Dutch writer Caroline de Gruyter says in

an article

for The New York Times that the war crisis in Ukraine that Europe is currently facing is not a rare or accidental case. The union and the way it works.

And called for more cooperation between the countries of the Union.

Grouter explained that the European Union, which has provided Europeans with prosperity and peace since the 1950s, has always been on the cusp of collapse: a debt crisis, a refugee crisis, Brexit, the rise of the far right and, not least, the epidemic, and every time there are constant screams About the next end of the union.

However, despite everything, it continues.

She said that the strength of the European Union is perhaps its greatest asset, but that it cannot rely on institutional stability alone.

The writer continues, saying that the Russian war in Ukraine, and the increasing economic and political coercion exercised by China, have brought the Europeans together even more.

Federal state-like structure

Such a common sense, she said, is part of the federation's structure, which has a state-like federal structure, yet, in practice, is not like the federal structures of America or Germany.

In Brussels, the de facto capital of the Union, the member states make most of the decisions, and when European heads of state and government meet, they do so as national leaders, elected to work not for Europe but for their nations.

She adds that whatever the issue at hand, they sit down and put their national concerns on the table and start bargaining.

In the end, each side will find some of its demands in the final settlement.


Democracy is the strength and weakness of the union

She added that any elections in any member state of the Union often represent a general concern on the continent, noting that democracy is certainly the strength of Europe, the main value of the Union, and its beating heart, but it is also the source of its weakness, because the Union is not really European: instead of It includes 27 separate national democracies.

And if a Eurosceptic government emerges, it could jeopardize the entire European project, which relies on consensus.

However, Gruyter says this paradox does not have to be permanent.

In a world marked by instability, great power competition and rising prices, Europe must take care of itself - and has the means to do so, seeing that the phased embargo on Russian oil, which is likely to be completed this week, is just the beginning.

United States of Europe

She noted that in the aftermath of the war in Ukraine, defense and collective security are essential, as is the energy union.

Recognizing the need to promote unity, she said, last week a group of European thinkers called for the creation of the United States of Europe.

She questioned whether the thinkers' call could be fulfilled, but said it would be nice if Europeans, instead of constantly worrying about worst-case scenarios, allowed themselves to imagine a stronger and bolder EU, because that would make a different world.