Europe’s Last Chance: Why the European States Must Form a More Perfect Union

Verhofstadt, former prime minister of Belgium, issues a call to action in this thoughtful and well-argued policy primer. Verhofstadt states that Europe is in crisis and “stretched beyond measure” due to various problems: Brexit, an influx of refugees, ISIS, Russia’s aggression, and more. He offers a new vision intended to unite Europe and dispel old nationalisms, which, he states, pose even more danger than these new issues. Europe needs to pull together much as the United States did after discarding the “terribly ineffective” Articles of Confederation in favor of the U.S. Constitution. He see Europe’s only remedy as being the American federal model, stating that a united Europe can better head off terrorism and survive economic downturns. In five sections, respectively entitled “At the Brink,” “Delusion,” “Decay,” “Panic,” and “Rebirth,” Verhofstadt anatomizes Europe’s fractured state. Ultimately, he remains hopeful for a truly united continent that can protect its citizens, remain a valuable American ally, and face future challenges. Impassioned and logically sound, this clearly presented treatise presents an appealing way forward from a troubled present. (Jan.)