International Political Dialogue - Perspectives for the EU beyond the German Presidency

International Political Dialogue - Perspectives for the EU beyond the German Presidency [printable version]

Perspectives for the EU beyond the German Presidency
Is there a coherent EU strategy?

This event, hosted by Washington DC Transatlantic Dialogue Program, discussed the Germany presidency of the European Union (EU) in the midst of the serious crisis for European integration. Germany is opting for the amendment of EU’s current constitutional treaty. The event delved into the future of the European Union, the strategy behind the German presidency, and the increasing challenges in foreign and security policy.

This highly successful event, hosted by Friedrich Naumann Foundation’s Washington DC Transatlantic Dialogue Program, discussed the Germany presidency of the European Union (EU) in the midst of the serious crisis for European integration. Germany is opting for the amendment of EU’s current constitutional treaty, setting the stage for an interesting EU summit in June 21-22. “Perspectives for the EU beyond the German presidency. Is there a coherent EU strategy?” delved into the future of the European Union, the strategy behind the German presidency, and the increasing challenges in foreign and security policy. Over 70 participants from US administration, Think Tanks, media, private sector, and the diplomatic corps had the honor of hearing from three distinguished speakers, Dr. Jürgen Wickert, Dr. Stefan Fröhlich, and Christian Wernicke whose exemplary speeches provided a keen insight into the EU.

Prof. Dr. Stefan Fröhlich
Professor for international policy at the University Erlangen
Scholar at the Woodrow Wilson Center

Dr. Fröhlich commented first. Germany has done a great job during its EU presidency, excelling many issues, such as integration, energy, and climate policies towards a consensus. The Germans focused the politically feasible, though some difficulties arose from upcoming domestic elections in many countries in the EU. Germany promoted a deliberate long term path and has been devoted to a finalized new constitutional treaty. Dr. Fröhlich called for a mini treaty to make the EU more efficient: reducing the number of commissions, changing the foreign affairs structure, and extending power.

Dr. Fröhlich then focused on the transatlantic relationship. The relations must be strengthened. The EU and the US share democratic ideas, interests, and goals although react differently to issues. He stated the EU and US need to realize a common multilateral approach on topics like terrorism to have an affect on the issues.

Christian Wernicke
Süddeutsche Zeitung

Christian Wernicke followed up, stressing the importance of the constitution, not only does it provide a good structure for the EU, it is central to the psychology of EU integration. If the new treaty succeeds, Europe could reach a new drive both internally and externally. If the new treaty fails, there will be additional distrust in the system.

European psyche is not the only challenge for the EU; it must cope with its own enlargement. On the institutional side, this means: the creation of a “foreign minister”, the gaining of a legal personality i.e. the ability to sign treaties as the EU, and a chance for a diplomatic surface. Mr. Wernicke said a unified EU was needed to clear up the current situation. He stressed these changes must come from within the EU not the US.

Dr. Jürgen Wickert commented last. He kindly complemented the progress, quality, and development of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation in the US since he had worked in DC. He then regaled the American audience with personal stories to illustrate the different conceptions of the EU between the US and Europe. The EU is still being formed and people should have more patience and optimism. Dr. Wickert said that a treaty is not needed, but some guidelines (on how the EU should look i.e. the basic ideas and structures of the EU) must be set up to help organize the EU for future success. This would allow the EU to keep its identity and still develop a new identity. As Dr. Wickert elegantly put it: to “remain German but become European”.

Dr. Jürgen Wickert
Director International Political Dialogue
Friedrich Naumann Foundation Brussels

When asked what the EU should look like, Mr. Wickert firmly stated the loss of national identity would be avoided, though there is no clear answer. The EU is currently a quasi state that has yet to reach a final compromise on what it will become.

The participants then asked what are the EU’s borders and why are problems within these borders, like Kosovo or the Balkans, not addressed by the EU? Dr. Fröhlich responded by saying the EU was proactive in handling issues but lacks leverage over the countries; the EU expects to do more in the future.

Germany’s flexibility for reform of voting power (based on population) was questioned. The panel responded that Germany must be flexible and compromise to achieve any objective.