Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Palestinian Ministry of Health: Two were martyred in Israeli shelling that targeted a besieged house in the town of Qabatiya in Jenin
At least 68 dead in migrant shipwreck off Yemen: IOM
Trump: We want to feed the people in Gaza, we do not want them to starve.
US President Donald Trump: We will impose sanctions on Russia if it does not end the war on Ukraine.
Israeli media: Polls show that 52% oppose Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu while only 29% support him.
Israeli media: 32% of Americans still support "Israel's" war on Hamas, while 60% oppose it.
Israeli media: Core US support for "Israel" hits its lowest, while support for Palestine reaches its highest levels.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent reports martyrs, injuries in Israeli bombardment of home in Heker al-Jame area in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza.
Al-Quds Governorate: Today, the spatial division of Al-Aqsa Mosque began in a public and dangerous manner, and we warn of a religious war in the region
The Ministry of Health in Gaza: This brings the total number of victims of famine and malnutrition to 175, including 93 children

Europe is finished, but Europeans deluded: Ex-French ambassador to US

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: The Telegraph
  • 29 Aug 2023 14:20
5 Min Read

France's former Ambassador to Washington says that the future of humankind will be decided elsewhere and not in Europe.

  • x
  • Europe is finished, but Europeans deluded: Ex-French ambassador to US
    Flag of the European Union flying outside the European Commission headquarters in Brussels on May 5, 2021. (AFP)

Europeans must come to terms with the fact that the "small continent" is not the key power they once thought it was. Rather, despite their belief, Europe's period of true dominance was just a "blip in history," the former French Ambassador to the United States concluded in an article published by the UK's The Telegraph.

Once convinced that the continent was a central player in shaping the current world order, Europeans assumed the role of lecturers and pushed their values onto other countries, which they believed were "universal principles".

They perceived themselves as "noble and powerful," Gerard Araud said.

While it is true that Europe took command of the world world between 1815 and 1945, since then, its influence has taken a backseat to the United States. The two-century rule is just "a comma in the history of the world."

Read more: Ukraine trap; EU stuck in old era as Global South crafts multipolarity

Between 1650 and 1750, the GDP of India and China was larger than any European country. In that sense, the two Asian powers saw Europe as the "upstart" while it was in its era of full dominance. But today, as economic rebalancing is taking place and shifting to Asia again, Europeans are being put "back in their place."

Gerard recalled when former US President Barack Obama said in 2016 that he believed that the global future would be decided between New Delhi, Beijing, and Los Angeles.

According to the former diplomat, this forecast underscored Europe's diminishing influence and its transition to the sidelines, a position increasingly accepted by emerging powers.

During his term as France's envoy to Washington, Gerard said that he witnessed how the United States viewed Europe "with a mixture of indifference, fatigue and neglect."

Read more: The US scapegoat: Europe dragged into yet another conflict

"We were the old aunt whose rambling utterances were more or less gently ignored."

For the United States, the main challenges and the anticipated growth is in Asia, he continued, which explains their pivot towards the region.

Washington does not consider Russia as its main threat, he said, which is why Americans want to end the war in Ukraine as soon as possible to "face the real threat: China."

"Are we Europeans able to prove that we still matter, that we are not just some peripheral touristic destination," he questions, expressing his doubt that this remains the case.

Related News

Cholera devastates Darfur region amid conflict, US aid cuts

US uses tariffs to strongarm India on Russia ties

Demography is destiny

Central to Europe's evolving role is its demographic landscape, Gerard said, noting that he witnessed France's power decline in parallel with its demographic downfall.

"On this basis, Europe is facing an unprecedented situation."

Projections indicate a 5% decline in Europe's total population between 2010 and 2050, with a more pronounced 17% drop among those aged 25 to 64, he stated.

Read more: Chomsky: EU will deindustrialize if it abides by US-run world order

Furthermore, Hungary, the Baltic States, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Portugal, Italy, and Greece are already recording shrinking populations, and Germany is on the way. Compared to the age median in the United States 38, the continent has an average of 42.

This demographic shift carries tangible consequences. With a dwindling workforce, Europe faces reduced demand and subsequently slower economic growth.

But the more serious ramification is the following: The "European Model" is in jeopardy; societies will grapple with intergenerational tensions as the elderly, enjoying the benefits of the welfare state, outnumber the working-age population.

"Old age means ever-growing spending on health and personal assistance." Therefore, younger generations will never be able to experience the standard of living enjoyed by their elders.

Read more: Making sense of a self-induced recession in Europe

Humankind's future not decided in Europe

As Europe is witnessing continued demographic decline, and given the failure of the continent's policies to encourage reproduction, Gerard said, citing experts, that the only solution to this crisis is receiving more immigrants.

Yet, Europe's reaction to this proposition is marked by hesitancy and resistance, especially with the rise of far-right parties across the continent, he continued.

A stark consequence of Europe's demographic reality is the emigration of its educated youth to countries with better prospects, notably the US.

"We are losing young, highly educated individuals who go mainly to the US, where they will have better opportunities," Gerard said recalling his interactions with youth while still ambassador to the United States.

"Every signal is pointing towards an inward-looking Europe," the French official said.

"The future of humankind will be definitely decided elsewhere."

  • United States
  • Gerard Araud
  • Europe
  • Russia
  • India
  • Asia
  • France
  • China
  • United Kingdom

Most Read

A rescued crew member from the ETERNITY C vessel in a video released by the Yemeni Armed Forces on July 28, 2025 (Yemeni Military Media)

Yemen Navy reveals fate of targeted Eternity C ship crew

  • Politics
  • 28 Jul 2025
An Israeli tank explodes following an ambush by al-Qassam Brigades in Gaza, Occupied Palestine, undated (Al-Qassam Military Media)

Al-Qassam strikes Israeli vehicles in Gaza, inflicts casualties

  • Politics
  • 30 Jul 2025
UAE lodges complaint against Israeli ambassador over 'misbehavior'

UAE lodges complaint against Israeli ambassador over 'misbehavior'

  • Politics
  • 1 Aug 2025
Protesters chant anti-Israeli slogans as they carry a banner that reads:" Freedom for Palestine, Alliance stop the war," during a demonstration in support of Palestinians in Gaza, outside the Israeli embassy, in Athens, Monday, June 9, 2025 (AP)

Athens mayor slams Israeli ambassador over Gaza war, graffiti claim

  • Politics
  • 3 Aug 2025

Coverage

All
The Ummah's Martyrs

Read Next

All
A member of the al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, takes part in a parade as he celebrates a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and the Israeli regime in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Sunday, January 19, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Al-Qassam: We’ll allow aid to Israeli captives if Gaza siege ends

Freed Lebanese freedom fighter Georges Abdallah during an interview on Al Mayadeen, which aired on Sunday, August 3, 2025 (Al Mayadeen screengrab)
Politics

Exclusive: Resistance key to building state, Georges Abdallah says

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres gives a statement about the situation in Gaza at UN headquarters, Friday, June 27, 2025 (AP)
Politics

UN warns Gaza faces water crisis, looming famine under Israeli siege

Israeli soldiers drive their armored personnel carrier along the Gaza Strip, in southern occupied Palestine, Wednesday, July 30, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Ex-Israeli general says Gaza starvation campaign isolated 'Israel'

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS