Reform of Europe: A Political Guide to the Future

The Eurozone crisis has caused political disunity and economic stagnation. The cyclical recovery in 2017 should be used as an impetus to undertake long-overdue reforms and develop a medium-term orientation for the next decade. Europe must regain its ideological autonomy and strengthen European institutions to restore a sense of belonging to a wider community. This involves making the euro a full currency with democratic legitimacy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2019
Publisher: Verso Books

The Eurozone crisis, which began in 2010, has caused political division and prolonged economic stagnation. While the cyclical recovery experienced in 2017 should be seen as an opportunity to initiate long-overdue reforms, it is crucial to avoid complacency. These reforms require a shift in perspective to establish a medium-term orientation for the next decade.

The future is uncertain for those who fail to invest. In countries where finance has overshadowed productive investment, there is a lack of incentives for innovative investment. Europe must address the challenges of the 21st century by reclaiming its ideological autonomy, rooted in the community spirit of its origins. This can be summarized as social progress.

This book highlights the importance of a long-term vision with two key objectives: reconstructing a social contract based on an entrepreneurial partnership and investing in the ecological transition. This political vision aims to restore a sense of belonging among citizens of member-states, fostering a wider community. To achieve this, Michel Aglietta, one of the most prominent heterodox economists today, advocates for strengthening European institutions, particularly in the financial and fiscal domains. This includes making the euro a full currency, endowed with democratic legitimacy.

In conclusion, the Eurozone crisis has presented significant challenges, but it also offers an opportunity for transformative change. By embracing long-overdue reforms, fostering a medium-term orientation, and strengthening European institutions, Europe can emerge stronger and more resilient in the face of the 21st-century challenges.

Weight: 400g
Dimension: 136 x 211 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781786632548