Juncker and sailing

It was an optimistic talk. EC President Jean-Claude Juncker sees Europe on the rise and proposes deep reforms. Some of them will fail to resist member states, Barbara Wessel thinks.

The rhetorical wings of his speech, the president of the European Commission, borrowed them from navigation: Europe again smells in sails, it must open sails for a common future. That was his appeal. And since Juncker prefers to show feelings, he spoke of his long, sometimes painful experience as European: he called for unity and urged more EU integration.

Europe at a speed?

This is not compatible with a Europe of both speeds, as Paris and Berlin plan it. First of all, President Macro intends to make the Eurozone the nucleus of a stronger integrated group of member states. That's the old idea of a European advance. But the chief of the Commission wants to accept in the euro all states, even those that are economically rich. But they must be supported.

What fatal consequences can result when a weaker country is stuck in the Euro discipline framework, this is seen in Greece's example. This Juncker plan is probably going to fall to the ground like a rock to the big Eurozone states. The opposite of good here is going well.

Even a Europe and the same speed according to the pattern of founding fathers has long been proven unappreciated. With the increase in the number of member states it has ended very often in institutional stagnation. This train's long gone and gone in the other direction.

Olive Branch for Eastern Europe

The current crisis with Visegrad states on the other hand, Jean-Claude Juncker passed it elegantly. He specifically invited Eastern European states to approach the Schengen area and the Euros, but did not place them on the torture stake in Poland and Hungary due to a lack of rule of law.

From a political point of view, this is a wise move, but it bypasses the conflict, which the Commission and EU governments must face. This bitter quarrel does not match the positive view of Europe's future, which Jean-Claude Juncker designs. But this debate must develop and cannot be concealed under the carpet. And it contains very destructive potential.

Clear Borders Toward Turkey

With the rejection of an EU membership for Turkey, the Commission chief speaks what most in Europe have at heart. And he found therein a word manifest. He sought the release of arrested journalists and the end of insults towards European governments.

At the same time, Juncker does not want to give President Erdogan the chance to leave the talks at the EU door interrupted. The hand of Europeans remains extended to the Democrats in the country, that was the message. And membership talks remain where they are: blocked. The interruption is not in question, no matter what is required in the election campaign in Germany. A majority of EU member states support this diplomatic line at the moment.

Together on the Great Journey

This was a speech that gave many the right and targeted it. It contained bids in all directions: investor protection in front of China for France's President Macron, praise and support for Italy in the refugee crisis, aid for Africa and a set of measures for EU internal strengthening. This includes a kind of European FBI just like melting presidential positions in Europe.

Part of these ideas are expected to be rejected by EU governments. But the basic idea is right. Brexit forces Europe to approach and raise awareness of its values. The EU must exploit the good economic situation and the political space of action to implement certain necessary reforms. Because as any navigator knows, after the good wind once follows the next one.

Taken from: Deutsche Welle