The European Union on Cross-Roads: an Overview of Post-Lisbon Crises and a Way Forward

Abstract

Summary The main aim of this chapter is to make a brief and comprehensive overview of various events of crises across the EU member states that arose in the period from the adoption of the Lisbon Treaty until the end of year 2020. The chapter first, examines the period of crisis in the EU after the adoption of Lisbon Treaty and before BREXIT which includes: economic and debt crisis, euro-zone crisis, Ukrainian crisis and migration crisis. The next part of the chapter looks at BREXIT as “another serious test for the EU”. In the third stage, the chapter looks at the most recent crisis the EU is facing as a consequence of global spread of COVID19 virus in the world and examines various options for further potential cooperation of member states in this new area. In this part chapter looks at the scope of EU competences and explores measures adopted by the EU since the beginning of the pandemic. In its conclusions the chapter looks at various options and scenarios of further potential developments the “European union on crossroads” at the end of year 2020. This includes reflections on various (and often contradictory) views and arguments on the shape of future euro integration process.