposals will be contested and meet much criticism – which is necessary to help sharpen the focus and increase chances of success for the European project. What we need now is a coalition of the willing in a dual sense: willing to carry the vision forward - and willing to bear the consequences knowing that any political payoff may be years away!
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Jacek Rostowski Mar 5, 2019

1. Fixing the Eurozone by enabling it to have a proper countercyclical fiscal policy. At a minimum this requires having a European Fiscal Stance (I.e. fiscally strong nations must be required to spend during Europe-wide downturns. So that this does not become a “Transfer Union” they can spend within their own borders, but spend they must).
2. Military expendure has to be increased, first to 2% of GDP as mandated by NATO, and then progressively to 2.5% and 3%.
Jacek Rostowski
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Peter Schaeffer Mar 5, 2019

This comment was removed by a moderator. Replies to this comment may also be deleted. Please note that we moderate comments to ensure the conversation remains topically relevant. We appreciate well-informed comments and welcome your criticism and insight. Please be civil and avoid name-calling and ad hominem remarks.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Raymond Tan Mar 5, 2019

"Society will develop a new kind of servitude which covers the surface of society with a network of complicated rules, through which the most original minds and the most energetic characters cannot penetrate. It does not tyrannise but it compresses, enervates, extinguishes, and stupefies a people, till each nation is reduced to nothing better than a flock of timid and industrious animals, of which the government is the shepherd."

Alexis de Tocqueville
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
j. von Hettlingen Mar 5, 2019

Emmanuel Macron’s long commentary no doubt kickstarts the debate ahead of the European Parliament elections in May. He proposes how to “renew” Europe and rid the EU of its toxic load, that has become a breeding ground for a populist and nationalist cancer that is devouring the bloc.
Of all the many good ideas he elaborates, one is the most essential of all – to revive the idea of a multi-speed Europe, a continent which is economically and culturally diverse. It does more harm to maintain “a static Europe” than to opt for a Europe “that advances” even “sometimes at different paces,” but one “that is open to all.” Those countries that want to move forward, should be able to do so, without being held back by other states that can’t catch up for domestic reasons.
While Macron criticises Britain for seeing the EU as merely a big “market” that it wants to be part of, he also hopes that Brions who voted to leave the EU might return to the European fold one day, when there is room for the UK to “find its true place.”
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Keith Roberts Mar 5, 2019

I agree that this is a fine statement. But the issue of EU democracy is a thorny one. One person one vote? One State one vote? One region one vote? One Hungarian or Polish dictator one vote? One commenter proposes a US-style approach, but that is proving quite problematic in the US. I am also concerned about his proposal for a grand meeting to hash out all the issues. It seems to me that such grand meetings accomplish little other than giving ignorant or nasty loudmouths a platform they haven't earned. Why not proceed along the path he has suggested, but piece by piece. Starting, I suggest, with the security agency.
- Keith Roberts Mar 5, 2019
  
  I meant to add that summits designed to fine tune or ratify the long, hard work of ministerial subordinates is a different matter.
  A new reply to this comment has been posted.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Raymond Tan Mar 5, 2019

This man struggles to lead his own country where he was elected but he will be the One to lead Europe...what has he done so far to lead his country on a path of unity, economic strength and climate awareness that would have us think he is ready for a larger challenge?

Shouldn’t one excel at the job they were hired to do before we promote them?
- Rolf Wasén Mar 9, 2019
  
  I am not sure whether ”climate awareness” is a good approach. Guess that employment in modernity is the ultimate challenge. So far nothing substantial has been achieved.
  A new reply to this comment has been posted.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
fpr Mar 5, 2019

Finally some common sense leadership for Europe! Germany should analyze and scrutinize all these proposals and check out whether is worthwhile to pursue and join an enthusiastic narrative which escape them in the midst of the € crisis.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Éloi Laurent Mar 5, 2019

French Presidents generally hold two views of Europe: a place where what they are unable to do in France is possible (Europe as a better France), and a place where what they are able to do in France should be replicated (Europe as a greater France). Emmanuel Macron in essence calls for a “Great European debate” to circumvent populism, exactly what he has done with his “Great National debate” to counter the “yellow vests” movement. He also calls for stronger European climate action, but France’s emissions have been on the rise for the last three years and the energy transition in France is, according to existing estimates, 90% off the mark (https://www.ofce.sciences-po.fr/pdf/pbrief/2019/OFCEpbrief52.pdf ). But the main problem of this text remains its final words: Emmanuel Macron, alone, offers to “chart together” the road to European renewal. In a way, this is unity.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Wim Nusselder Mar 5, 2019

Good initiative and general direction.
Not all concrete ideas are equally good (understatement).
Partly due to a negative underlying message ('defend, protect, recover').
'Inspire and empower' is the underlying message that is needed!
'Not for our own interests (this time), but for humanity as a whole' is a required addition to merit a global leadership role for Europe.
www.linkedin.com/pulse/make-europe-great-last-wim-nusselder
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Ragnar Olegard Mar 5, 2019

