“The EU looks like the Soviet Union in 1991, – on the verge of collapse” So reads an opinion piece published by George Soros at the beginning of February. Therein he urges parties and individuals alike to come to the defense of Europe and its values. He concludes with calls for the awakening of the pro-European majority. All over the continent, populists more often nationalist than not, have dominated the narrative with immigration and national pride. They attack the political establishment, monster EU, its values, and want a return to the days of old, never specifying which. Often the political establishment fails to react properly to these challenges. When they do react, they adopt more extreme policies to cut ground away from those parties, or use technical speech about economic benefits of the EU. In Britain, the failed remain campaign went even further. Half-heartily campaigning, focusing on dire economic consequences, and threatening a doomsday scenario, they gave few incentives to motivate people. Whether they were right or wrong is beside the point. They were instantly branded as “agents of Project Fear” and created a dark and unappealing campaign. Instead of leading a campaign about what remaining in Europe could be about, it became one rooted in fear. A stick rather than a carrot. Follow us or else.

Now for authoritarian regimes fear may well work. After all, as Machiavelli once stated: “It is better to be feared than to be loved”. But this does not work so well for democracies which required democratic consent to rule legitimately. For a dictator, fear might not be as problematic when an army has got your back. But for the EU, it can become problematic if all member states complain and spread fear about you. Most people do not interact much with the European institutions. Indeed, in many countries the European elections are a second order election. That means that voters and parties alike see them as less important, less newsworthy. Citizens encounter the EU more often through interaction with their national institutions and politicians than directly with the EU. If those leaders only half-heartily support the EU, spread fear about leaving it or blame it for their own mistakes, then the only possible image that might be created is one of suspicion. One that reflects badly on the EU and its institutions. This does not mean the EU has not had its own missteps. The sudden appointment of Selmayr as general secretary of the Commission, the highest position in institution, certainly did not help its image. But for every one of those issues, a dozen more of the same mistakes can be attributed to national politicians.

Instead of a picture of a gloomy and out of touch Union, one should rather focus on creating a more positive image. An image of possibilities, an image of values, and of hope and ambition. An image of what the future can look like. After millennia of war, Europe finally emerged as a continent with unparalleled peace. It has been at the forefront of democratization and development, resulting in a more prosperous and more diverse society than ever before. Moreover, it has given Europe the capacity to promote important agenda’s such as the fight against climate change and Human rights.

There remains much promise in the European project, and everyone can contribute. It is the main reason why four of my friends and myself decided to start this blog in the first place. We love the concept of Europe ourselves, but we want to share it with others as well. We want Europe to be a positive force. Studying European Governance, we have our strong views about the current political landscape in Europe, its policies and its future. But we believe that by contributing to the debate, and sharing our vision of what Europe can look like, we can further push for a dialogue on the subject. In our opinion this is important, especially on a topic of the importance and scale as the European Future. Sharing what we think, our motivation and our optimism, will hopefully help inspire others. Only by creating widespread optimism and a positive vision of future European integration can we ever hope to see lasting integration.

Now is Europe as it exists perfect? No. Is its policy implementation perfect? Also no. But does it have a solid (strong and stable as May would say?) foundation? Yes. Some of the Eurosceptic claims are based on legitimate concerns. When they say that there are flaws within the European institutions. There can be a democratic deficit, some of the institutions seem out of touch, and some of its policies are questionable. However most of these problems can be addressed. There is nothing wrong with the fundamental values and aim of the Union. Those values are things we can all agree upon. After all who does not agree with democracy, plurality and the rule of law being at the core of our political system? Who does not believe in basic rights such as freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and the right to a fair trial? Instead of tearing the institutions down such as some suggest, we should focus on adapting them and ensuring that the flaws are rectified. It is a process in which everyone can play a role in, not just governments and politicians. Sharing and entering in a dialogue on what he/she believes is the best future for Europe is already a great contribution. Going out to vote for the European Elections is another. Politicians in favor of the Union, instead of bashing and spreading fear around, should rather share a vision of why they admire it, of what they believe Europe can come to represent and stand for.

By Misha Stocker – A 1^st year Master student in European Governance at the Universities of Konstanz and Utrecht.