Beware of the myth of Europe’s renaissance

In the wake of the major shifts in international and domestic policy in Washington, the European Union has become a new geopolitical and global trade leader, boosted by its robust democratic institutions, stable internationalist policies and an economy that is, allegedly, experiencing a new renaissance.

In response to this unexpected promotion in the ranks of global superpowers, Brussels has been quick to claim credit for its policies of increasing regulatory and institutional harmonisation ...