The EU's Future and its Rising Challenges

Red
Nov 27, 2023
9 min read

Updated: Oct 1, 2024

Since its foundation in 1993, the European Union (EU) has simplified the lives of its people. However, the current political climate within the EU has seen a concerning increase in the popularity of right-wing and fascist ideologies. This trend raises many questions regarding its impact on people's lives, the stability of the EU, and whether it will weaken the union. Our article aims to shed light on the reasons behind the sudden rise of right-wing ideals in the EU. Additionally, we will present our vision for the future of the EU, how we believe it can be achieved, and how the rise of the right-wing ideology will affect our vision for the union.

The Unique Structure of the European Union

The European Union is a unique and complex political entity that does not easily fit into conventional categories of governance. It is often regarded as a confederacy, as it is an association of sovereign states that have agreed to pool certain powers and responsibilities for the benefit of the group as a whole. In a confederacy, the central government has limited powers and relies on the member states for its authority and decision-making [1].

The European Union (EU) was established in 1993 by six countries, famously known as the Inner Six [2], which are Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. Over the past 30 years, the EU has grown and currently consists of 27 member states that have come together to cooperate on a wide range of issues, such as trade, security, and environmental protection.

The EU has several institutions, including the European Parliament, the European Council, and the European Commission, which work together to make decisions and policies that affect the member states. The European Parliament is responsible for representing the interests of the citizens of the EU, while the European Council provides strategic leadership and sets the overall political direction of the EU. The European Commission acts as an executive branch, implementing policies and managing the day-to-day affairs of the EU [3].

Additionally, the EU has a complex legal system that is based on a series of treaties and agreements between the member states. The primary treaty that governs the EU is the Treaty on the European Union, which outlines the fundamental principles and objectives of the EU, as well as the powers and responsibilities of its institutions. The EU also has a Court of Justice, which is responsible for interpreting and enforcing EU law.

Overall, the EU is a unique and multifaceted political entity that has developed over several decades through the cooperation and collaboration of its member states. Its institutions and legal framework are designed to promote unity and mutual benefit while respecting the sovereignty of each member state.

Each member state has its own unique culture, language, and traditions, which contribute to the diversity of the EU. To promote cultural exchange and understanding, the EU has implemented various programs, such as Erasmus+ [4], which enable students to study abroad and experience different cultures. Alongside Erasmus+ we also have the Schengen Area [5], which permits the free movement of people within its borders. This area includes 24 of the 27 EU member states, with Ireland, Romania, and Bulgaria being the only exceptions, as well as three non-EU countries: Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland, making a total of 27 countries in the area. Erasmus+ and the Schengen Treaty are two examples of the EU's efforts to promote a more interconnected and multicultural Europe.

The Criticisms About the EU

With this all-in mind we need to talk about the frequent and often valid critiques about the EU. The European Union is often seen as a bureaucratic entity, resulting in processes that can be slow and cumbersome. This is sometimes referred to pejoratively as 'Eurocracy'. The EU's structure and processes are complex. This complexity can lead to confusion and frustration.

As previously mentioned, the EU is composed of three main institutions [6]: the European Parliament, which represents EU citizens; the Council of the European Union, which represents EU governments; and the European Commission, which represents the EU's overall interests. These institutions participate in a legislative process called the 'ordinary legislative procedure' or 'co-decision' procedure.

The process starts with the Commission evaluating the potential impact of new initiatives. This analysis includes economic, social, and environmental aspects. The Commission then prepares an 'impact assessment' report that outlines the benefits and drawbacks of different policy options. After the Commission presents its proposal, both the Parliament and the Council review it and may suggest amendments. If the three institutions cannot agree on a final text, a second reading takes place. If they still cannot reach a consensus, a conciliation committee is created to try to find a solution.

The decision-making process in the EU is neither streamlined nor fast, and the distribution of power among its institutions is not equal. Some institutions have more power than others, making it difficult for most people in the EU to agree on creating a new law. Even if there is agreement, passing it can be challenging.

In addition, the use of the veto voting system is another contentious issue. Generally, the European Council makes unanimous decisions, meaning each member has a veto. This gives individual member states the ability to veto proposals, leading to situations where some countries use the veto voting system [7] to block proposals for the entire Union. The distribution of power among institutions and the use of the veto voting system are areas of concern, particularly when creating new laws regarding progressive ideals as right-wing countries, such as Poland, tend to oppose such proposals.

The Rise of Right-Wing Ideologies

There has been a rise in the popularity of right-wing ideologies across Europe and the world. This can be attributed to various reasons, but in the case of the EU, it is primarily due to people's fear of refugees and migrants in their countries [8].

The sudden arrival of refugees and migrants in Europe has created a humanitarian and political crisis. This has led to a sense of fear and apprehension among some citizens about the possible impact on their culture, economy, and security. The media often amplifies this fear and right-wing politicians use it to gain votes.

