Macron’s confederation for democracy
French President Emmanuel Macron quoted post-war statesman Robert Schuman as he addressed the European Parliament in Strasbourg this week: “Peace can only be safeguarded through creative efforts that reflect the threats to us.” In a detailed overview of what Europe means and what the future of Europe could be, Macron referred to the EU as being an unparalleled success in the history of democracy. With the specter of a Le Pen government that could have exited the bloc fresh in the minds of the audience, Macron was keen to underline France’s commitment to the union. His most important announcement, however, was for a new political European community that would importantly allow Ukraine, other frontier states, and maybe even the UK, to be more closely aligned with the EU.
It is war, knocking at the door of Europe so spectacularly in recent weeks, which has underscored this development. Much as
NATO and the EU emerged from the embers of a Europe ravaged by two world wars, Macron now wishes to align the aspirations of Moldovans with those of the Irish, avoiding conflict and safeguarding the hard-won democracy that arose from a troubled continent.
The speech given in the closing minutes of the “Future of Europe” conference was incredibly fitting, as though united in their criticism of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, opinions have differed as to the response. Macron outlined that though “we are not at war with Russia,” the circumstances are such that “when peace returns to European soil, we will need to build new security balances.”
In offering to build unity around democracy, a shared respect for the rule of law and investing in defense capabilities, Macron embraced the same sentiment which led to the inception of the union post-war. Though the concept of a “European
Confederation” was coined by Francois Mitterrand, the modern proposal is itself a novel one. The EU has faltered because of over-expansion, economic disparities, and has become a pseudonym for laborious administrative processes and inefficiency. However, in appealing to the core tenets which coupled erstwhile enemies France and Germany to build an $18.5 trillion trading bloc, Macron has begun to provide a solution which considers the aspirations of those wishing to integrate, the reservations of those with the bloc’s superstate agenda whilst also recognizing the very clear security threat that the continent faces. War in Europe has focused minds.
The bloc is still reeling from the hurried simultaneous accession of 10 states in 2004. Aside from the economic challenges that ensued following the expansion compounded by the financial crisis, seven of these states were part of the former Eastern Bloc (of which three were from the former Soviet Union). This brought with it cultural challenges and also the complications of trying to integrate what Russia has always seen as her zone of influence.
The departure of Angela Merkel from the European political scene and Macron’s seeingoff of the most urgent far-right bid to take power in Europe has lent him the political capital to take the lead in Europe. The war in Ukraine certainly provides the correct circumstances. Nevertheless, the urgency of the situation should not be allowed to create an unrealistic coalition which can rally together in times of war but splinter in times of peace.
The UK, which voted to leave the EU, has been the staunchest European supporter and arms supplier to Ukraine: An important lesson if any that subscription to a union is not the only expression of shared values. Macron’s confederation will need to be united in action — expansions based on blue sky political projects soon fall apart (as frustration with the blue and yellow one so often has shown).