It is almost ironic that Denmark is holding the presidency of the EU at a time when the Brussels corridors of power look even more confused than the rooms of Elsinore.
Not that the EU has a Hamlet. The inertia is the same, but if Horatio were alive he would have too little to relate the happenings now that don't make for a good story.
Still, one might hope that Denmark will act in a creative and responsible fashion, as can be expected from a country that is famous for the rule of law and a remarkable sense of responsibility.
Not that illusions are flourishing. The repeated bilateral meeings between EU leaders illustrate more disarray than consensus.The big players are elsewhere and the dying pomp and circumstances in Europe don't compensate for the disarray that is hiding in between the layers in a jewell box.
China doesn't hide its cynical assessment. Russia became the absent malevolent player. Trump compensates his total unfamiliarity with diplomatic savoir faire through unpredictability and outburst not seen since World War II. The rest of the world keeps its distance or chooses short-term self- interest over commitment.
Taiwan and Ukraine live under a death sentence. They can only hope that today's parcimony doesn't become an ersatz for earlier solidarity. The BRICS, under attack by the US, will continue as if nothing really life-changing happens. America is stuck in the MAGA nightmare that is sending every trespasser to the Tower. Soon Broadway will end up performing Cats, after the Kennedy Centre hosted Trump's favourite Les Misérables, not that the president is familiar with Jean Valjean or Jabert...
Pessimism or resignation come easy. The "rare earths" saga is the perfect example of the perfect storm, the rise of greed at the cost of partnership. Other essential materials will become toys in the hands of the Yeti in the White House. AI becomes unstopabble and with every day that passes it is hijacked by the rogue players.
The EU had better regroup if it does not want to become a refuge for the elderly. The official visit of President Macron to London starts already to appear Edwardian. The French president looks overdressed and overshadowed in this charade out of the better days of the Entente Cordiale.
Trump ("Daddy" for Mark Rutte, NATO's Secretary General) is expected in London later this year. Netanjahu lobbies the Nobel Committee on behalf of his buddy in arms. With friends like these nothing is sacred anymore.
The EU better purges itself and return to its original goals with an added strategic dimension. The players are dying off and too few are left to make the difference. Better hurry before the rise of a third act, many see coming, but appear unable to halt.
