Will the European Union fall? What is the alternative?

In recent decades, the direction of the European Union has shifted. Its direction has been leaning more and more to the left. Progressivism, climate policy, open borders, human rights activism - all these have been the main policies of the current establishment of the EU.

EU leadership has failed to tackle issues that are important to native Europeans and their future: the economy, low birth rates, young people unable to afford their own homes, worsening security, use of welfare systems, and more. 

As people are beginning to recognize these problems, it might mean that the tides are finally shifting.

Ever since the Lisbon Treaty, I believe the sovereignty of member countries has been increasingly weakened. The European Union has gained significant authority in areas that once belonged more directly to national governments. Nationalist opinions are often dismissed as “far-right” because they stand in the way of further European integration and globalism.

The alternative

Do I think European countries should get their sovereignty back? Absolutely. 

Do I think the EU should completely fall? Not really. Let me explain.

As much as I might dislike the EU’s bureaucracy, its direction, and its pretentious democracy, there are many benefits that come with being a member of the EU. My opinion is that the EU should fall and be immediately replaced by an alliance.

This alliance should be about having a free market in Europe, free movement of citizens, collectively securing the external borders of Europe to prevent another invasion, protecting the European job market, and not flooding it with a cheap foreign labor force.

Collective decisions should be made by the heads of government of each individual country. European countries should work together where cooperation makes sense, but they should not be ruled by a distant institution with ever-expanding authority.

I don't like regulations, but some should stay, especially the safety and health regulations. There is a good reason for having common standards when it comes to the products Europeans consume and the safety of their citizens.

We should bring back competitiveness. In a capitalist economy, competition can push prices down and encourage companies to innovate. We should ensure that we have healthy and competitive markets that reward innovation rather than burying businesses under unnecessary bureaucracy. Because whether we like it or not, Europe is falling behind China and the US in several areas of technology, industry and economic growth.

Reform of the EU?

If the EU came to the point where it would be willing to change, then a lot of regulations should be dismissed. Reform of the EU would be a good option, but to change anything in the EU, there is a legal process that takes a very long time. That is why I am skeptical that the EU can reform itself from within.

European countries should be united and work together but should not be ruled over by any institution. Cooperation does not require surrendering sovereignty.

That, in my view, is the Europe worth fighting for.