We have been writing about the faults and failings of the European Union since before the Brexit referendum, for more than six years now. Meanwhile Covid and Ukraine have preoccupied the Government and masked the overall effects of leaving the EU. Is there anything more to say at present? Brexit got ‘done’, except for resolving … More What More Is There To Say?

The founding principle of the European Union was as ‘a project for peace’ in Europe, and yet there is war. How relevant is the EU to peace? Here are three approaches to ensuring peace between nations. ‘If you want peace, prepare for war.‘ This is not the EU’s preferred maxim, understandably so in Germany’s case, … More The Project for Peace

Whilst it is not clear what the EU means by ‘European Values’ a major stated value of the Union is that itself and all member states are genuinely democratic. In practice this requirement is usually trumped by an even higher ‘value’ – full union. The EUObserver has an update on the ‘cases’ of the EU … More Valuing Democracy

There is no question about it, Boris Johnson’s insouciant disregard for the rules others must follow, rules he has imposed on them, stinks. However, what matters most about national leaders’ actions is where they are leading their countries. It is probable that sitting outside for a while with colleagues that you normally work with indoors, … More Insouciant Leadership

Perhaps to most animals things are simply as they find them, but for most humans there’s a theory for everything that exists and even for what ought to exist. If we believe a world under one government would be good for mankind we can devise a theory of how to achieve it, perhaps region by … More The World in Union

The stunning defeat of the Conservatives in the latest by-election suggests Boris Johnson’s term as Prime Minister might not be a long one. He is sure to be remembered for ending the paralysis in Parliament over Brexit but it may be too late for him to gain credit for a successful UK, free of constraints … More Get Brexit Done Properly

A new government for Germany is about to take over, comprising parties from across the political spectrum. They are agreed on one thing, it is time for the European Union to become the long-envisioned federation of Continental nations. How likely is that to happen, now or ever? Could a United States of Europe be a … More A Federal Europe

The European Union claims that it is a democracy. Many supporters accept this claim, perhaps without giving it much thought. This post illustrates the matter and refers back to some of our own thoughts on the subject EUObserver – a reliable supporter of the EU – has an article [1], titled Time for EU to … More Observing Democracy

Does Biden’s debacle in Afghanistan mean that a European defence coalition is, after all, sensible? Clearly the US, under this president and the last, cannot be relied upon to defend mutual- (as opposed to self-) interests. Should the UK help build such an alliance in conjunction with a proposed EU defence force? In the House … More A European Defence Alliance?

The EU’s Godfather, Jean Monnet, said “Europe will be forged in crisis”. A combination of the eurozone and covid crises will challenge that thesis. A Reformation We have argued that the EU must change but probably not as the theorists or high priests hope and intend. There are many challenges to tackle and these have … More More Or Less ‘Europe’?