Attention Economy


Friday, December 20, 2024

Future of Europe

Liberal Europe must learn some history lessons to survive
https://www.ft.com/content/4395539d-12c9-4de7-9152-0b325084221d
In recent years, Europe has been busy trying to defend a status quo that in fact ended long ago, speaking a language that is no longer comprehensible. It has wasted energy and money in an effort to restore a world that will not come back.
Now European democracies are on the verge of a nervous breakdown. They are threatened simultaneously by voter anger and elite panic. Voters dream of punishing the elites, while the establishment wishes it could tranquillise the electorate.
 
Trump Is Threatening Europe with Tariffs. Is It Ready?
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/20/world/europe/europe-trump-tariffs.html
The incoming president promised “tariffs all the way” unless Europe bought more U.S. oil and gas. European officials have no clear strategy for avoiding a trade war.


Norway is assessing its EU options as a second Trump term looms
https://www.ft.com/content/dbd32579-7cfa-4e01-b7fd-35f1ff721203
Increased geopolitical tensions could yet see Oslo rethink its attitude towards Brussels.
 
The EU must build on past successes
https://www.ft.com/content/169fec69-3d51-46af-b01a-f1669ecb89e2
As it faces fresh challenges, Europe should remember that neither economic integration nor convergence among member states was inevitable.

A new government won’t fix France’s political crisis
https://www.newstatesman.com/international-politics/2024/12/new-government-wont-fix-frances-political-crisis-francois-bayrou
The country’s malaise is grinding, long-term and has few exit routes.