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While EU is no stranger to perpetual crises, the past few weeks have shone a light on the bloc's inherent weaknesses. No one is suggesting it is going to collapse, but many wonder if anyone is actually in charge https://edition.cnn.com/2021/02/14/europe/europe-crises-intl-analysis/index.html
The Commission has handled three incidents very poorly. 1) Vaccines. By overstating its role in the EU vaccine programme, the Commission has set itself up as the fall guy for whatever goes wrong. And member states love a Brussels-shaped scapegoat 
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https://edition.cnn.com/2021/02/14/europe/europe-crises-intl-analysis/index.html
2) That trip to Moscow. "You need to be prepared when you meet with Russian officials. Lavrov got exactly what he wanted: slam the EU, cause a media frenzy and put pressure on Borrell internally" says @alexstubb (who is on the whole pro-Borrell) https://edition.cnn.com/2021/02/14/europe/europe-crises-intl-analysis/index.html
3) Hungary. Later today, Hungary's final independent radio station is going off the air. The Commission's human rights big cheese tweeted in horror, though some pointed out tweets donât impel wannabe autocrats to change course https://edition.cnn.com/2021/02/14/europe/europe-crises-intl-analysis/index.html
Why is the Commission, which is on paper Europe's most powerful institution, all over the place? Many believe VDLâs overtly political commission has made it too close to France and Germany, rather than protecting the Union https://edition.cnn.com/2021/02/14/europe/europe-crises-intl-analysis/index.html
"The arrogance of power is paralyzing. This Commission behaves like a government and works with governments of member states, while the Parliament fails to hold them to accountâ says @SophieintVeld https://edition.cnn.com/2021/02/14/europe/europe-crises-intl-analysis/index.html
The word "arrogance" comes up often when speaking with sources. "On vaccines, they let their own rhetoric on what could be done get out of control. Now anything that goes wrong can be blamed on Brussels," explained a former Commission official. https://edition.cnn.com/2021/02/14/europe/europe-crises-intl-analysis/index.html
The former official adds that "it's important not to get stuck making grand statements in areas like foreign policy or moral leadership" when in reality, national interests can scupper your whole agenda. https://edition.cnn.com/2021/02/14/europe/europe-crises-intl-analysis/index.html
Many believe that VDLâs deference to Macron and Merkel is a real problem when it comes to handling any major issues because she really owes those two leaders everything https://edition.cnn.com/2021/02/14/europe/europe-crises-intl-analysis/index.html
"She served in Merkel's cabinet and was proposed for President by Macron, having not bothered campaigning for the job. She only won her approval by nine votes, relying on Orban's MEPs. How can she possibly be independentâ asks @KatiPiri https://edition.cnn.com/2021/02/14/europe/europe-crises-intl-analysis/index.html
Viewed from the outside, the EU is often seen as a positive project built on an idea of unity after centuries of conflict. Yet many who have taken a closer look believe that as it stands, the EU is a bit of a basket case https://edition.cnn.com/2021/02/14/europe/europe-crises-intl-analysis/index.html
With thanks to @SophieintVeld, @KatiPiri, @nealerichmond, @alexstubb, @rdanielkelemen, @daniel_freund and many others who asked not to be named https://edition.cnn.com/2021/02/14/europe/europe-crises-intl-analysis/index.html
