Excerpt:
Are we witnessing the "Germanization" of the European Union's policies? Or Europe's surrender to the national interests of its leading states? Are there growing tendencies of xenophobia, Islamophobia and racism in the EU? Yes, according to the views expressed in interviews and articles by commentators and experts on the EU economy, politics and social situation.
Let's first deal with Germanization. Europe has been strongly battered by the present economic crisis. The response of the EU has certainly not been quick. About 30 European summits, over four years, have been necessary to set up the new economic governance and cope with the crisis. But finally, through the so-called six-package, the stability funds and other measures implemented by the European Central Bank, an answer has been found.
The toolbox is now ready. Each one of these instruments has been prepared through a long process with the participation of the European Commission, the EU and European Councils and the European Parliament. In addition, national parliaments have ratified the Fiscal Compact Treaty. To put it briefly, the whole European democratic system has taken part and has had a say in this process.