Comments on: The next ‘big thing’ for the EU?

By: Lucille

Lucille — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 00:32:34 +0000

How about a discussion for ALL countries to use the Euro? I know most of them are on board, but i think that the UK and the IRE can pull their heads in! london olympics tickets

By: Andre

Andre — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 15:24:37 +0000

Mais vous aurez toujours besoin d'une bonne quantité de consensus entre les États machine ? sous membres de l'UE avant une intégration plus poussée ne peut avoir lieu.

By: Finn Myrstad

Finn Myrstad — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 13:08:15 +0000

Thanks for these great comments! Really valuable. I brought most of them into the presentation.

By: Martin Høverstad

Martin Høverstad — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:28:56 +0000

I would like to see more integration among EU member states within social policy areas. I think deeper integration is more possible on long term as the voting rules among states are getting more efficient.

However you will still need a fair amount of consensus among EU member states before further integration can take place.

I think more social rights for EU inhabitants can to some extent heal the mistrust between the EU political elite and people in general. At least compared to integration on other policy areas (for example integration on foreign security policies).

And as an optimistic note to all of you historical institutionalists – integration takes time and happens gradually. Let’s not hope for a great opportunity window because you will need a great negative external event in advance. WW2 is a long time ago – and that’s a good thing.

By: Bonnie Whang

Bonnie Whang — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 23:25:00 +0000

I’m afraid I have to agree with Jon on his point that there won’t be a ‘big thing’ to focus for the EU unless they want to re-open the debate on the balance of power between the EU institutions and member states post-Lisbon and have a visionary leader like Delors to promote and implement major institutional changes. Federalism probably isn’t the best answer for the EU particularly in light of the current financial crisis in Greece; no one wants to pay out for someone else’s mistakes.

On the other hand, I think the EU does need to sort out the role and responsibilities of the High Representative and draw clear boundaries of what actions she can and cannot take on behalf of the member states in foreign policy activities. Everyone seems to be confused about where she fits in policy activities as demonstrated by the criticisms she has received about her actions on the Haiti earthquake.

If there is one policy area I would suggest for consideration, the ageing population and the change in demographics are becoming greater concerns, particularly in Germany and Britain, which I think will have an indirect affect on the EU budget and in maintaining the Eurozone. The member states will have to make sure that the welfare system can support them while not financially overburdening those who are of working age and keeping the deficit down. Perhaps the EU could play a role in coordinating policies across the EU through OMC or tackle it as a part of the EU 2020 strategy.