Right-wing populist parties in Europe have been successful in using this fear to gain support. They often promise to restore national sovereignty and implement policies that prioritize natives over immigrants. This approach has proven effective in increasing their electoral performance and influence over time. These parties have also influenced the policy agenda of other parties, further cementing their position in the political landscape. They often portray immigration as a threat, fueling irrational fears and making people more susceptible to their fear-mongering tactics [9].

In times like these, where we are facing complex issues, right-wing politicians often offer simplistic solutions that may seem easy to follow for those who do not fully understand the intricacies of our problems and are not well-educated on the subject matter. However, following a reactionary ideology is not the answer, especially in today's world where capitalism is driving us toward the irreversible destruction of our planet. We need to avoid such politics and instead embrace progressive ideas that can help us navigate the challenges of our times.

Shifting Political Landscape in the EU

The upcoming European Parliament elections, set to take place next summer, are expected to bring about significant changes in the political landscape of the European Union. Recent polling analysis indicates that right-wing and Euroskeptic parties are likely to make substantial gains in the parliament, at the expense of centrist parties [10]. This could potentially result in a shift towards a more conservative and nationalist political agenda in the EU.

The right-wing European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) are projected to become the third-largest group in the European Parliament, with a predicted gain of 23 seats from the 2019 elections. The far-right Identity and Democracy (ID) group is also expected to make substantial gains. Despite this, the center-right European People's Party (EPP) is predicted to remain the largest group, and the traditional grand coalition of the EPP, Socialists, and Democrats (S&D), and Renew is expected to maintain its majority.

The shifting political landscape of the EU will have significant implications for its future policies and decision-making. The rise of right-wing and Euroskeptic parties could result in the stagnation of the EU's expansion and a more conservative approach to EU relations with the rest of the world. However, it is also important to note that the EPP, S&D, and Renew coalition is expected to maintain their majority, which could potentially limit the impact of the right-wing parties in the parliament.

It is expected that the EU will prioritize safeguarding its citizens and restricting external access to its borders. However, it is uncertain how much the rise of right-wing and Euroskeptic parties will impact this decision. The outcome of the upcoming European Parliament elections will be a determining factor, but the situation is not very reassuring to us.

A Brief Vision for a Transformed EU

The current confederation system in operation within the European Union has its limitations, and there is a growing desire among members of the Inner Six to transform it into a federation. This vision for the EU requires significant restructuring, intending to create a more democratic and simplified system. The goal is to ensure that new laws can be created efficiently and effectively, without needing to be revised for years, and ultimately ending up looking nothing like their original proposals.

To achieve this, some key changes need to be made. One of the most significant changes is the removal of the veto system, which should be replaced by a majority voting system. This will ensure that if most of the EU wants a particular rule, they will get it. In addition, the three main EU institutions should have equal power, with none of them having the ability to rule over the others.

It is also essential to federalize crucial sectors such as the environment and energy. These areas should be controlled by the EU, rather than being left to be managed on a state-by-state basis. With a more centralized approach, the EU can ensure that all member states follow the same standards and regulations, which will help protect the environment and promote sustainable energy practices.

In light of the current political climate, the implementation of a federal European Union policy on immigration has become increasingly important. However, this policy mustn't be driven by prejudiced and racist ideals, nor by the notion of European cultural superiority. Instead, the policy should prioritize the provision of humanitarian aid and the development of infrastructure for refugees. This can include the establishment of safe and secure refugee camps, as well as the construction of essential amenities such as schools, hospitals, and community centers.

Furthermore, investing in the local communities of refugees is also crucial to their well-being and their ability to thrive in their new environment. This could include initiatives such as job training programs, education, and healthcare access, as well as the creation of economic opportunities to help them rebuild their lives. By prioritizing these goals, a federal EU policy on immigration can lead to a more equitable and just society for all.

It is crucial to provide children in the EU with cultural exposure to other cultures, which can help them become more understanding and welcoming of people from other countries. This approach can also help them gain a deeper understanding of why people come to the EU. This approach serves a dual purpose. By promoting a more progressive and accepting EU, we can also take away a critical weapon from the right.

In addition, the EU must leave its liberal ideology behind and stop benefiting the private sector so much, instead focusing on the people it serves. It needs to move towards a socialist economy rather than a capitalist economy, making it hard for the exploitation of people and the environment under the law. This will help to build a fairer, more equitable society for all in the EU.

Conclusion

As the EU grapples with the rise of right-wing ideologies, the need for change becomes evident. Our vision for a transformed, federated EU involves crucial reforms, from removing the veto system to federalizing key sectors. A federal EU policy on immigration, driven by humanitarian values, is essential. Embracing cultural exposure, rejecting liberal ideologies in favor of a more people-centric approach, and prioritizing a socialist economy can pave the way for a fairer, more equitable EU. The upcoming elections will be vital moment, determining the direction the EU takes in these challenging times. All the EU's citizens can do now is try to educate the people around them regarding these issues and vote when the time comes.

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