Editorial: A miserly Europe

The leaders of the European Union's 27 member-states these days are engaged in feverish bargaining over the Union's Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2021-2027 which will determine the budget and funding over the next seven years.

Given the challenges with which the EU is confronted one might have expected more generous approaches and dynamic policies in line with the geopolitical and other ambitions of the powers that play a leading role.

The atmosphere in Brussels, however, is miserly and is characterised by pitiful bargaining which has little to do with the alluring vision of those who inspired the European unification project.

The problem with the current negotiations is rooted in the stance of the rich and powerful countries of the North.

Despite Brexit and the stagnancy of European affairs they do not appear prepared to assume their share of responsibility. Instead, they appear to be clinging to outdated approaches from the era before the great crisis.

Germany, France, The Netherlands, Denmark, and smaller countries that comprise the club of rich states of Northern Europe in the two decades since the introduction of the euro have enjoyed enormous benefits and profits. They had established a process of deepening unification but now they are eschewing that prospect and refuse to pay for even the simplest needs.

They want to maintain a restrictive budget that amounts to just one percent of the EU's GDP. They seek a unilateral redistribution that serves only their interests.

The same countries that seek to determine geopolitical roles and claim to want Europe to have a strong, decisive international presence refuse to participate in the management of critical issues and problems that have battered the EU's poorer...