The European Union (EU) has long prided itself on being a normative power, a community of values that is committed to upholding international law, promoting peace, protecting civilians, and building a rules-based global order. These are not just lofty ideals; they are enshrined in EU treaties, declarations, and Council conclusions. However, recent events have called into question the EU’s ability to live up to these ideals, and it is time for the EU to take a hard look at itself and reaffirm its commitment to being a true normative power.
The EU has always been a strong advocate for international law and the rules-based global order. It has played a key role in the creation and development of international institutions such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and the International Criminal Court. The EU has also been a vocal supporter of human rights and has implemented policies to promote and protect them both within its borders and around the world. However, in recent years, the EU’s actions have not always aligned with its rhetoric.
One of the most pressing issues facing the EU is the ongoing conflict in Syria. The brutal, drawn-out war has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of civilians and the displacement of millions more. Despite the EU’s stated commitment to protecting civilians and promoting peace, it has been unable to effectively address the crisis. The EU’s response has been fragmented and lacking in coordination, with member states pursuing their own individual interests rather than working together to find a solution. This has not only weakened the EU’s credibility as a normative power but has also allowed the conflict to continue unabated.
Another area where the EU’s commitment to international law has been called into question is its handling of the refugee crisis. The EU has been criticized for its failure to provide adequate support to refugees and for its controversial deal with Turkey, which has been accused of violating international law. The EU’s response to the crisis has been characterized by a lack of solidarity and a failure to live up to its obligations under international law. This has not only damaged the EU’s reputation but has also had a devastating impact on the lives of refugees.
Furthermore, the EU’s relationship with authoritarian regimes has also raised concerns about its commitment to human rights and the rule of law. The EU has been accused of turning a blind eye to human rights abuses in countries such as Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia in order to maintain political and economic ties. This has led to accusations of hypocrisy and has undermined the EU’s credibility as a normative power.
It is clear that the EU needs to take a more proactive and coordinated approach to upholding its values and promoting international law. This requires a strong and united stance from all member states, as well as a willingness to take decisive action when necessary. The EU must also be willing to hold its own members accountable for any violations of international law or human rights.
In addition, the EU must also work towards addressing the root causes of conflicts and crises, rather than simply reacting to them. This means investing in conflict prevention and resolution, promoting good governance and the rule of law, and addressing issues such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. By addressing these underlying issues, the EU can help to create a more stable and peaceful world.
The EU also needs to lead by example and ensure that its own actions are in line with its values. This means addressing issues such as corruption, human rights abuses, and democratic backsliding within its own borders. The EU must also be willing to hold itself accountable and make necessary changes when it falls short of its own standards.
In conclusion, the EU likes to think of itself as a normative power, but recent events have shown that it still has a long way to go to live up to this title. The EU must take a hard look at itself and make the necessary changes to ensure that its actions align with its values. By doing so, the EU can truly become a community of values and a leader in promoting international law, protecting human rights, and building a more peaceful and just world.
