EU summit ends in strong words but little action
European Union leaders emerged yesterday from a 12-hour summit overshadowed by two wars on Europe’s doorstep, yet with little to show beyond rhetoric...
European Council President António Costa attempted to frame the stakes in stark terms, arguing that upholding the international rules-based order was essential because “the alternative is chaos” and “if you want to preserve peace, we need to uphold the international law and uphold the multilateral system”. He explicitly pointed to the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East as examples of what is at risk.
That sense of urgency, though, did not translate into action.
As we know, lots of people in the UK favour reaffirming our marriage vows with this lot, including that strange chap who pretends to be UK Prime Minister. Maybe demonstrations of obvious irrelevance such as this will change attitudes, but it doesn't seem likely.
To a certain collective mindset politics is like tennis. Thrilling rallies, clever strategy, playing by the rules - but in the end nothing is produced. Nothing is done. It's just a game, keeping track of the top seed.
ReplyDelete"António Costa attempted to frame the stakes in stark terms"
ReplyDeleteStark stakes? He needs to stick to coffee . . .
"by two wars on Europe’s doorstep": odd! The Ukraine war is IN Europe not on its doorstep. The Iran war is on its doorstep if you accept Azerbaijan as part of Europe, which does seem to be the current convention.
ReplyDeleteDJ - and we are just the paying spectators supporting the players we cheer.
ReplyDeleteJannie - ha ha, yes a good strong espresso should relax him.
dearieme - yes, Azerbaijan seems to be quite close to Europe, but keeps its distance from the EU apparently. Starmer could ask how its done.