Charlemagne’s legacy
Towards a genuine multi-speed Europe
Source of the photo: hvg.hu
French President Emmanuel Macron has delivered again a wonderful speech about the future of Europe after accepting the Charlemagne prize in Aachen. “Let’s not be weak, let’s not be divided, let’s not fear, let’s not wait”, he said, and we started to feel again that our heart is about to melt. Ah, long live the saviour of Europe, the great Charlemagne!
A few minutes later he also referred to the “music of nationalism that is resounding everywhere in Europe”, comparing the divisions caused by this phenomenon to “leprosy”. But then came the twist. Instead of swearing to save and unify Europe whatever it takes, he reaffirmed his commitment towards a multi-speed Europe. “I don’t believe in Europe perpetually waiting for 27 countries to agree before moving forward.” Well, thank you the great great-grandson of Charlemagne.
Macron has been courting Germany to join him in pursuing his grandiose dreams about a new Europe for more than a year. In every speech, he makes a gesture towards Berlin. Only towards Berlin, to be honest. As if Europe consisted of only Germany and France in his head. Of course, I don’t deny the importance of the Franco-German alliance in shaping the European integration. But maybe the French president shouldn’t hedge his bets only on the friendship with the strongest boy in the class. Because there are 25 others sitting in the room as well, who might not have shoulders as wide or notes as brilliant, but their say still matters.
Maybe Macron doesn’t understand the consensus-seeking logic of European politics. Even if he persuaded Chancellor Merkel to say yes to his dreams about a strengthened Eurozone with its own budget, parliament and minister, he would have to ask the others to join this new construction. But apparently, he doesn’t do anything like that. Macron tries to play the French political game and represent only his nations’ interests on the European scene.
While Paris has traditionally represented the interests of Southern member states, the new president doesn’t really seem to care about the country’s old allies. His vision about the future of Europe is clearly against the Dutch or and Nordic way of thinking, and he hasn’t shown yet any sign of compromise towards them. There is only one side of Europe left for Macron, but he clearly treats Eastern Europe as a left-over. He has already let them go in his head. Well, having only Germany and France in core-Europe seems to a be a bit too hard core, isn’t it?
It is, indeed, because Berlin is not as willing to reform the eurozone as Paris expects it to be. It is not only about the well-known reasoning of the golden rule of fiscal discipline and government’s responsibility towards the German taxpayers. But it’s about the German consensus-building culture, which is represented in its national and European politics as well. I don’t want to over-idealize Berlin’s approach towards Europe, because the German government obviously represents its own interests. But they do care for other countries as well, let it be the indebted Greece or the rogue Hungary. Instead of threatening to leave them behind because they are not good enough for the elite club, Berlin tries to influence them to change.
Macron’s enthusiasm is admirable, as Chancellor Merkel has pointed out very well. But it’s not enough. In the days of good old Charlemagne it might have worked to threaten everyone who is not willing to surrender. In the 21st century, the saviour of Europe needs more to offer.