Please log in to read this article:
Don't have a login yet?
Discover your benefits and register for free now! It only takes a minute.
|
|
|
Please log in to read this article:
Don't have a login yet?
Discover your benefits and register for free now! It only takes a minute.
Related articles
The term Realpolitik tends to be bandied about somewhat recklessly, often as a code for hardnosed policy that is necessary, if unpopular. Most recently, the term has been applied to Kosovo's declaration of independence and the EU's mission there – as if it could explain the inadequacies and incompetence associated with these moves. If nothing else, this is an insult to history.
The main reason for the creation of an EU foreign and security policy was the ineptitude of the Union in the face of the collapse of the former Yugoslavia into messy conflicts. To be precise, it was the overwhelming reality of the EU's manifest failure to deal coherently with the Balkans as a challenge to its own interests, on its own continent. Fifteen years later, both the Balkans and the EU failure appear to be proceeding along their original trajectories.
Belgium had national elections more than a 100 days ago, yet it still has no government. Pundits from across Europe, not to mention further afield, are both speculating on the break-up of the kingdom over the crisis and at the same time are becoming increasingly fascinated by the prospect.
The EU is not renowned for admitting its mistakes. To be fair, no one – individuals, organisations or states – is particularly prone to doing the mea culpa, but then again, not everyone is the largest and richest trading bloc in the world, with border states pounding on the door demanding entry. Nor has everyone committed two grave errors in recent enlargements, thereby weakening its bargaining position on every count.
Brussels is often at its best in August: empty but not hollow, quiet but not sedate and warm enough to make life comfortable. On the first two, August 2007 was right on the mark, but the last was way off – the overarching gloom and grey, the ever present rain, and the general depression will probably be remembered for years to come.
