Today he describes three coalitions or caucuses forming within the EU, now that Britain is headed out the door.
One is centered around Germany and includes the Benelux, Nordic and Baltic countries. German Chancellor Angela Merkel isn't doing anything to build this bloc: rather, the countries are united by similar economic policies, a belief in tighter budgets and, until very recently, by a relative inclusiveness and tolerance toward immigrants (there is now a backlash against it).I notice he leaves out Ireland, perhaps the Irish have not decided what path to take, what group to join, in the wake of Brexit. Historically, for all their former differences they were close to the U.K. That is now history.
The southern caucus was, until recently, amorphous and defined by similar economic problems rather than common approaches, except perhaps a desire for a relaxation in the debt and deficit rules for the EU. Now, attempts are being made to turn southern Europe into a political entity. Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has invited the leaders of six southern European countries -- France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Cyprus and Malta -- to Athens for a conference that will start on Friday.
The assertiveness of the eastern caucus is a relatively recent development: The post-Communist nations that comprise it have been viewed with a certain condescension because they're poorer and because they had to apply to the club, submitting themselves to founding members' scrutiny. Orban and Kaczynski have cast all shyness aside though.
Economically, Ireland's situation is "problematic/southern." Culturally, Ireland is Benelux/northern. The caucus they won't align with is the eastern group.
