The podcast discusses the future of Europe and the European Union, including topics such as the role of European Commission presidents, the accomplishments of Jacques Delors, the challenges of EU enlargement, and the future of the UK-EU relationship.
Jacques de Law played a pivotal role in shaping the EU, with major achievements in establishing the single market program and introducing economic and monetary union.
Despite challenges, the euro has survived as a significant accomplishment of Jacques de Law's leadership, reflecting the principles and institutional structure of the EU.
Deep dives
Jacques de Law's Influence on the EU
Jacques de Law, the former president of the European Commission, played a pivotal role in shaping the European Union. His two major achievements were the establishment of the single market program and the introduction of economic and monetary union. The single market program gained momentum by eliminating national vetoes on single market rules, while economic and monetary union laid the foundation for the euro. Despite its challenges, the euro survived and stands as a significant accomplishment of de Law's leadership.
Continuity and Change in the EU
The current state of the European Union reflects the principles established during Jacques de Law's presidency. The fundamental institutional structure remains intact with the Commission, Council, and Parliament. While some integration has occurred in recent years, particularly in areas such as health and defense, the balance between federalists pushing for more integration and intergovernmentalists advocating for limited integration remains relatively stable. Treaty changes and significant shifts towards greater integration are unlikely due to the resistance of member states.
Challenges Facing the EU
One of the major challenges for the European Union is the rise of far-right parties and their potential impact on parliamentary elections. While these parties may gain influence, their dominance is unlikely, and the forces of moderation are expected to prevail. However, the rise of the far right may impede significant further integration as member state governments are reluctant to fuel their support. Enlargement of the EU is also a complex issue, with concerns over institutional reform, budgetary constraints, rule of law, and potential opposition from member states. The relationship between Hungary's Viktor Orban and the EU, as well as the influence of the United States, especially under a Trump presidency, also pose challenges to European unity.
It's an important year for the European Union, which holds parliamentary elections in June. As geopolitical turbulence continues to test the strength of global alliances, will Europe pursue further integration or start to pull apart? Gideon discusses these questions, and the role played by European Commission presidents, past and present, with Charles Grant, director of the Centre for European Reform in London. Clip: European Commission