A stark warning has been issued regarding the potential fragility of the European Union, with former top diplomat and Chairman of the Munich Security Conference, Wolfgang Ischinger, cautioning against further weakening or even dissolution of the bloc. Describing the European project as “the greatest and most valuable achievement of the 20th century” Ischinger emphasized Germany’s critical role in safeguarding and reinvigorating the EU’s future.
Ischinger argued that Germany must actively champion the European project, both internally and externally, through ambitious initiatives. He proposed a shift from a purely integrationist model towards a “Europe of Security” a transition demanding a significant exertion of effort and necessitating a proactive leadership role for Germany.
The former diplomat expressed deep concern over Europe’s precarious security posture, particularly in light of a perceived diminishing reliance on the United States and the NATO security umbrella. This situation, he argues, leaves the continent dangerously ill-prepared for potential military conflict. Consequently, Ischinger called for a substantial consolidation of the European defense market to ensure global competitiveness, directly criticizing what he termed “European petty statehood” hindering progress.
A significant point of critique centred on the EU’s decision-making paralysis due to the requirement for unanimous consent. Ischinger advocated for the formation of a coalition of member states favouring majority voting, effectively creating a “core Europe” – a concept previously floated by Wolfgang Schäuble three decades prior. He underscored the distinction between a unified Europe and a secure Europe, asserting that a fundamental reassessment and bold action are urgently needed to reconcile the two. The inherent implication is that a less inclusive, more streamlined decision-making process might be necessary to ensure the EU’s survival and security in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, potentially creating a division within the Union itself.