This European Union is just….outdated!!!

I have just read an excellent article on Irish referendum by Ivan Krastev published in Open Democracy. Ivan is the Chair of Liberal Studies in Sofia and executive director of the International Commission on the Balkans chaired by Giuliano Amato.

His article is pointing out a fundamental crisis on European Dream as an explanation to Irish people decision: European integration and universalism is “crushing on the rising global states (China, India) and new forces (religion, nationalism)”. And according to his argument,

European elites are deciding to ignore the problem.

This is why during the last summit european leaders decide that Irish referendum is not a problem for the ratification of Lisbon Treaty.

In other words are applying the “evasion by trivialisation” strategy. That means :

1. The problem of irish vote is not political bu a problem of communication.

2. Ireland and other member states were not obliged to call for people’s vote.

Now my questions – in line with authors questions-:

1. Are europeans happy with the continuation of European integration? Because so far what EU leaders presenting as an urgent issue for Treaty’s ratification is the creation of European Common Foreign Policy and its consequence of a European Army.

2. Is still Europe a model for the rest of the world? Because till now Europe was a unique example of prosperity and social security. Is that model still on? or is already passed over by Russian, Chinese and Indian growth?

3. Accordin to author Obama’s promise is generating enthusiasm in US politics. In Europe, which of us is eagger to campaign for yes on the Treaty? Europe is facing apathy and boredom by voters. That will reflect in 2009 elections. People will not vote massively. And what makes Europe inattractive to its own citizens?

So as far as i ave understood EU is ready to repeat mistakes of the past :

No one could persuade European to embrace a non democratic dream, based on vague ideas of “common defence” (i dont really understand against who we have to fight…) or “common values” (do we need a new treaty to define them?) or “better european funds management” (which is not ready to touch farm subsidies).

We need more time to discuss and decide Europe’s common future in today’s global economy. We need more dialogue to decide a European structure against the problematic national ones. We need more dialogue towards a fair democratic system.

The current effort of treaty’s ratification is just outdated.