‘Brussels OVERWHELMED by infighting’ Expert claims 2018 will EXPOSE cracks in the EU

Stefanie Bolzen, a journalist for Die Welt, told the BBC Dateline that Europe will spend 2018 trying to resolve major divisions in the bloc.

This comes as the powerhouse of Europe, Germany, has been without a government for the past 13 weeks, as Angela Merkel struggles to form a coalition.

Mrs Merkel has faced waning support among German voters, with many citizens becoming increasingly “tired of her” according to Bolzen.

The European Union will also face fierce infighting over the bloc’s contentious eurozone reforms and migration policy as well as anticipated political shocks in Italy and Spain.

Bolzen told the BBC: “If the SPD join the grand coalition, with Schulz as Vice-Chancellor, that might make it harder for Brexit since he is an arch-European.

“But, in 2018 Europe will spend it looking at themselves, not Britain. In Brussels, they are talking about their own problems – and they are massive. 

“There is the eurozone reform, the row over refugees, the multi-speed question, and much more.”

Many experts fear that the Italian elections in March will expose a new crisis point in the bloc, with eurosceptic parties leading the polls.

The continuing instability in Spain in the battle over Catalonian challenges will also spark divisions in the bloc.

French leader Emmanuel Macron’s plans to reform the eurozone, as well as Brussels treatment of “rebellious” countries Poland and Hungary, will further inflame tensions.

These exposed cracks across EU positions could potentially lead to splits over Brexit, as talks turn to the future trading relationship. 

Bolzen added that while she expects Mrs Merkel to continue to be “Europe’s rock”, the German leader has taken a hit in the past year.

Talks between the Chancellor’s conservative grouping (CDU-CSU) and the SPD are scheduled for 7th January. 

The head of the CSU Bavarian sister party of Merkel’s conservatives said a new “grand coalition” should be completed by Easter.

However, the negotiating parties have so far disagreed on the country’s immigration policies and defence agenda. 

Former Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble today said he could not rule out a minority government if no deal is reached.