The prospects for the future of the Old Continent do not look good according to both various statistics and public surveys which indicate a general dissatisfaction in Europe. To reverse harmful trends, first of all, it is necessary to admit that today’s Europe is not the same as it was a couple of decades ago, neither in cultural-civilisational, nor in political, social or environmental terms.
A deepening political chaos
Such politicians as Winston Churchill or Helmut Kohl are not born every day, this is obvious, nevertheless the fact that Ursula von der Leyen was found to be the most suitable candidate to continue as leader of a major body of the European Union for five more years is a clear indication of an ongoing political downturn.
Von der Leyen was re-elected as President of the European Commission despite she has lost a controversial COVID-19 vaccines contracts transparency case, not to mention that her achievements, both in political and economic terms, despite her best efforts, can be described as limited. It should be added that she cannot even be seen as an elected politician, given that not a single European citizen has voted for her to continue in EU’s top job – her second term as Commission President is largely due to the bargaining of the various political groups in the European Parliament. Even in the short term, all this can easily lead to a trust crisis in Europe.
In addition to all this, one should not forget that in von der Leyen’s chaotic Europe, a politically motivated assassination attempt was made against Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fico in May which clearly signals a new era of political turmoil when instability prevails everything.
As the political course set by von der Leyen continues, further confrontations can be expected in the field of foreign affairs, especially with Russia, as far as Ukraine is concerned – von der Leyen has laid a solid foundation to this scenario in recent years with her steps including ’seducing’ Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, appointing Kaja Kallas as High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, launching projects to boost the EU’s defence industry and, last but not least, imposing sanctions against Russia and, developing’brilliant’ ideas on the further use frozen Russian assets. In addition, not much progress can be expected when it comes to political relations with the United States, especially in case Donald J. Trump becomes the 47th President of the U.S. which seems to be very likely. Trump has already made it clear that he would prefer to see financial support for Ukraine delegated to the EU, whilst he would focus on the peace-building process.
Fading European values: no need for dissent and opposition
One of the key elements of von der Leyen’s leadership is to eliminate opposition voices within the EU by using sophisticated means of punishment. In her universe, leaders of the Member States have no other choice but to agree – there is no room for disagreement, dissent or protest. Those who disagree can easily find themselves outcast in the international community, isolated, and being forced into the role of a province of the empire. Turning nations into pariah states and labelling them as anti-Europeans – this is her response to eliminate political discontent within the bloc.
Why do European citizens fail to see how damaging her practices are? The answer to this is, on the one hand, that Madam President has placed herself above everyone, almost in the clouds, and this height is not easily accessible to ordinary people. On the other hand, in her Europe, the mainstream media is reporting all day long how excellent her actions are.
Above all, it should also be noted that while she uses a witch’s charm in manoeuvring amongst those Member States which have already been degraded to the level of subordinates, she is always ready to use the most radical tool of silencing when it comes to those countries which dare to express a different opinion. How is this all in line with celebrated EU values such as freedom of speech? Most people do not care about it, which is hardly surprising given all other serious problems the EU is facing.
Cultural and social shock: migrants
According to reliable statistics such as the European Migration Network (EMN) Annual Report on Migration and Asylum for 2023, a total of 1,049,020 migrants arrived in EU last year.
According to EMN report, based on data by Eurostat, first-time applications for asylum increased overall across the EU in 2023, exceeding one million applications, a level not seen since 2016. 2023 was also marked by an increase in irregular migration directed to the EU, with approximately 380,000 detected illegal border crossings, a 17% increase from 2022, the highest annual figure since 2015-2016.
While the EU, led and controlled by von der Leyen, strongly supports Ukraine, it is turning its back on Africa and the Middle East, considered to be one of the primary sources of migration to Europe. The EU’s leadership is doing nothing more than offering pitiful amounts of handout to incumbent African leaders, who, in return are willing to stop migration for a while. In a few months, the entire vicious circle starts again: another coup, new massacres, increasing temperatures and, new waves of refugees and migrants are leaving Africa for Europe. It is a never-ending process.
Climate breakdown
Even migration reports suggest that a great number of African migrants come to Europe to flee climate change. Sadly, the latest European climate report, which warns that Europe is on the brink of a climate crisis may not be accessible not only to these people but also to many Europeans.
According to the European Environment Agency’s (EEA) assessment, Europe is the fastest warming continent in the world, and climate risks are threatening its energy and food security, ecosystems, infrastructure, water resources, financial stability, and people’s health.
The EEA’s assessment identifies 36 major climate risks for Europe. ’Our new analysis shows that Europe faces urgent climate risks that are growing faster than our societal preparedness’, the report says. ’Flooding, erosion and saltwater intrusion threaten Europe’s low-lying coastal regions, including many densely populated cities’ -, this is how the agency sees the future.
Apocalyptic scenarios ahead?
Given the major challenges to Europe’s societies, its cultural foundation, healthcare systems, political establishment, climatic conditions and so on, it is not an exaggeration to assume that the continent is about to enter into an apocalypse-like new era.
The onset of this era depends on Europe’s ability to produce politicians committed to respect both nations and Europe’s core values; who are ready not only to say no to corruption and to further immigration but to give room to critical voices and, who will be able, with real measures, to normalise climate conditions of the continent – all in all, all the things top bureaucrats in Brussels are neither able nor willing to do.
If the European Union, without any substantial changes, continues to be dominated by the same political direction in the future, there is a risk that citizens of Europe can soon say goodbye to everything that can be described in two words as ’European civilisation’.
Italian prime minister Georgia Meloni recently said that she believes ’the EU is making a mistake in its strategy.’ According to her, Europe has often lacked politics, which is vision and decision-making.
How mistaken Europe’s strategies are, we all can see in everyday life. Just look at the politically motivated assassination attempt on Slovak PM Fico and, new historic records in irregular migration to Europe not to mention record high temperatures. Given all this, Europe can easily find itself in apocalyptic conditions.
To all this, add that the political course set by von der Leyen is clearly bringing the war closer to Europe, while it ignores fundamental interests and rights of European citizens, such as the right to live in peace. Let’s not forget: war is not necessarily part of chaos, but it is certainly part of the apocalypse.