Current Dynamics in the EU at May 2013

AbstractOn or about 18th May 2013, under the guidance and coordination of OPUS, a Focused Listening Post aimed at providing a snapshot of the societal dynamics of EU countries at May 2013, were held in nine different countries in the EU (Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy (2 Reports), Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, and UK). These were all reported in a similar format (see "Britain and the World at the Dawn of 2003" in Organizational & Social Dynamics, 3(1): 165-169), researched and analysed by the authors, to produce this EU Report.The authors self-defined their task as follows. To research and analyse the National Reports with a view to:(a) Identify common themes arising within the ten Reports;(b) Explore relationships between themes and to reduce these down to major or dominant themes;(c) Collate supporting information from the Reports for analysis of these themes; and(d) Formulate hypotheses arising there from.For the sake of brevity this Report will only document the major interrelated themes identified, followed by an analysis and hypotheses regarding each. Listening Posts, global dynamics, EU societal dynamics, social defences against anxiety.INTRODUCTIONIn recent years and especially at this time there has been intense interest in the current and future dynamics of the EU. Following the OPUS aim to develop a deeper understanding of organisational and societal processes and the way in which we relate to them it was considered to be helpful to encourage a focused EU Listening Post Project that would enable colleagues throughout Europe (and elsewhere) to gain a deeper understanding of the current dynamics that will in turn help us to act with authority and responsibility in our various roles. The focus was only on the EU and not society as a whole but still followed the usual Listening Post Three Part Process.Although there are inevitable references to historical aspects of the EU, the aim of this Project is to capture the current dynamics in and regarding the EU. After many years of what may be seen as unquestioning progress and against a background of loss and change, members of EU societies are in a state of confusion, insecurity, and uncertainty. A consequence is fears for the future security and even the death of an EU as we know it. They now look at the EU in a more critical manner and question the basic aims and purpose. The current experience is one of confusion and ignorance: members of EU societies report feeling alienated and disconnected. It all now seems to be an illusion or phantasy. Bureaucracy is experienced as an aim in itself and there is a lack of faith in, and anger, at EU leaders and institutions.The promise of a unified Europe is seen to have failed with the Euro creating the very reverse of this aim by setting member states against each other. Some, especially the young, see the benefits of a borderless, single currency Union; but this is countered by the massive unemployment throughout the EU. Globalisation is seen to have overtaken the aims of the EU and in many ways made the EU redundant. Members of societies are concerned that the EU has little impact on emerging nations with China and India negotiating with member states rather than the EU. There is a strong feeling that the EU "has not convinced the people about Europe or the Euro; the Euro will break Europe in two pieces." This experience is further developed below in the first Analysis and Hypothesis-What is the European Union today: is it a failed dream?Following from the above, the alienation and distancing from the decision-making process leads to feelings of members of EU societies being controlled by Brussels. Recent actions of the EU, such as that of seizing money from banks, and installing non-elected leaders leads to an experience of fear and alarm. There is a lack of belief that a "one size fits all" is sustainable; and there is great anger over the imposition of austerity measures and the lack of national control of budgets. …