The European Union is in crisis

The European Union is in crisis. Euroscepticism has become a significant political force, which now accounts for almost one third of the seats in the European Parliament. In 2016 the union not only witnessed the unexpected plebiscite in favour of the UK’s departure, but also barely averted both a monetary and a migration crisis. Outside its borders, pressure is mounting from Russia, Turkey and failed states in North Africa. Inside, nationalism and populism are rapidly growing in strength. The prospect of continued dissolution is real, and its consequences — within Europe and around the world — would be extremely serious.