Results 2012: from a European and a Romanian perspective

There are only a few days left in 2012 – a year that proved, as anticipated, a year of changes, both in the context of the financial crisis and political events. As usual, it is nice to take stock at the end of the year. Not so much in order to account for past events, but rather to be able to determine future priorities as accurately as possible.

European Perspective

The European Parliament elected a new leader in January: German Social-Democrat MEP Martin Schulz.

Presidential elections in spring 2012 meant a change for France. Moreover, Hollande's election meant a change in high level European debates, and it broke the famous couple "Merkozy".

Victory for socialists during elections in 2012 is not unique – the European left increasingly gained credit from citizens who showed a tendency to shift, their discontent was exacerbated by the financial crisis that persisted this year.

The debate on the euro and the eurozone rescue has developed - leading to discussions not only about a fiscal union in Europe, but even political union. Creating the United States of Europe has begun to be more than a mere utopia.

The aforementioned crisis and the following debate exposed that major European powers still feel nationalistic, making it hard to make decisions with major implications for the future of the EU. In this context, the United Kingdom retains its "island attitude".

At the end of this year, writing history, the European Union was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. However, organising the event revealed the dilemma of who should receive the prize - who leads the EU?

Romanian Perspective

2012: a year of many important political events on the national level. After a motion of censure was approved this spring, Victor Ponta became head of the Romanian Government. The unquestionable victory on December 9 of the ruling coalition in Romania, USL, strengthens the European Left.

Discussions on EU funds and Schengen accession in 2012 occupied important places in the national agenda, leaving too few resources to deal with the "small topics".

Dan LUCA / Brussels