The EU has shifted from being a supranational institution based on clear, predictable rules to a system of constant improvisation
We have traded the rigor of the treaties for a "well since it’s you, we’ll make an exception" approach. Some examples:
- The Stability Pact (Art. 126 TFEU) says no one can exceed a 3% deficit or 60% debt. But France, are you saying that cutting spending would kill "Macronism" and let the right wing win? Don’t worry, mon ami. Since you’re France, we’ll apply the "because I’m worth it" clause and look the other way while your deficit nears 5%. Fiscal discipline is for everyone else
- Common Fisheries Policy (Art 38 TFEU) says European waters must be open to everyone equally. But Iceland, you don’t like this because you want exclusive rights to your own waters? No problem we'll find a way for you to be in the EU without following this rule. Equality was only for those who don’t complain
- State Aid (Art 107 TFEU) law forbids subsidies that distort competition. But Germany, are you facing a recession? Is your industry falling apart? Do you need to keep selling Porsches? Don’t worry. Just say the magic words: "Strategic Sovereignty" and pump in as many billions as you need. Deindustrialization is only for Southern Europe really
- Competition Policy (Art 101-102 TFEU) bans monopolies and mergers that limit competition to protect the consumer. But Mario Draghi, do you think Europe should create its own "giant" monopolies to compete globally? Don’t worry, just tell us which sectors and companies are your favorites and we’ll put the treaties on hold for them. Competition is now "whatever suits us"
- Budgetary Balance (Art 310 TFEU) forbids EU to spend more budgets than what they have. But Commission, do you dream of being a geopolitical power influencing world wars? Say no more: issue all the debt you need and lend it to whoever you like. History will prove you right (or send you the bill)
We have reached a breaking point. Since changing treaties via democratic vote is nearly impossible (because people would vote "No") the EU has decided to rewrite the operating system while the plane is mid-flight
But you cannot be the referee and a player at the same time. You cannot guarantee the law while steering money wherever you feel like. Once trust in the game is broken, it’s gone. You also cannot run a French dirigisme under the logic of free markets. That’s is an utterly unfair transfer of wealth from the many to the few
Continuing to pretend the 1992 rules are still in force while systematically ignoring them is the fastest way to destroy the European project. The old system is clearly not working, but pretending everything is okay while we destroy it with patches is even worse
We must acknowledge that the EU system must evolve for the modern world, but that evolution cannot be improvised. It needs to be designed, debated and democratically validated
Time has come for the Marie Kondos of Europe to take over and tidy up this mess
