Praise of the EU: The Many Advantages of the Brussels Consensus Machine
This opinion piece by Michael Sauga, published in Der Spiegel, argues for the continued necessity and relevance of the European Union in an era increasingly defined by authoritarian 'strong men' such as Viktor Orban, Donald Trump, and Vladimir Putin. The article posits that while the EU's decision-making process is often criticized as a slow 'consensus machine,' this very mechanism provides stability, democratic resilience, and a unified front against external pressures and internal populist threats. By contrasting the chaotic and unilateral tendencies of nationalist leaders with the collaborative, rule-based approach of Brussels, the author highlights the strategic advantages of European integration. The piece suggests that the EU serves as a crucial bulwark for liberal democratic values, offering a counter-narrative to the rise of autocracy globally. Despite criticisms of bureaucratic inefficiency, the consensus model ensures broader legitimacy and long-term sustainability in policy-making. The article ultimately serves as a defense of the European project, emphasizing its role in maintaining peace, economic stability, and political cohesion among member states amidst growing geopolitical tensions and the resurgence of great power competition.
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Praise of the EU: The Many Advantages of the Brussels Consensus Machine
This opinion piece by Michael Sauga, published in Der Spiegel, argues for the continued necessity and relevance of the European Union in an era increasingly defined by authoritarian 'strong men' such as Viktor Orban, Donald Trump, and Vladimir Putin. The article posits that while the EU's decision-making process is often criticized as a slow 'consensus machine,' this very mechanism provides stability, democratic resilience, and a unified front against external pressures and internal populist threats. By contrasting the chaotic and unilateral tendencies of nationalist leaders with the collaborative, rule-based approach of Brussels, the author highlights the strategic advantages of European integration. The piece suggests that the EU serves as a crucial bulwark for liberal democratic values, offering a counter-narrative to the rise of autocracy globally. Despite criticisms of bureaucratic inefficiency, the consensus model ensures broader legitimacy and long-term sustainability in policy-making. The article ultimately serves as a defense of the European project, emphasizing its role in maintaining peace, economic stability, and political cohesion among member states amidst growing geopolitical tensions and the resurgence of great power competition.
spiegel