European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker gave a speech in Rome, Italy, on March 25, 2017 to mark the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome. Xinhua/Press Association. All rights reserved.In an unexpected but healthy and much-overdue way, Brexit is helping to focus European minds on the future. Following the annus horribilis of 2016, which included a virulent mix of terrorism, populism and geopolitical instability, the time seems ripe for an honest reflection among the remaining 27 Members of the European Union on what they still want to do together – and what perhaps not.
Rather than being the 'cheerleader in chief' for more and deeper integration, the European Commission took the recent 60th Anniversary of the Treaties of Rome as an occasion to launch a White Paper on the Future of Europe. Conceived as the birth certificate of the EU27, this bold document offers a set of exciting innovations, which warrant attention at home and abroad.
Firstly, the White Paper presents five scenarios for the EU27 in the year 2025 – which range from 'carrying on' and enabling 'those who want more to do more' to refocusing by 'doing less more efficiently'. A genuine political novelty, the European Commission in this instance refrained from offering its own view – or most favoured scenario.
