Setting the Stage For EU Reform

Over the last decade, various political and economic crises have waylaid the European Union in its pursuit of continental integration. And no sooner had the problems subsided than this year's elections in the Netherlands, France and Germany diverted the bloc's attention once more, further postponing discussions of its future. As Europe's electoral season nears its end, though, conditions on the Continent have become more conducive to reform, and some of the most powerful nations in the union are ready to get together and get to work. To that end, leaders from Germany, France, Italy and Spain are set to meet in Paris on Aug. 28 to broach several topics related to reform. But though they all agree on the need for change, they have different views on how to achieve it. ...