Macron is mostly right in his overall analysis of Europes problems and possibilities, the African thing I do´nt understand. But the democratic deficit is the problem. To get democratic acceptance
of the EU , the present commission and parliament should be replaced by a two- chamber parliament with a "House of representatives" to which every citizen would have one vote, and a "Senat" to which every participating country would have equal mandates unrelated to each countrys population size. This would resemble the US system. This would be the lawmaking assemblies. These assemblies could then appoint a government with a prime minister or a President with executive tasks. A President chosen directly by one person one vote would be problematic due to the differences in population sizes of the member states. To this has to be added a Supreme Court to interpret the constitution and other legislation.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Daniel Gros Mar 5, 2019

This contribution by the President of France is what Europe needs. Finally a leader who does not say that Europe is responsible for what goes wrong and that national politics can take credit for every success. On this basis we should now start a debate on the detailed proposals. The main danger will be to avoid the slippery slope from a 'Europe that protects' to a European protectionism. The European economy will be stronger if its subject to vigorous global competition, even if that competition might at times appear unfair to some.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
jorma saloniemi Mar 5, 2019

From the Finnish point of view Macron has made the best contribution for years to carry on European cooperation.

He identifies the hardships of Europe and proposes solutions: 1) Reform of European liberal democracy. There are many problems to solve. 2) To prevent populist extreme right parties to receive financial and infowar support from Russia. This is important because Russia aims at devolution of EU. 3) To reduce the influence and power of American big tech in Europe. 4) To increase and coordinate military capacity of EU-countries in order to meet the challenge presented by Russia and USA. These are important factors in EU with deepeding functions of internal market area.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Lucrezia Reichlin Mar 5, 2019

I welcome President Macron’s initiative to start a European discussion on the way ahead for the EU. This is what we need to make sure that the next European elections will be the occasion for a discussion amongst all European citizens on what kind of Europe we want. Beyond the meetings of experts we need to democratize the debate. And Europe must move away from national politics to a truly transnational and pan-European one.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Edoardo Campanella Mar 5, 2019

Macron's manifesto, which was read all across the old continent, is proof that the EU is alive and well. This is the first time that a true transnational debate is animating Europe, laying down the foundations for the emergence of a genuine European polity. This was the end goal of the founding fathers of the European project. It was a long journey, but worthwhile. Even those parties that oppose Brussels are part of this debate and their criticism will inadvertently contribute to strengthen the Union, rather than weaken it. Democracies thrive in disagreement. What matters is that now pro and anti-EU forces find common grounds to have a constructive and open dialogue. Macron's piece is full of enlightened ideas that could appeal both factions.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Mark Leonard Mar 5, 2019

Emmanuel Macron understands that the European elections this year will be different. In spite of their name, normally European elections are predominantly national, low-turn-out, low stakes affairs. But this election will have a transational element, as the Salvini-Orban-Bannon axis tries to turn it into a referendum on migration. The nationalists hope to mobilise millions of ‘left behind voters’ behind an anti-European platform and to start dismantling the EU from within. Macron’s article is the beginning of a reponse to their threat. Macron sees the three main battlefields as the main dimensions of a future-orineted European project: democracy (protecting elections from external interference), protection (a common border for Schengen and a European Security Council that includes the UK), and progress (European Climate Bank, regulation of Global tech companies, an EU innovation fund). The challenge will be to use this vision and concrete ideas to appeal to Europeans who feel that the current system is broken. Will he be able to show that his goal is to revolutionise Europe so that it can live up to the promise of democracy, protection and progress – rather than looking like a champion for the status-quo in Brussels?
Mark Leonard - Director European Council on Foreign relations
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Ana Palacio Mar 5, 2019

This is an important contribution at a crucial time. The sense today in Europe is that we are no longer masters of our own fate with the tide of history moving inexorably away from us. It is a feeling of powerlessness. This breeds resignation, with calls to lay down to an inevitable Chinese-led order growing more frequent, or misguided attempts to go back to an anachronistic nationalism that does not offer solutions to the challenges of our time. The European Project is our best hope of contributing to and shaping the world around us. But to do so actual change, not merely talk of change, is necessary. Europe cannot rest on its laurels and past achievements as the basis for moving forward. It needs to evolve; it needs a positive platform; and it needs to reconceptualize itself. For all of the challenges that Brexit brings, it also necessitates a shake-up in how Europe operates, particularly in the realm of security, as highlighted in this piece. We may therefore look at this moment of discord as an opportunity for creative destruction. It is an opportunity that cannot be wasted. Continuing to muddle through will get us nowhere but further into the morass of helplessness. To avoid this, leadership, which has been so absent in Europe these last years, is necessary. Mr. Macron’s apparent willingness to step into this void after a period dominated by difficulties within France is good news for Europe.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.