Happy Birthday, “Old Europe”!

Happy Birhtday, “Old Europe”! This is no provocation, but a historical fact. This weekend we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Rome by six (!) “old” European countries. So, historically seen, of course there is old and new Europe. But recently, I suspect there is a split going through Europe which is about something far more worrying. Europe seems to be divided into more America- and more Russia-loving countries. Countries having suffered from Soviet Union oppression like Poland and the Czech Republic are obviously more sceptical about Putin than other countries. Interestingly, European politicians including German Foreign Minister Steinmeier are denying the existence of this split. They pretend everything would be fine if only the US did not try to drive a wedge through Europe. They appeal to Poland and the Czech Republic: “Do not let Europe be split!” which in plain terms, in politically incorrect language means nothing but: “Shut up and follow us!”. Not a very democratic attitude, right?