This EuroMemorandum draws on discussions and papers presented at the 23rd Workshop on Alternative Economic Policy in Europe, organised by the EuroMemo Group in cooperation with the Department of Geography at Harokopio University and the Nicos Poulantzas Institute, from 28-30 September 2017 in Athens.
Dear colleagues, friends and supporters of the EuroMemo Group,
We are pleased to announce the EuroMemorandum 2018:
“Can the EU still be saved? The implications of a multi-speed Europe”
Nearly ten years into the crisis, after the EU opted for austerity and deregulation, the member states are still looking for the way out. In vain has the EuroMemo Group warned against the dangers that are inherent in the architecture of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU). The repercussions include the rise of ultra-right wing political forces across Europe which feeds into the anti-European popular sentiment they cultivate. Exiting the EU has been gaining ground and will soon be the case for Britain. This represents a turning point in the history of the EU, against an ‘ever closer union’. Can the EU still be saved? This is a difficult question indeed. The White Paper on the Future of Europe produced by the European Commission details five scenarios. However, these tend to overlook inherent tensions in Europe, e.g. heightened insecurity relating to labour markets, the role of finance in the post-crisis era, and the rise of a subaltern class across Europe.
The EuroMemorandum 2018 critically analyses recent developments in Europe and emphasises the strong need for alternative policies. The economic system imposed in the aftermath of the crisis must be changed through a shared European process. A multi-level governance model combining action at the European scale with that of individual governments is needed. The main challenge will be to identify key elements of such a strategy and to build the necessary alliances. The future of European integration will depend on the deepening of democracy in the interests of stability, solidarity and social justice. The EuroMemorandum 2018 will be published together with a list of signatories.
Therefore, if you are in broad agreement with the main lines of argument of this year’s EuroMemorandum, please express your support.
In order to submit your declaration of support to the EuroMemo Group, please fill in the form you can find on the right of the page, and send it back by Wednesday, 17 January 2018 via email to info@euromemo.eu.
Please distribute the EuroMemorandum 2018 widely.
Thank you very much for your support and best wishes,
The EuroMemo Group Steering Committee