In a political landscape that has seen the rise of technical governments and intricate maneuvers, the notion of a shifting democracy across Europe might not seem as alarming as it should. Yet, the narrative remains that democracy is bravely fighting the encroachment of figures like Putin and Trump.
In the midst of this, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen introduces an ambitious 800 billion euro plan aimed not at creating a European army—since the EU, lacking statehood, doesn’t have one—but at rearming the 27 member states. This plan conveniently sidesteps existing rules that restrict spending on welfare, healthcare, and education, but not on militarization, leaving unclear the intended adversary of this build-up. Interestingly, this proposal emerges without the member states’ prior consent or even their request for it.
President Ursula von der Leyen introduces an ambitious 800 billion euro plan aimed not at creating a European army—since the EU, lacking statehood, doesn’t have one—but at rearming the 27 member states
Conventional wisdom would suggest that such a proposal be debated within the 27 national parliaments, yet this does not happen. In Italy, the government’s stance is shrouded in mystery, with reports of Prime Minister Meloni discussing with officials while internal arguments ensue among her deputies, leaving the nation in the dark. Meanwhile, von der Leyen sidesteps the European Parliament, led by Roberta Metsola, whose silence on the matter is conspicuous.
Von der Bomben also excludes the European Parliament, led by Metsola, who remains silent so as not to cause any disruption.
The plan finds favor with Kaja Kallas, Estonia’s Former Prime Minister and now EU’s foreign policy chief, who supports it partly due to personal historical grievances against the former USSR.
War monger Kaja Kallas has been critical of the new U.S. administration’s handling of the war in Ukraine.
French President Emmanuel Macron jumps into the fray, though his domestic governance struggles, with frequent changes in government, raise questions about his ability to lead Europe. He warns of an impending Russian threat and brandishes France’s “nuclear umbrella,” although this deterrent remains nationally reserved by constitutional mandate. Macron toys with the notion of sending European peacekeeping forces to Ukraine, even as he faces hostility from both political flanks in his own parliament.
German politics also ripple with change as Friedrich Merz, the leading candidate in recent elections, pushes for constitutional amendments to finance increased defense spending. However, without the necessary parliamentary majority from the current elections, he controversially considers recalling the previous parliament to push his agenda through.
Meanwhile, in Romania, political unrest surfaces as the anti-NATO and anti-EU candidate Georgescu gains substantial polling support. Efforts to counter his rise through electoral delays or legal actions seem inevitable if established powers hope to maintain control.
Calin Georgescu
This unfolding scenario highlights the increasingly complex dance between democracy and autocracy in Europe, as traditional political norms are tested and sometimes sidestepped, all in the name of preserving democracy amidst perceived threats.
