Getting Europe Back on Track

Cooperation between nation-states must be based on diversity and not on bureaucracy

European Central Bank (BCE) President Mario Draghi (R) stands next to European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker (2L) flanked by newly appointed Secretary General of the Commission Martin Selmayr during a meeting on the second day of a summit of European Union (EU) leaders at the European Council headquarter in Brussels, on March 23, 2018. EU leaders on March 23 adopted negotiating guidelines for talks on the future relationship with Britain, European Council President said. / AFP PHOTO / Ludovic MARIN Photo credit should read LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP/Getty Images

European integration post-World War II was based on common economic interests, a desire for exchange, and seeking the huge advantages of a free market unconstrained by national borders.

The integration confirmed again the historic wisdom that the free movement of goods and people is a binding element that promotes peace. This “internal market” provides the economic strength that helped the European Union build up infrastructure in its weaker regions and in new member countries.