Madam, – Dr Garret FitzGerald’s article (Opinion, April 3rd) on what he perceives to be the disturbing evolution of EU governance, and Anthony Coughlan’s comment (April 14th) on that article, make interesting reading.
Whatever the differences between them concerning European integration and Ireland’s role in that process, they seem to be united in the view that smaller member states risk losing out (or in Mr Coughlan’s view risk further losing out) as the EU reacts to the consequences of the financial turmoil of the past few years.
In a Europe where national states still cling desperately to all of the essential attributes of sovereignty, including the power to tax and the power to determine how public services and social protection are to be organised and financed, there are inherent and necessary limits to solidarity among states.
If certain areas of policy and activity are reserved to each member state, it is normal that the consequences of dealing with problems in those areas be essentially the responsibility of each state.
That is why the other member states have given only very limited financial support to Greece. It is also why Brian Lenihan found himself “alone” on that fateful weekend when the Irish taxpayer took on the role of guarantor for all the liabilities of the Irish banking system.
The only way to ensure full solidarity among Europeans is to have a democratic European state with the power and the resources to ensure that a real economic and monetary union exists – and that the benefits of that union are shared among all Europeans.
It is highly unlikely that the “wise men” who will look at EU economic governance will come anywhere close to considering such a possibility. They are likely to recommend a mixture of stricter rules and greater interference by EU institutions in economic and social policy measures adopted by member states. This prescription will be inefficacious and will further highlight the fact that by their nature, the EU institutions are not fully democratic.
A Europe of nations which does not transform itself into a Europe of people will continue to lack the basic political resources and legitimacy to achieve its economic ambitions.
Such a Europe risks being an increasingly uncomfortable place for the people of all its nations – small and large. – Yours,
JAMES LEAVY,
Rue de la Baume,
Paris, France.