The Union of Europeans will be built by crises and by how they are dealt with” and former Director General of the World Trade Organization, who was in Portugal this week. Culture, with the theme “The future of Europe and the role of Portugal Pascal Lamy shared the stage with economist Vítor Bento.
The former chief of staff of Jacques Delors, who has been involved in European creation for the past 40 years, believes that the EU is currently experiencing its greatest crisis in terms of economic and political integration.
“The Russian invasion opened a wound in the EU that nevertheless immediately supported Ukraine’s side,” he says, recalling that this is the first time in more than 70 years that Europe has been on one side of a war, even though is that indirect .
Stronger or weaker?
“The European building will become stronger or weaker because of this invasion,” he emphasizes. Nevertheless, the former Commissioner believes that “European integration will be essential in the future” and that in 10 to 15 years the EU will have some 35 Member States.
Whatever the outcome of the war in Ukraine, the impact on Europe will be enormous, be it from an economic point of view, a geopolitical point of view or even the way it sees itself and how it is seen by the rest of the world. Although it is not possible to estimate the duration of the conflict, Pascal Lamy has no doubt that the strengths and weaknesses of the “old continent” can be evaluated from now on.
From the perspective of reinforcement, the former commissioner points to the ability to manage crises “very clearly in the last two decades”. Most of these crises have been internal and therefore easier to manage, but in recent years external problems such as migration, the pandemic and now war have multiplied.
Contrary to what one might expect, he says, “the war showed unity and determination between the member states and we are experiencing a good moment of political integration”. On the other hand, he argues, this situation has led to a greater need for integration and protection of the population against external threats. Finally, as one of the factors he believes can make the EU stronger in the future, Pascal Lamy points to the acceleration of the energy transition, driven by the gas crisis, the result of the war. “We see that Member States are even more committed to the green agreement“, emphasizes.
On the side of possible weaknesses, the French politician looks with some concern at the elements of the economic, political and social crisis created by the Russian invasion, which, if not properly addressed, could weaken the Union.
He refers to the escalation of energy or food prices that fuel inequality, but also to the rising political tensions in some countries, namely those that resist the imposition of sanctions on Russia. On the other hand, the long-term reconstruction of Ukraine will raise financial, energy and defense issues, which will be a challenge for the EU.
The geopolitical environment created by the war will be another major challenge for Europe and “could put it in a vulnerable position,” warns Pascal Lamy. On the one hand, the relationship with China, which can be affected by the growing hostility towards the United States – Europe’s biggest ally – and, on the other hand, the North/South relations.
“The southern hemisphere doesn’t like Europe for several reasons, and it’s a region that China and Russia have invaded a lot in recent decades,” he explains, concluding that “what matters for the future is whether the EU is in it succeeds in gaining power”.
“The single market is a myth”
Vítor Bento agrees with most of Pascal Lamy’s opinions and is concerned about the loss of Europe in the world. Today, the European economic bloc ranks third globally, having lost second place to China. At the same time, the economist points to the distance to the United States, namely to indicators such as innovation or human capital. “The fact that Europe is not at the forefront of technological development in any of the new technologies is worrying,” he warns, pointing out that it is lagging behind due to its economic organization.
“The single market is a myth, hampered by internal contradictions in each country.” What exists, he says, are different markets united by regulation, policy and culture. The problem is that “we try to be “the good guys” but we limit development”.
Source: DN
