Charlemagne is a wonderful column in The Economist, and definitely one that we'll keep under the next, Undiscipline-ruled regime: Britain is proudly, and distinctively European, so it's a wonderful segment of the magazine. The column mostly deals with Europe and the European Union, and this week does not absolutely disappoint(s).
It's not that strange that a falling empire — Europe = museum; can't produce anything but bad policies — is grasping for ways to fix its dire situation. It is strange that the intelligentsias' minds are so detached from where they need to be. (#890832)
A peninsula dense with countries that once ruled vast swathes of the planet has watched uncomfortably as former colonies caught up or insolently forged ahead. It knows full well change is necessary.
No, I don't think Europe 2025 knows "full well" that "change is necessary" (#968401) —see this idiotic column.
I think most Europeans live in the delusion that all is great here, that we're still the envy of the world (dEmOcRacy and wElFare sTatez!), that we're the moral and upstanding citizens of the otherwise broken and backwards world.
Having long relied on China’s market for growth, Russian gas to fuel its industry and American military heft for security, the EU has been rocked by three years of war in Ukraine and three months of Donald Trump’s agressive transactionalism in America. ike a noble family belatedly realising it must trim the retinue of butlers and housemaids to stay solvent, Europe should start by ditching the luxury policies it has long taken for granted—but are now indulgences it can ill afford.
True. I wonder which one Charlemagne will go with...
He (for apparently Charlemagne is written by Stanley Pignal...) goes with...
- The Brussels effect: [= trying to impose its standards and project "power" and influence well beyond its borders]. Dictating growing conditions in Indonesia...eh, no; don't do that. "Europe is a shrinking force in the global economy. It is a luxury to pretend otherwise"
Fucking 100%. Scrapping that doesn't do much for Europe, but it's the right thing. 6 points.
- red tape: IMF estimates that administrative red tape between EU countries is equivalent to 110% tariffs. Try chewing on that.
Every Brussels wonk’s desk is weighted down by an increasingly dusty 400-page report released last year by Mario Draghi, a former Italian prime minister, brimming with sensible ideas of how to deepen economic integration. Hardly any of them have been acted on.
Not that I trust Mr. Draghi's judgment on literally anything, but that European bureaucrats aren't even trying is a deep worry. Cut that shit. 8 points.
- The demographics are crap: "Pushing Europeans to have more babies has proved unsuccessful; importing migrants is politically contentious." Can't afford that nonsense... linking retirement age to life expectancy is now a must.
absolutely the right thing to focus on. Yes, fuck the social security Ponzi (#929503). Downside with demographics? Nobody knows how to get more babies. Douze points.
- Military: The UK is strong, its military and geopolitical clout could help Europe in Ukraine(!).
Unconscionable. A falling empire doesn't need warriors, bombs, and constraints; it needs productivity, relevance, and to be economically unleashed. Minus fucking 25 points.
- Military #2: Europe's biggest flaw in recent decades = "scrimp on defence."
Get. Out. Of. HERE! Minus 100.
Also, the summary paragraphs sets out the retardation of Europe and Europeans more than anything else:
Ditching luxury policies is worthwhile in itself. It also ensures other policies that really matter get more attention. The EU’s ambitions to cut carbon emissions to “net zero” by 2050 are costly but necessary—though some other green rules might deserve a second look. Aiding Ukraine is no indulgence, on the contrary. Nor is financing the welfare state, to which many Europeans are attached.
Green stuff is pathetic; not only are they not necessary, they are immaterial for the goal you set out—What Europe says or does in climate regs have no bearing on the world... just stop.
Ukraine is a needless distraction, well out of Europe's hands anyway.
And the days of the welfare state are over — ditch it entirely, tomorrow.
So, I'm gonna say Mr. Pignal gets... checks score sheet... -99 points. (But extra bonus star for openly admitting that demographics are a problem... and somewhat focusing on the right issues; but my god talk about shitting the bed).
Non-paywalled here:
https://archive.md/t2DL8