Page 13 - ELEMENTS EUROPA (EN)

ELEMENTS EUROPA 9

The second hypothesis is that, unlike the domino effect feared by many,
Europe might as well close ranks. After the collective failure Brexit caused,
there could be some sort of a magnet effect and a wish to find reasons for
Europe to strengthen its own political project in adhering to the Union’s
goals. Rather than the rout foretold here and there, let us hope that some
extra will, courage and sagacity could help get through the turbulence.
This might not be a return of trust yet but at least signs reveal immense
expectations. Eventually, the lesson will be heard this time: the European
Union cannot rid itself of democracy. This means that the solid legislative,
regulatory and administrative foundation it has kept building up for decades
to make the integration of new Member States legally viable cannot keep
acting as a political programme or leave national leaders on the side. The
time has come for Europe to be put back on its feet, to restore a balanced
relationship between the various institutions of the triangle formed by
the Commission, the Parliament and the Council. After all, this is the
best meaning the creation of the new Council of Europe and Council of
the European Union head office could receive: give more visibility and
representative force to the European executive power. In the distribution
of powers, the European Commission has been playing a prominent part
for ages. Has the time come for the executive power, i.e. the Council of
Europe and Council of the European Union, to endorse its pre-eminence?
Let us be bold enough to see the current situation in the most favourable
way: the new Council head office comes at the right time.