ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses what new deficiencies and qualities the crises have laid bare, what the odds are that these will be overcome, and which measures are required to arrive at the bright side. European Union (EU) interdependence provides both costs and opportunities for all actors involved. The main benefit of interdependence is the welfare gain that results from a more efficient allocation of resources. The citizens in the EU have learned that the EU institutions – not least the European Commission – are often acting as players to grab more power and influence. EU bureaucrats push their little pet projects – no matter how many more urgent and important problems are hitting the peoples of Europe. Economic crises not only involve costs in terms of money and capital, but also in terms of trust and confidence in the competence and integrity of political and economic elites.
