EU introspection must speed up intergration

Bratislava summit was meant to fast-track the European Union’s introspection and it seems to have served its purpose. Waking up from its complacency after Brexit, the 27 leaders’ meeting looked into ways to prevent the disintegration and dislocation that the bloc is facing.
The EU is grappling with the greatest ever threat to its existence. And minus Britain, it is time that the bloc’s members re-engage EU citizens in bringing about the lost sense of solidarity. There are apparent splits that have come to the fore over migration, economy and security. It is imperative that the members find a common ground and strike a consensus on vital issues.
The migrant influx has created deep divisions in the EU. Germany’s Angela Merkel has almost been isolated due to her open-door policy on migration. She is staring at a setback in Sunday’s Berlin elections, which could be the litmus test for her position and sway in the bloc. The EU leaders need to support Merkel to uphold the humanitarian essence that the Schengen stands for. The people have to be sensitized about assimilating the refugees. Resources and commitment to handle the crisis have to be shared among the member states.
During the Bratislava summit, the EU agreed to forge a new “vision” within six months to restore faith and unity in the bloc. The roadmap to this unity needs to be based on coherence and coexistence between the members. While reassuring its citizens about democracy and security as well as stability, the bloc has to chalk out a common way where leaders iron out their differences and focus on the bigger picture: the EU’s political and economic integration.
European Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker put it aptly, “The European Union still does not have enough union.” The crisis it is reeling under can only be surmounted if it steps up its efforts to look closely at the problems that are widening the bridges. The solutions have to come through mutual trust and support. It is only through this that the process of rebuilding confidence can be successful.
To tackle the migration mayhem, the EU doesn’t only have to secure its borders from shady elements, but also look at its root cause. The leaders have to continue working with Turkey, Syria and the African nations to stem the flow of dislodged people. It has to provide the restive nations material support.
Bolstering EU defence cooperation and boosting intelligence sharing is crucial to tackle the terror threats. An EU military headquarters and a combined military force is a good idea, but it shouldn’t risk further alienation and insecurity of the weaker members.
After the Bratislava summit, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi refused to hold a joint press conference with Merkel and French president Francois Hollande because he disagreed with them. His country faces the second highest debt loan in the euro area. Greece has urged the EU leaders to ease up on austerity. Unemployment is rising in Spain, Italy and Greece. The EU has a daunting challenge to bring about a consensus on economic measures to help the debt-ridden members. The strong nations have to show flexibility in their strategies. Against mounting anti-globalisation cry and growing populism, they have to tread a delicate path on trade.
The EU introspection has been speeded up and it needs to continue as the bloc holds meetings in Malta and Rome in the next three months. The leaders are racing against time, but Brexit should teach them not to commit the past mistakes!