Abstract
In this chapter, we examine the role of the European Union (EU) from an evolutionary perspective, emphasizing the powerful forces behind its own incremental configuration and complex but resilient governance. Since the economic crisis erupted in 2008, and particularly in the period of 2014–2017, the EU was predicted, almost condemned, to unravel, overcome by both internal (rise of populism, Brexit, demise of the Eurozone) and external (an arch of instability: Russia, Middle East, North Africa) pressure. Yet, the EU has consistently defied pessimists and this chapter argues that it will continue to do so. In a world of strategic atrophy and unpredictability, the EU will remain a sound and predictable superpower able to evolve and adapt while helping to preserve and reshape a liberal multi-polar international order.
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Notes
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Other revealing examples of the EU’s focus on “social resilience” include the following:
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EU Global Strategy (resilience and fight against poverty and inequality): “States are resilient when societies feel they are becoming better off and have hope in the future. Echoing the Sustainable Development Goals, the EU will adopt a joined-up approach to its humanitarian, development, migration, trade, investment, infrastructure, education, health and research policies, as well as improve horizontal coherence between the EU and its Member States. We will fight poverty and inequality, widen access to public services and social security, and champion decent work opportunities, notably for women and youth.”
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EU Global Strategy (“pre-emptive peace and inequality”): “It has long been known that preventing conflicts is more efficient and effective than engaging with crises after they break out. Once a conflict does erupt, it typically becomes ever more intractable over time. The EU enjoys a good record on pre-emptive peacebuilding and diplomacy. We will therefore redouble our efforts on prevention, monitoring root causes such as human rights violations, inequality, resource stress, and climate change—which is a threat multiplier that catalyses water and food scarcity, pandemics and displacement.”
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Harnessing Globalization (White paper): “But many Europeans are also apprehensive. They see globalisation as synonymous to job losses, social injustice or low environmental, health and privacy standards. They consider it to be a factor in the erosion of traditions and identities. These concerns need to be addressed.” “While inequality in Europe remains much less marked than elsewhere in the world, the wealthiest 1% of our population still own 27% of the total wealth. (…) Europe’s internal response: building resilience through better sharing of benefits and promotion of long-term competitiveness. 4.1 Robust social and education policies are key to ensuring resilience and fair distribution of wealth.”
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The European Pillar of Social Rights: “The Pillar of Social Rights is about delivering new and more effective rights for citizens. It builds upon 20 key principles, structured around three categories: Equal opportunities and access to the labour market; Fair working conditions; Social protection and inclusion.”
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Barón Crespo, E., Castro Zuzuárregui, P. (2020). The European Union: A Sound Superpower in a Multipolar World. In: Rojas Aravena, F. (eds) The Difficult Task of Peace. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-21974-1_8
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