On Tuesday morning, MEP Charles Goerens of the Democratic Party (DP) joined our colleagues from RTL Radio for a discussion on current EU politics.
Visibly pensive, MEP Goerens opened by remarking, “This year is so disruptive, it’s almost hard to describe.” He expressed regret over the diminished predictability of the United States, which he described as Europe’s “main ally,” stating this has sown significant uncertainty. Coupled with what he characterised as a less-than-brilliant economic situation in the EU, Goerens argued that member states must now stick together more closely.
The MEP warned against underestimating Donald Trump, as was done during his first term. According to Goerens, the Make America Great Again movement prioritises its own interests above all others, a stance Europe is poorly positioned to counter in the current balance of power. “If you don’t have lithium today, if you don’t have natural resources, then you don’t have much to oppose that with, and that is being exploited cold-bloodedly,” he cautioned.
To regain its ability to act, Goerens believes the EU must reorganise itself by simplifying and improving its decision-making processes. “We have a major leadership problem,” he criticised, reiterating a frequent personal stance in favour of abolishing the unanimity principle in EU voting.
Goerens claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump are united in a desire to fragment Europe and see the European Union disappear. He lamented that European nations are, in his view, playing into this strategy. He pointed to instances where larger nations like France, Germany, or the UK make decisions on issues such as Ukraine strategy or rearmament “over the heads of” eastern member states like Estonia and Lithuania.
Regardless of its size, Goerens appealed to European leaders to ensure every member state feels respected.
MEP Goerens pointed to the recent vote on the Omnibus I directive as a concerning example of shifting alliances, admitting it caused a “conviction” to collapse. In November, the European People’s Party (EPP) – which includes Luxembourg’s CSV – joined with right-wing conservative and far-right factions to support a diluted version of the directive.
Goerens noted that since 1979, he had been accustomed to compromises being sought and found within “centrist” politics. He expressed regret that this dynamic has now changed, citing the far-right’s “very well organised” state and, critically, the EPP’s increasing tendency to form majorities with the right and far-right to secure influence. “Everyone must be aware that we are playing with fire here,” Goerens warned, emphasising that this practice has become systematic.
Goerens argued that society should heed the warnings of those who witnessed the rise of extremism in the last century. He quoted the German playwright Bertolt Brecht, who wrote in 1933: ‘Following the drum / the calves trot / the skin for the drum / they deliver themselves’.
The MEP announced his intention to study the works of political philosopher Hannah Arendt over the holidays, stressing the importance of historical parallels. “We should learn from history and we should look at how many parallels there are with today,” Goerens stated. He added that while it “doesn’t have to end the way it did from 1933 to 1945,” the early signs of such an evolution are already present. “And nobody can tell me I’m wrong about that,” he concluded.
