Preserving 'the Union'

Before it is too late, let's call a spade just that.

The EU, perhaps through no fault of its own, has failed to provide a stable pan-European economy. One by one, sovereign political and economic entities are intensifying a strain on the Union and present a threat to Western and global economic systems.

Despite giant leaps toward a single market economy, the fact that underlying problems in the continent's traditionally poorer regions have not been remedied is becoming apparent.

In the latter half of the 20th century, European leaders strode into the unknown, in the hopes of never encountering the nihilistic nature of the preceding era. The dreams and fears of some have led to governance that is seen by many as unrepresentative of their heritage, Greece being the most obvious example.

Disastrous? Not necessarily. EU leaders are now admitting policies, such as the one on fishing, have failed. Recognition is the first step to resolution, as they say.

With a subtle shift in ideology and strategic restructuring of administration, the Union can achieve a balance between continental unity and the challenge for individual member states to tackle their own domestic difficulties. The balance in governing power can be tipped back from Brussels to national parliaments of countries stretched by demands of local
administration and EU membership.

Such a long-term strategy may seem regressive to Europhiles, but at this time of gravity for EU citizens, people need certainty. Populations of nations with histories infinitely longer than a united Europe yearn to rediscover their individuality.

The EU can endeavour to promote conditions of a single economy, without corralling individual member states into full
compliance.