Who Needs a European Superstate?

The Slovenian newspaper Delo, known for its critical analysis of European politics, presents a sharp critique of the EU's trajectory in this piece. The author views the post-election maneuvering by Ursula von der Leyen not as a democratic step forward, but as a calculated move by European elites to consolidate power.

From a Slovenian perspective, where national sovereignty is a keenly felt value, the idea of 'federalization' through mechanisms like qualified majority voting in foreign policy is viewed with deep suspicion. The article frames this as an 'anti-democratic, autocratic impulse,' reflecting a common sentiment in Central and Eastern Europe that Brussels often oversteps its mandate.

Delo highlights the perceived hypocrisy of elites celebrating the defeat of a leader like Viktor Orbán while simultaneously pushing an agenda that diminishes the role of national governments. The piece argues that this push for a 'European superstate' is driven by a 'pure will to power,' and that the narrative of overcoming 'systematic blockades' is a convenient justification for centralizing control. This perspective emphasizes the local concerns about national identity and democratic accountability within the broader European project.