Frank Vibert is director of the European Policy Forum. He is the author of Europe Simple, Europe Strong: The Future of European Governance (Polty, 2001) and The Rise of the Unelected: Democracy and the New Separation of Powers (Cambridge University Press, 2007)

Recent articles

How best can democracies respond to and manage political crises? The market fallout of the global financial turmoil offers three available models - deliberation, defenestration, institutional mediation - of meeting the challenge, says Frank Vibert.

India is both a secular state and a society of rich religious diversity. A journey between Patna and Varanasi prompts Frank Vibert to reflect on Buddhism's intangible presence in the Indian mosaic. In particular, he asks: does this Indian experience suggest that the endurance of a faith lies not in its power or materiality but in confidence that each generation will rediscover its eternal truths in their own way? Why not then simply shed the fear of loss and decline?

Its first half-century has been a qualified success for the European Union. Its fate in the next depends on its ability to look outward, says Frank Vibert.

The presidency of the European Union in the first half of 2007 will be vital in revivifying the troubled European project. But Angela Merkel needs a partner. Frank Vibert plays matchmaker.

The mood of the European Union is one of renewed if fragile optimism. But its politicians still need to choose reality-based argument and language over evasive jargon, says Frank Vibert.