The European Union has been experiencing difficult times ... Between Brexit and the events in Catalonia, the referendums for more autonomy of the two richest regions of Italy - Lombardy and Veneto and the obvious disagreements between member states on common issues, more and more political scientists believe that the European motto "United in diversity" has been seriously compromised. Indeed, talks of a multi-speed Europe, whether because of the Eurozone which has clearly defined a new border within Europe or because of the Schengen area, intensify... Is the gap between East and West, between North and South going to disappear, or will they deepen? Will the European Union succeed in overcoming its divisions in order to take the path of integration and how should it be reformed against the backdrop of growing diversity?

We invited French historian and political scientist Jean-Yves Potel to comment on all these questions.

“In my opinion, Europe must be given a new meaning. It is a long story about creating an architecture called the European Union that has experienced periods of unity and disagreement. Everybody talks about Europe today, but nobody understands exactly what we want to achieve. All these years, the EU has been expanding. There were 6 countries in the beginning and now we are 28; soon there will be 27. Looking back in time, I believe that the roots of discord or divergent opinions in the EU must be sought in history, periods of war and peace especially during the 20th century, when nations experienced quite difficult and painful times. Hence the views of some countries, such as Russia, Germany, Italy, France, that have accumulated over the centuries. The EU has emerged as a counterpoint to war and hostility among peoples. That is why like Emmanuel Macron, I also believe that we must preserve Europe's fundamental values and build on them, promoting unification. Only in this way Europe will acquire a new meaning in line with the realities of the 21st century. Regarding regional and local calls for independence, they are nothing new, as it is a way of legitimizing diversity without a complete and irreversible rift. The agenda these days includes Catalonia, but in the same way we can talk about Corsica, the Basque country, Northern Ireland, Scotland..."

Diversity, as we have seen, often grows into discord which distorts the rhythm of EU development. Hence the notorious notion of a "Europe of different speeds" creates new occasions for dissatisfaction. Bulgaria is particularly sensitive to this issue. What is your future, a single Europe or several Europe in one?

“When the construction of a united Europe began, the Maastricht Treaty was adopted, introducing the concept of ‘Enhanced Cooperation,’ which allows for individual member states to unite and work actively together on certain topics. This is how the two main oppositions emerged in the EU: Schengen and the euro area. My point is that there is no need to institutionalize the differences and create multi-speed Europe. We need to strive for overcoming the differences but preserving diversity at the same time. Currently, in Brussels, the idea of setting up a Parliament for the Eurozone members is under discussion. This should not be allowed to happen. The European Parliament is one and common to all member states.”

On the eve of its European Presidency, Bulgaria announced its priorities, including the gradual enlargement of Europe towards the Western Balkans. Do you think this idea is realistic? Do the Western Balkans really have a place in United Europe?

“I have always opposed the opinion of those who believe that the Balkans are ‘the land of the Devil’, which we must avoid. I do not believe the definition of "Powder keg of Europe." It is true that violent nationalism has been existing in this region for many years, stirring hostility among the peoples; very serious wars were taking place here, but I believe that everything should be done in order for these countries to join the EU, naturally under the conditions laid down in the membership criteria. So that this dynamic of discord and hatred can be stopped once and for all...”

English: Alexander Markov