Christian Paul, Stefan Collignon
Long Live the European Republic! Publication date : October 2, 2008
Faced with unprecedented challenges (globalisation and its attendant disorders, environmental and demographic shock waves, threats to existing social models) Europeans are beginning to feel that Europe is adrift with no captain on board.
The authors argue that Europe must find a new direction. Despite vigorous debates about a European Constitution, the EU has not evolved. After the Treaty of Lisbon, it remains a Directoire of Nation-States — thus prolonging Brussels' disembodied governance. Europe may have invented democracy but it does not apply it to itself.
To keep the nations of the EU from reverting to powerlessness and rampant populism, the authors argue against a multi-speed Europe and in favour of a strong Union, without succumbing to the myth of a super-State. They call for responsible government, accountable to Europe's citizens, without whose support no sustainable security or progress can withstand the impending turmoil.
The traditional coalition of conservatives and neo-liberals, in France and other EU countries, has blocked European hopes. Only a new, progressive, modern alliance, with the dynamism of Europe's early founders, can revitalise the continent's European aspirations.
This book explains the real reasons for the European crisis and shows how to overcome it (government accountability, a recognised parliament, new forms of sovereignty and citizenship). European democracy has yet to be constructed. This book shows how.
Besides offering a cogent analysis, this book makes an appeal for a powerful commitment to a European Republic. It is addressed to all those readers who reject ready-made slogans and who have not given up on the invention of a new “politics of civilisation” for all Europeans.
The 2009 European elections will give rise to numerous discussions and debates on the EU during the coming months.
Christian Paul is a member of the French National Assembly's delegation to the European Union. A Socialist Member of Parliament for the Nièvre, he was formerly Secretary of State for French overseas territories.
Stefan Collignon, a university professor and former senior German government official, is the president of the Association for European Democracy.
The authors argue that Europe must find a new direction. Despite vigorous debates about a European Constitution, the EU has not evolved. After the Treaty of Lisbon, it remains a Directoire of Nation-States — thus prolonging Brussels' disembodied governance. Europe may have invented democracy but it does not apply it to itself.
To keep the nations of the EU from reverting to powerlessness and rampant populism, the authors argue against a multi-speed Europe and in favour of a strong Union, without succumbing to the myth of a super-State. They call for responsible government, accountable to Europe's citizens, without whose support no sustainable security or progress can withstand the impending turmoil.
The traditional coalition of conservatives and neo-liberals, in France and other EU countries, has blocked European hopes. Only a new, progressive, modern alliance, with the dynamism of Europe's early founders, can revitalise the continent's European aspirations.
This book explains the real reasons for the European crisis and shows how to overcome it (government accountability, a recognised parliament, new forms of sovereignty and citizenship). European democracy has yet to be constructed. This book shows how.
Besides offering a cogent analysis, this book makes an appeal for a powerful commitment to a European Republic. It is addressed to all those readers who reject ready-made slogans and who have not given up on the invention of a new “politics of civilisation” for all Europeans.
The 2009 European elections will give rise to numerous discussions and debates on the EU during the coming months.
Christian Paul is a member of the French National Assembly's delegation to the European Union. A Socialist Member of Parliament for the Nièvre, he was formerly Secretary of State for French overseas territories.
Stefan Collignon, a university professor and former senior German government official, is the president of the Association for European Democracy.