Introduction

How global warming and the world economic crisis are to be handled is an urgent and overarching problem. On a European level, the question comes to the fore of whether the structure of our Union inspires respect and confidence in the requisite degree. This applies both in general terms and in particular reference to the need to carry out, on a practical and national level, socially painful solutions of the kind expected to emerge from global negotiations. One thought that might come to mind, in connection with the changes on the global scene during 2007 and 2008, is that energy, security, the single market, and the demographic challenge are quite sufficient as an agenda. This might seem particularly true in light of the nature of the additional problems adumbrated above. The decisions made on the European level today relate mainly to stabilising rules. The advantages and drawbacks of cooperation are spread more or less evenly among the participating countries. It is for this reason that system-destroying convulsions have not taken place. From that point of view, the revision of the rules proposed in connection with global warming and the world economy presents a special challenge. For such a revision is necessarily controversial. It is in the nature of the matter that different countries within the Union will be affected in varying degrees, depending on historical and geographical position. An effective global agreement will not otherwise be possible. Different countries will have to make sacrifices in differing measure. The consequence will be growing demands for suprastatist decision-making and majority rule in order to achieve the needed result. As a result, the suitability of the balance that has evolved within the EU between fusion, cooperation, and national self-determination will come increasingly under question.