EU ON THE BRINK: Expert warns Brussels in need of ‘radical rethink’ as elections approach

Dr Auer of the University of Hong Kong warned the will need to “rethink” its strategic interest and put to bed French President ’s dreams of further EU integration. Speaking to Express.co.uk, Dr Auer said: “I certainly hope that the European Union will survive all of its current problems. But what we are witnessing is definitely a process of EU disintegration, at least partial disintegration. Also is the departure of the UK, one of the large member states leaving the European Union.

“I think what the EU needs is a radical rethink. It needs to do less better.”

As a consequence, the EU expert said he is “deeply sceptical” about Emmanuel Macron’s ambitions to turn Europe into a “quasi-federation” – insisting “Europe needs to do less and better”.

Dr Auer then mentioned the eurozone, which has been under close scrutiny following the economic crisis that swept over the continent from 2008 and left several EU members’ economies deeply damaged.

He said: “In terms of the eurozone crisis, I think it would have been vastly preferable if Greece was bribed into exiting the  many years ago.

“It would vastly preferable to acknowledge that the euro is not working.”

Another area the EU expert insisted was in need to a “radical rethink” was on strategic interests.

Dr Auer said: “It would be vastly preferable for Europeans to accept continuing relying on the western allies and strengthening that, despite the current leadership in the United States.

“They need a better relationship with the UK when it comes to their strategic military interests and not the European army.”

As the European elections approach, the French President is set to bolster up his reform ambitions in the EU based on the results of the upcoming elections.

On the other side of the political spectrum, Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini claimed that the elections would be “a referendum between the Europe of the elites, of banks, of finance, of immigration and precarious work” versus “the Europe of people and labour”.

Despite not standing for a seat in the European Parliament elections, the two political forces have made it clear they will fight for their respective political sides to determine the future of the continent.

The European elections will take place between May 23 and 26, less than two months after Britain’s exit from the Brussels bloc.

The Italian eurosceptics will likely team up with MEPs from Marine Le Pen’s National Rally and Viktor Orban’s Fidesz party, who are also expected to gain votes.

Professor Cedomir Nestorovic of the ESSEC Business School said Brexit is a “fear” for the European Union but to a “lesser extent” than the European Parliament elections.

Mr Nestorovic said: “I think that the biggest fear will be the election in May 2019 because we have the rise of all these populistic parties all over Europe.”