The new European crisis

[abomvubuso]

"If this is the answer, it is better to be alone than in bad company", said the Italian foreign minister Roberto Maroni. "Italy has breached the 'spirit' of EU free travel rules", responded his German counterpart Hans-Peter Friedrich. He also threatened that if Italy continues to let North African immigrants to flock across its territory into the

Comments

[luvdovz]

Right. I don't know why, but it seems to me that the solution for the immigration issue is not only very clear and predictable, but has also been used before, and with some good success. But of course that doesn't mean it would be easy, especially when the money is not enough (like now).

From a Realpolitik POV the EU should strive to encircle itself with a "wall" of democratic regimes along its borders. Consisting of countries and societies roughly sharing the same values - like exactly what happened after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Eastern Europe, to a large extent thanks to this subconsciously (maybe?) approach of the EU of using "soft force", plus the East's natural cultural affinity to the European understanding of democracy and society, is more and more turning into an extension of its western counterpart. And no one is doubting any more which is the future direction for Eastern Europe. It seems they have already chosen it, and they didn't need to hesitate too much about it.

A similar policy of "soft force" could be much more successful in dealing with the problem you're discussing here than just building physical walls along the borders, a measure that would solve nothing.

A related piece, though a bit non-serious:

[htpcl]

I'm not sure West Europe moved a finger to incorporate the East culturally, it happened naturally because, as you say, they share a lot of common traits even after decades of division on both sides of the Iron Curtain. The gaps that had to be closed were mostly economical.

Also I didn't say anything about nation-building of the "encircle themselves with a "wall" of democratic regimes along its borders". I said "encouraging them to establish firm rules and follow them, whatever they may be". If they want Sharia, let them have Sharia. Who are we to tell them what's best for them? Just choose something and let us know, and let's start working together.