Europe has a great future, and rapid growth in trade with Asia explodes the myth that the European Union would be marginalised by the increasingly important Pacific. We must look at this geo-economic transformation - restoring the centrality of the Mediterranean region - in the spirit of Columbus, writes Romano Prodi. As you would expect in an Italian, the European Commission president has a romantic vision.
The big issue in European politics, according to Prodi, is the fusion of the welfare state - the greatest achievement of the 20th century - with the ability to compete in a global economy. Those trying to solve the euro's problems will be disappointed, because the book was first published in Italy before the currency started to head south. There is little comfort for those scared of a European Big Brother.
The EU grew out of a political project and the "adventure of the single currency" would not make sense unless it was part of a design to strengthen common policies.
Europe As I See It is sometimes aspirational rather than trenchant, but Prodi does not pull his punches when it comes to the EU's political future and what he sees as the renaissance of the Mediterranean in particular.
He is enthusiastic and interesting on the search for "Europe's soul". EU enlargement cannot take place without building a spiritual bridge between eastern and western Europe and Pope John Paul is quoted in support of this project. Cultural diversity must be welcomed - Prodi is critical of the slow reaction to the outbreaks of "frenzied nationalism" in the Balkans.
With traditional Irish neutrality on the way out, his views on Europe's military future and NATO enlargement are insightful. The greatest dangers to European civilisation "in terms of migration, environmental devastation and terrorism" could come from the southern shore of the Mediterranean.
Prodi points out it is forecasted that the population of the countries from Turkey to Morocco will rival the EU's by 2025. With an increasing income gap and a low level of imports from these countries, he sees more pressure for emigration to Europe and further "chaotic concentrations" of population in big urban areas. But he dismisses the "clash of civilizations" theory and supports building "a solid link" between both sides of the Mediterranean.
Europe As I See It is quite good as a summary of European issues. If mostly not well-written, Prodi's frankness and enthusiasm is refreshing.
jmulqueen@irish-times.ie
