The European Union and its crises: through the eyes of the Brussels' elite

Abstract

The integration of Europe has often been seen as bringing prosperity and peace. The European Union has innovated by transcending nationalism and inventing unique forms of cooperative regional governance in which a pluralism of national cultures can flourish. However, in the EU of the early 21st century there are strong disagreements among members exacerbated by a difficult enlargement, voters in several countries rejecting important reforms in national referendums, and chronic legitimacy problems. The financial crisis, labelled the 'greatest crisis in EU history' by EU officials, has increased the uncertainty. The European Union and its Crises: Through the Eyes of the Brussels Elite presents analyses by EU leaders (including administrative leaders in European institutions, European parliamentarians and key political figures) of the great problems and prospects the EU faces.and key political figures) of the great problems and prospects the EU faces.