Flag of the European Union
Europe ratified the Libson Treaty several weeks ago while many in the United States were wrapped up in the November gubernatorial and congressional races in California, New Jersey, New York, and Virginia. Little fan fare was made of this important moment in the United States, but it is crucial to understand that this was not a sudden change in the composition of the United States’ foremost 22nd century competitor. The Libson Treaty was ratified after years of elections, debate, and scrutiny from across the continent of Europe. While the EU’s constitution and its interpretation is still rapidly evolving like that of the United States’ during the 18th and 19th centuries, it’s changes necessitate our attention and understanding. Some might argue that the world is still dominated solely by the United States, but this view ignores important economic and political signs that point to a world with no single hegemony and a rapidly rising European Union.
- EU President and Belgium Prime Minister Herman Van Rompuy
With the approval of the Libson Treaty, comes a new leadership post, President of the European Council, and this week the 27 member states elected the first person to this post. Belgian Prime Minister Herman Van Rompuy will serve in the position beating out former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. The Presidency is largely undefined, but the message is clear. The EU has created a central figure for Europeans and the world to look to for leadership. Until this point the EU has been fully functional but in many ways ambiguous to Europeans and the world alike without a central leader. President Van Rompuy, a consensus builder, is largely unknown on the world stage, and will have the difficult task of establishing the EU Presidency (think President George Washington).
The results of this process are worth watching. For several generations Europe has fought diligently to become more unified and the economic and political results have been impressive. The United States must renew its competitive drive for supremacy soon if we are to remain the world’s premier economic and political power.
