A renowned political scientist, Herfried Münkler, suggests that Germany should accelerate European integration with a small group of EU member states in the face of instability and inaction within the EU. “It would probably be the right response for now” he said in an interview with the economic magazine “Capital” on Wednesday. “However, I would deem it essential for France, Germany, and Poland to take this path together, with Italy also joining in.”
Münkler, a former professor at the Humboldt University in Berlin and advisor to several German governments, believes a deepened integration is crucial, as the EU faces pressure from multiple sides, including the Russian invasion and potential tariffs from the upcoming US administration. “If Europeans fail to find a common position, I fear it could be the end of the EU” he said. “Some countries will then try to find their own ways, alliances, and solutions.”
In the face of the Russian threat, Münkler also advocates for a new orientation in defense policy. If Germany wants to maintain the protection of the US, it will have to pay much more, he said. “Forget the current NATO target of two percent of GDP for defense. We would rather be at three or four percent. For Germany, that would mean not 70 to 80 billion euros for defense per year, but 110 to 150 billion.