Editorial: All Quiet on the European Front

Photo: SCANPIX

The Continent diligently deliberates, debates, and decides ... As a rule, no major jolts, no U-turns. The member states desiring to be Alpha and Omega at decision making implies that to charismatic characters rise to top spots – such as might go solo whether by statements or steps taken.

A persona overly forceful would alter certain positions beyond what the public could bear. Quite quickly, then, would it be concluded that the guy is too self-willed: the European way is lobbying for agreement not pushing into the limelight. Thus, to prevent deeper crises of trust and management, checks and balances must stay in place within the system. As also evident in new EU figurehead found.

To have Jean-Claude Juncker step into Jose Manuel Barroso shoes is the true EU option. Perhaps not as grey as some before him, Mr Juncker comes as no surprise. The overall Barroso-time EU direction being towards integration, Mr Juncker is sure to go with the flow.

The Brits, forcefully opposed to Mr Juncker, came close to painting him as an Apostle of Federalism. Mainly, however, they criticised the lack of democracy in the process. While meek and mild as a pro-Juncker person in her rhetoric and underlining the need to consider London, Angela Merkel ended up scoring for the man in a way worthy of Mario Götze.

Meanwhile, the non-democratic talk is somewhat tempered by Mr Juncker’s conservative EPP party gaining a decent mandate at recent EU elections. Additional votes added, Mr Juncker was yesterday supported by 422 MEPs (376 would have sufficed). Estonia was found among the yes-states. 

In run-up to elections, in an article for Postimees, Mr Juncker shot arrows of criticism at EU single foreign policy. Next in line, EU needs to replace Lady Ashton with five years in view. But don’t read Mr Juncker to hope for a powerful figure to emerge. Rather, unity will be emphasised.

Meaning: the new EU foreign policy chief may prove a mediocre choice palatable enough for all member states. At today’s summit, a «new Van Rompuy» will also be discussed. With these same criteria in mind. As prescribed by European ways and values.