Unionism and Nationalism at Odds in an Evolving Europe

Research and Reporting by Danielle Susi

Europe- There is conflict in Europe.  Not the armed kind, but there is both a rise in European Unionism and in individual state Nationalism.  With this divide among member states, can the EU ever become an open community of free-flowing, shared political values?

Recent attacks in Oslo, Norway’s capital city, have left 76 people dead (new death toll count lower according to an Associated Press report).  The attacker, Anders Behring Breivik, has claimed that he was forced to act to defend Europe from multiculturalism.  In a 1,500-page manifesto Breivik posted online, much of the material is a rant against Islam and the outcome of mass immigration to Europe.  While violence is always an unacceptable form of outreach, Breivik has seemed to mirror (in a most extreme way) the ideas of many Europeans in regards to protecting the sanctity of the Union.

Another, and certainly less malicious, sign of Euro-pride can be found in a recently-agreed upon rescue package for debt-stricken Greece.  The seventeen euro zone leaders (nations that have adopted the Euro as their national currency) announced a second bailout for Athens of an extra 109 billion Euros (157 billion USD).  It has been said that the rescue package pleased financial markets because it seemed that the euro zone was finally taking a long-term approach to Greece’s problem. In the wake of this financial crisis, many nations have reconsidered Unionism as a method of support.

On the other hand, the stronger and less-affected nations are placed between the political pull of Unionism and the public pull of Nationalism.  After the announcement of the Greek bailout, both the people of France and Germany were outraged that such a measure would be taken to aid a financially-failing country, regardless of Union membership.  It’s easy to see why the mindset of many citizens of some EU nations are more “look out for number one” rather than “all for one,” because their tax dollars are saving another country from default rather than going toward their own country’s needs.

As Poland takes over the European Union’s rotating presidency this month, they are placed in a difficult situation.  As a nation that has remained outside of the euro zone, Poland’s Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, has stated that he would only be interested in joining the zone if revised rules were put into place to avoid another debt crisis like the one the Union is currently facing.

As Nationalism rises in Europe, will this lead to the demise of the EU?

It’s clear that the financial crisis has taken a toll on many member states and that the public has expressed resentment toward their respective governments in regards to the Greek bailout.  Ultimately, the reluctance to rescue fellow nations may be the critical point in the downfall of the Union.  However, Poland’s current Union presidency may act as a binding force among EU members as Prime Minister Tusk criticizes “egoistic national interests” and presents Poland as a protector and defender of European values.

Images from New York Times/Steffen Kugler