The End of the Journey

This essay explores the future of the EU in light of the eurocrisis, and the resulting implications for the transatlantic relationship. Over the past 55 years, the European process unfolded as a tale of treaties that showed a quasi-seasonal rhythm: deepen in order to widen — from six to many more; widen in order to deepen — from a small Common Market to ever more; and reform in order to do both. Along the way, this development was steadily endorsed by a preponderant United States that welcomed the resurgence of its ally of choice with repeated calls for enlarging its role in the world. Of late, however, ' Europe ' has become a contentious political issue, within and among most of its members. In recent years, the single currency has been the most visible source of such increasing Euro-resentment. Yet for all the talk about the imminent demise of the EU, its members have continued to show the same capacity for adaptation as Europe has displayed over time. This is not the end of the journey for Europe, nor is it the end of its affair with the United States.

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