Kryzys integracji europejskiej czy kryzys Unii Europejskiej? Przesłanki i skutki

Abstract

There is no doubt that the European Union, as a result of the European integration, is an unprecedented entity in the history of international relations. It is a symbol of a new, uniting Europe, which decided to eliminate war forever. Unfortunately, the idea of “eternal peace” has not materialised fully yet. The article aims to present the European Union at present, facing an ongoing crisis. The article discusses strengths and weaknesses of the EU, which – although it became substantially stronger expanding to the East – does not cope with many economic, political, social and international problems nowadays. The main thesis is the statement that the EU requires a complete overhaul so that it might continue to develop and be the European integration drive. If it does not happen, the EU will start to disintegrate and will finally collapse or become nothing more but just a free trade zone.