European Federalism: Dream, Nightmare, or a Realistic Political Outcome?

Abstract

The European Union is a political project born in the W.W. II’s aftermath, in a Bipolar World (shaped around US and USSR). The European Powers enjoyed world dominance from the dawn of the Modern Era, but by being constantly embroiled in inner wars on their continent and abroad, they were left completely exhausted in 1945. It was an American strategic vision, materialized in the Marshall Plan, that helped rebuild Europe, and more important than the financial solution, it brought about an ideological framework of cooperation, mutual understanding and unity between the European Nations.

From an economic cartel, the EU has grown steadily into some sort of Confederation with a Monetary Union, an unstable and dysfunctional political structure. Without the US security umbrella, the EU has to face a Multipolar World, with challenges the actual European design is not suited for. My paper analyzes the Federalist project in the context of its two main alternatives, the Sovereign Nations thesis and the ‘Two Speed Europe’ idea. I advocate for federalism as the optimal solution to the problems facing the EU.