Protect European unity against crisis

Editorial says that a gale of pessimism is blowing through Europe. No part of the European Union is sheltered from the global economic downturn, but its newest member states in Eastern and Central Europe are the most vulnerable.

Great statesmanship is now vital to save Europe’s economy – and its union. There has been precious little on display. Too many EU leaders are continuing their secular repatriation of the Union’s powers – especially in core areas such as competition and state aid – back to national capitals.

ESO: Background information: Czechs say they are fighting to protect the EU http://www.europeansources.info/record/czechs-say-they-are-fighting-to-protect-the-eu/

ESO: Background information: World Bank chief urges EU to lead support for eastern Europe http://www.europeansources.info/record/world-bank-chief-urges-eu-to-lead-support-for-eastern-europe/

BBC News, 20.2.09: EU Commission hails enlargement http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7902579.stm

European Commission: Press Release, IP/09/300: Five years of an enlarged EU has brought lasting benefits and left Europe better placed to tackle the current crisis http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/09/300&format=PDF&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

EurActiv, 23.2.09: Economic crisis dims EU enlargement success http://www.euractiv.com/en/enlargement/economic-crisis-dims-eu-enlargement-success/article-179657

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