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Why is the EU not liked despite so far being a successful project?

2011-07-26Zsombor Pál

As a project, the EU has been fairly successful, although as a brand, it is an utter failure. What is the reason for this contradiction?

The much-debated Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was surely right. Ironically enough, not exactly the way he wanted to be. When evaluating the EU presidency of Hungary, he stated that for the opposition Socialists, the European Union is “a matter of belief,” but for the governing Fidesz, it’s simply “a matter of reason.” Mr. Orbán would most probably be offended if he was called a great branding expert, but still, he nailed it. He highlighted a sad fact: so far the EU is a much better product than brand.

About the blog

This blog delivers opinions and interpretations on current events about the economy in the context of the EU, Hungary and Central and Eastern Europe. We live in turbulent times; the financial crisis affects all of us and has changed some economic rules and paradigms, as well as those of European integration. Here, you will read intellectually inspiring pieces – you do not necessarily have to agree with every post, but you will probably have your own opinion concerning their topics. Our goal is to make you think about what is happening in the European economy. Hungarians and expats with different backgrounds living in Hungary will be asked to contribute: businesspeople, managers, researchers, journalists, representatives of NGOs, those who have special knowledge in this field. Politicians? We will see. Party propaganda – no thanks; policy issues – why not? If you feel like writing a post, do not hesitate to contact me: martin.jozsef.peter@gmail.com.

About the editor

József Péter Martin was trained at the Corvinus University of Budapest as an economist; he also studied in Leuven (Belgium) and Groningen (The Netherlands). He started his career in journalism at the Hungarian business daily Világgazdaság, then worked 12 years at the editorial office of business weekly Figyelő, where, after several other positions, he was editor-in-chief from 2003 until 2009. Nowadays he appears regularly in the domestic and international media as an economic and EU analyst and columnist. He is author of more than a thousand articles and dozens of studies on economy and politics. In 2010, he co-authored a book on the financial crisis (“Álomcsőd” – The Default of a Dream). He also holds lectures on European studies and economic journalism at the Corvinus University of Budapest. He is a member of the supervisory board of Transparency International in Hungary.