How to Forge a Common European Identity

[xchrom]

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,800775,00.html


Legendary German philosopher Jürgen Habermas is one of the leading thinkers on the future of the EU. "The claim that there is no European nation contradicts the systemic convergence of multicultural global society," he says.

Europeans are searching for an idea: What should the Europe of the future look like? Could a federation of European nations function? How could a working government in Brussels be structured? And could a continent-wide democracy foster unity and solidarity among European nations? In a three-part series, SPIEGEL reports on new plans to restructure the European Union. This is Part 3. Be sure to also read Part 1 and Part 2.

Europe has a face. It can grin, and it has freckles. Almost everyone in Germany knows it. It's the face of Daniel Cohn-Bendit, 66, the Green member of the European Parliament and former revolutionary.

No one else can explain Europe the way "Red Dany" can. No one but this polyglot global citizen can convince people in almost every country on the continent to listen and to pick up at least some of the enthusiasm he exudes for Europe. "There will be a United States of Europe," he says. "I'm sure of that."

Cohn-Bendit does not plan to run in the next European election. He wants to enjoy his retirement. People like him are no longer dependent on the sensitivities of member states, or on political calculations. Instead, Dany can barge straight across the traditional territory of political interests. Seen from his perspective, Europe looks simple.

The Green politician envisions a united Europe organized roughly along the lines of the Federal Republic of Germany: with a government in Brussels, the European Commission, whose members are elected by the European Parliament (EP). The European Council in Brussels would serve as a second governing body next to the parliament, and it would also be involved in writing legislation for Europe. A united Europe's foreign and defense policy, as well as its financial policy and large parts of its economic policy, would be managed in Brussels.





*** as it is now -- the EU -- the 'new' EU -- is more about the identity of banks, corporations & financial institutions -- i don't think you can create something cohesive and workable out of that.

taking seriously the whole 'the business of america is business' -- that insanity doesn't, can't make a nation. not here and nor europe.

[CJCRANE]

1. A day late and a trillion euros short.

They should have thought about this before they went into monetary union.

But I hope they can still pull it together.

[Name removed]

2. Deleted message

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