"New nationalism would likely endanger peace and prosperity in Europe" Expert on European affairs – Exclusive

Interviews 15:47 17.02.2017

Josef Janning, expert on European affairs in the European Council on Foreign relations gave an exclusive interview to "Eurasia Diary".

He answered the questions concerning the future of the European Union and other urgent topics.

Eurasia Diary: Serious problems of Terrorism, immigration, as well as recent Trump’s victory invigorate far-right parties to assume power in some European countries.  Could you predict that the rise of far-right forces will jeopardize the future of the European Union?

Josef Janning: In my view, the growing belief in the need for renationalization poses is one of  the most difficult challenges for the European Union. This view reaches well beyond the far right parties, but it stems from their rhetoric. It maintains that the pooling of sovereignty in the EU is the source of current problems as it precedes and exaggerates the effects of globalization.

Eurasia Diary: From point of your view, next election for the presidential post in France will affect fortune of the European Union?

Josef Janning: The elections in France are of critical significance because of the role of France in the EU. In particular, the relationship between Germany and France, the core of European cohesion, could suffer from a victory of Marine Le Pen. Should Paris and Berlin part ways, the EU could break apart quite easily. Therefore, Germany would try its best to continue a partnership with France under any President the French voters will elect.

Eurasia Diary: According to recent polls, Party for Freedom which is led by nationalist politician, Greet Wilders will be second largest party in the parliament of the Netherlands.  What can you say about this? 

Josef Janning: Actually, Wilders’ PVV could become the strongest party in parliament. In the Netherlands, one of the most open countries in continental Europe, the backlash against openness is rather strong. Many voters do not see the benefits to their country but focus on the challenges, driven by populists who tell them they could get rid of all the risks but keep all the benefits. It puzzles longtime policy analysts like me to see how otherwise capable citizens are ready to believe in utter simplification.

Eurasia Diary: Mass Media in Europe and the USA have been speculating that far-right parties are backed by Putin government with financial and political means. What is your opinion regarding this?

Josef Janning: In my view, the Russian factor is largely overestimated. It seems to be a scapegoat to deal with a growing distance between “elites” and “the people”. I have little doubt that from Russian soil or fueled by Russian sources anti-establishment actors are being supported or encouraged. However, the impact is rather limited. Such activities can only exploit wrong-doing or mismanagement – so playing by the rules is a good protection. Furthermore, such activities could only have effect in an environment of great uncertainty or fear. In itself, Russia is marginal to domestic politics in Western Europe – its political, social or economic model has no attraction to Europeans. Far right parties may like the top-down leadership style and speak highly of the nationalist attitude of the Russian leadership, but none of them would want to live in the shadow of Russia.kjlkjljkl

Eurasia Diary: Do you believe inviolability of democracy and peace in Europe?

Josef Janning:  No, I do not. The current state of European integration is more fragile than many believe who still talk about the specter of a European super-state governed by Brussels technocracy. In reality, there is no such state or super-bureaucracy. Rather, the EU depends existentially on the importance attached to it by member states and the commitment of its members to the EU’s institutions and politics. When the levels of significance and engagement break down, the EU could hardly survive. In consequence, a new nationalism would likely endanger peace and prosperity in Europe. Democracy will suffer from authoritarian trends and a longing for strong leaders, but it will suffer most from the anti-pluralist sentiment of the current wave of populism. It's notion of the “true will of the people” or the idea that a majority vote stands above constitutional law are the most serious challenges to European democracy.

These days, this context is better understood among a number of governments. The readiness of keep Europe together and capable of acting is growing.


