In recent years, the temptation to embrace sovereignism and defend the national identity of individual European states has become a powerful proposition.
But what identity do we truly want? That of an isolated country or that of a stronger, more united European community?
Economic, political and social challenges cannot be faced alone. In a period of increasing economic and geopolitical uncertainty, the role of the European Union is increasingly at the centre of debate.
On one side, there are those who see it as an opportunity for growth and stability, and on the other, those who see it as an obstacle to national sovereignty.
Recent statements by Donald Trump on Europe and the results of the elections in Germany highlight this division.
Trump has repeatedly criticised the EU, arguing that Europe should reduce its dependence on the United States and face its challenges autonomously.
This rhetoric is linked to the growing strength of sovereignist and Eurosceptic forces, which see the Union as a limitation on the full sovereignty of individual states.
However, the reality is more complex. The absence of monetary sovereignty and common fiscal policies makes the Union vulnerable to internal economic inequalities.
In a system like the Eurozone, without the ability to print money and without shared public debt, weaker countries are forced to follow rigid fiscal policies imposed by Brussels, while stronger ones, such as Germany, face the dissatisfaction of the more vulnerable.
If European countries were not bound by common rules, they would have greater freedom of manoeuvre, but this could lead to instability and economic conflicts between states.
The risk would be an increasingly divided Europe, with countries adopting conflicting policies and unable to respond collectively to global crises.
Sovereignist forces, which promote a return to full national autonomy, do not consider that without the Union, Europe would become even weaker and more vulnerable, unable to compete with other global powers such as the United States or China.The elections in Germany, where the rise of the Eurosceptic far right represented by Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) demonstrates growing discontent, are a sign that the increasing influence of the radical right could further undermine the cohesion of the Union.
A Europe dominated by forces that reject economic and political integration would fail to respond to global challenges. Isolation is not an answer, but a risk.
Only through greater solidarity among members, with common fiscal and monetary policies, can Europe ensure a strong and united response, protecting its future.
