Why Brexiteers Believe the EU is Forming a Superstate

Ever since the United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union (EU), the debate over the potential for a European superstate has intensified. While not every EU member state supports such a vision, the members of the Brexiteer camp have long argued that the EU is moving in the direction of a supranational governing entity. This concern is not spread thinly across any one website or blog; it is a deeply ingrained belief, fuelled by historical and ongoing developments.

The Historical Context of the EU's Aspirations

To trace the roots of this belief, it is essential to look at the early stages of the European Economic Community (EEC), now known as the European Union (EU). The Schuman Declaration of May 9, 1950, a seminal moment in European history, aimed to establish a federal Europe and emphasized the need for closer integration among the member states. The declaration is particularly enlightening on the topic. According to the text, the initial aim was to create a federalist structure through gradual steps, with the final goal being a full European federation.

The Flaws of the European Monetary Union and Economic Governance

The financial and economic crisis that hit the European Monetary Union (EMU) in 2008 unveiled serious flaws in the system. This crisis marked a turning point, where the need for economic policy reform and democratic support became more pronounced. As a result, discussions about federalism and greater supranational governance re-emerged. The challenges in the EMU and the need to address broader economic issues have pushed the EU closer to adopting federalist principles.

The Missing Elements of Federalism

While the EU has made significant strides in embracing federalist principles, key elements of federalism remain absent. For instance, the Schuman Declaration mentioned the need for a common foreign and security policy (CFSP) and a true central government with comprehensive power. Currently, the EU lacks a centralized foreign and security policy and retains the national veto in many instances. However, the situation is changing. Brussels is actively pushing for a more unified foreign and security policy, which could soon overcome this shortcoming.

The Current State and Future of the EU

The rapid progress towards a fully federalist structure, as evidenced by the increasing powers of the EU institutions, raises concerns among Brexiteers. The EU is now directly involved in numerous domains, including monetary policy, defense, foreign affairs, and security. The Union also has its parliament, president, ambassador, flag, anthem, currency, and even its own legal system. With 27 member states, the EU is already a significant governance entity, and more countries are likely to join.

The fear among Brexiteers is that these developments could eventually lead to a single, overarching state-like entity. Some even speculate that the rise of supranational governance in the EU might result in the formation of a new super-state, with names like the "Fourth Reich," "New USSR," or the "United States of Europe" (USE).

The EU's Stated Purpose and Brexit Advocacy

It is worth noting that the EU itself has always aimed for closer union. The term "ever closer union" in its treaties is a clear indication of this goal. Critics argue that such a process could undermine national sovereignty and supercede the power of national governments, thus creating a superstate. This is a significant concern for those advocating for Brexit, as they fear that the expansion of EU powers could lead to a centralized decision-making body that supercedes the will of individual nations.

The EU's growing bureaucracy and the increasing powers of institutions like the European Parliament have led to this apprehension. Critics argue that the centralized and bureaucratic nature of the EU could create institutions that resemble those of a federal state, with the potential to govern large areas of policy traditionally managed by national governments. Furthermore, the lack of democratic accountability in some areas of EU governance exacerbates these concerns.

In conclusion, the belief among Brexiteers that the EU is moving towards becoming a superstate is rooted in historical developments, ongoing trends, and the EU's own stated goals. The process of ever-closer union has led to a significant concentration of power and the emergence of institutions that some see as threatening national sovereignty. As discussions about the future of the EU continue, the debate over the potential for a European superstate will remain a significant topic of discussion.

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References

[1] Schuman Declaration, 9 May 1950.

[2] European Monetary Union Crisis Reports, 2008.

[3] European Union Treaty References for "ever closer union".