by Yunis Abdullayev

Azerbaijan takes measures to turn Khankandi into safe city - VİDEO

News line

Japan eyes self-driving expressway lane network
10:40 29.03.2024
Oil prices end 1Q24 with strong growth
10:30 29.03.2024
SECRETS of the European Union's visit to the South Caucasus - Fikret Sadigov EXPLAINS
10:25 29.03.2024
Israeli strikes on Syria kill dozens, security sources say
10:20 29.03.2024
Ammunition found in Khankandi
Ammunition found in Khankandi
10:10 29.03.2024
Iran’s top diplomat: Military presence of third countries in Caspian Sea goes against interests of region
Iran’s top diplomat: Military presence of third countries in Caspian Sea goes against interests of region
10:00 29.03.2024
Armenia officially announces freezing its participation in CSTO
09:50 29.03.2024
US hopes to return to purchase of 72 fighter jets per year amid budget cuts
09:38 29.03.2024
Another 138 IDPs leave for Fuzuli
09:28 29.03.2024
Netanyahu: "We have strategic assets of Hamas"
09:17 29.03.2024
Date of next meeting of Armenian and Azerbaijani Parliament Speakers announced
09:00 29.03.2024
Russia prepares for new offensive in May-June l – says Zelensky
23:52 28.03.2024
Russian investigators have evidence of Ukraine link to Crocus terrorists
22:24 28.03.2024
Committee members of the EU Council will visit the South Caucasus region
19:48 28.03.2024
Bayern to pay Thomas Tuchel 12M euro compensation
Bayern to pay Thomas Tuchel 12M euro compensation
19:00 28.03.2024
Crocus City Hall terrorists took drugs before attack - law enforcement agencies
Crocus City Hall terrorists took drugs before attack - law enforcement agencies
18:33 28.03.2024
Azerbaijan, UN Development Program mull future co-op
18:00 28.03.2024
An Independent Trade Union Established within International Eurasia Press Fund - First in NGO sector - PHOTOS
17:39 28.03.2024
Italian PM condemns Macron for idea of sending troops to Ukraine
Italian PM condemns Macron for idea of sending troops to Ukraine
17:23 28.03.2024
Azerbaijan lends clarity to color requirement for taxis
17:02 28.03.2024
Isaac Herzog: Israel has no greater friend than US, and US has no greater friend than Israel
Isaac Herzog: Israel has no greater friend than US, and US has no greater friend than Israel
16:45 28.03.2024
Nigerian army eliminates over 200 militants in 2 weeks
16:30 28.03.2024
Armored Vehicle Coalition for Ukraine launched in Poland
Armored Vehicle Coalition for Ukraine launched in Poland
16:15 28.03.2024
Russia strengthens transport security measures after terror attack at Crocus City Hall
Russia strengthens transport security measures after terror attack at Crocus City Hall
15:55 28.03.2024
Türkiye plays an important role between Russia and Ukraine - says political scientist Ismail Cingoz
15:45 28.03.2024
2 schoolchildren detained in France on suspicion of sending bomb threats
15:35 28.03.2024
Ski resort in Georgia hit by avalanche
Ski resort in Georgia hit by avalanche
15:26 28.03.2024
Another protest against French colonialism held in New Caledonia, Azerbaijani flag raised
Another protest against French colonialism held in New Caledonia, Azerbaijani flag raised
15:15 28.03.2024
Media: US did not transfer all information about terrorist attack in Crocus City Hall to Russia
15:00 28.03.2024
Movement ‘Together’ calls on Armenia’s parliamentary forces to express vote of no confidence in Pashinyan
14:41 28.03.2024
Azerbaijan to participate in international trade fair in Istanbul
Azerbaijan to participate in international trade fair in Istanbul
14:32 28.03.2024
Le Pen accuses French government of fraud
14:22 28.03.2024
Armenian Government Grapples with Internal Division on Village Return Issue - Ishkhan Verdiyan talks on Ednews
14:12 28.03.2024
Ammunition found along route of Crocus City Hall terrorists
Ammunition found along route of Crocus City Hall terrorists
13:41 28.03.2024
Expert Ilyas Huseynov Predicts Peaceful Return of these territories to Azerbaijan
13:20 28.03.2024
Azerbaijan weather forecast for March 29
Azerbaijan weather forecast for March 29
12:55 28.03.2024
Russian MFA concerned about upcoming Armenia-US-EU meeting
12:23 28.03.2024
Secret Points of Pashinyan's Meeting with French Representative: Is Peace Agreement Signing Imminent?
12:00 28.03.2024
Armenia announces recruitment of border guards to work at Zvartnots
Armenia announces recruitment of border guards to work at Zvartnots
11:47 28.03.2024
The US-Armenia-EU Joint Conference is a part of the pressure plan on Azerbaijan - MP Konul Nurullayeva
11:30 28.03.2024
Hamısı