The Econoclasts Europe’s identity crisis: Empty values & defence delusion
19 snips
Dec 3, 2025 Yanis Varoufakis and Wolfgang Munchau dive into Europe's identity crisis, questioning whether its proclaimed values are mere slogans. They discuss the muted response to sanctions against a French judge and how Europe's foreign policy prioritizes U.S. ties over its own ideals. The hosts scrutinize the ambitious 3.5% GDP defense spending target, arguing it could deepen dependence on American arms rather than foster autonomy. They highlight Europe's inefficiencies and the implications for military innovation, suggesting a need for a focused defense procurement union.
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Values Without Teeth
- Europe proclaims values but fails to defend them when pressured by stronger powers like the US.
- Yanis Varoufakis argues this hypocrisy makes Europe complicit and encourages further bullying by hegemonic states.
Interests Trump Values
- Foreign policy driven by professed values collapses when core interests diverge.
- Wolfgang Munchau says Europe prioritises its US relationship over credible values-based action.
Banned For Hosting A Dialogue
- Yanis Varoufakis recounts being banned from entering Germany and even Zoom for organising a Berlin conference.
- He uses this to question where Europe's proclaimed freedoms and values have gone in practice.
