Is Europe Still Strong?

Is Europe still strong when its economy is weak? In the news it appears as a fallen giant. In the eyes of most beholders, Europe appears as a weakling. A new document by the Heirch Boll Institute in Germany, suggest that European citizens and European politicians shall embrace a new narrative for Europe, and that is "Europe is strong."

"The fact that the financial markets are able to seriously threaten the European Union can be attributed to a current lack of strategic focus on political integration within EU politics . "--The Report Solidarity and Strength: The Future of The European Union by Heirch Boll Stiftung (Heirch Boll Institute).

The report is the result of a combined approach commissioned by the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Institute. It includes 50 experts including politics, scientists, and representatives of the civil society.

The report continues to say that at this moment the European Parliament is only a witness while the decisions are taken by the countries independently under strong lead from Germany and France. In the face of a global crisis, the promoters of this report about the European Future wish to influence the political narrative--and change a current 'Europe is weak ' perspective by emphasizing European current role and potential contribution to the future.

They said that Europe has been extraordinary strong. Yet, Europe and outsiders have traditionally undervalue its contribution.

Examples of European Strength include:

---Europe has a policy instruments that have allowed the European Union as a coalitions to expand.

--20% military expending. [I though will personally argue that wars really weaken countries economies. MS]

--The amount of 3rd Third World country students studying in Europe is much greater than those studying in United States and China. Europe still give large amounts of financial aid to other countries too.

--Europe brought China to the world coalition yet it was attacked by that. While some people argue that China will replace European Union in a few years, this report suggest that this is not possible. It will take China at least 20 years to be where Europe is now. And they also state that the comparison is based on expending and not in GDP. [GDP--also does not tell us the overall story, because it does not address the internal economic gaps within a country-MS].

---Europeans portrait themselves as weak in front of China and United States, thus appearing weak to the rest of the World.

---Europe is leading in climate change policies, yet it can not hope to bring the US or China to join forces or follow its lead.

The report suggest that Europe shall continue its investment in foreign aid, education, and perhaps more collaboration intervention (war/peace related). More measures in regards to long-term investments science and the economy are also considered. Europe also expect to continue to be a leader in climate policies whether or not it could bring China and the US on board.

It is for us to see how the suggestion of these multitask panel are taken or applied. And it is also left open to European citizens, politicians and the international community to 'redefine' the narrative about Europe.

History tell us that everything that rises may fall. Yet, it is in the best advantage of the western community, currently lead by the US to support their closest allies--The Europeans.