The Trouble with Europe: Why the EU Isn't Working - How it Can Be Reformed - What Could Take Its Place

by Roger Bootle

One of The Week 's Best Business Books of 2014 The European Union was a brilliant stroke of political and economic engineering when it came into its current form, averting major wars and reducing social tensions among member states. But as Europe moves into the second decade of the twenty-first century, problems are multiplying—problems that arose due to the EU's very existence. In The Trouble with Europe , Roger Bootle, winner of the 2012 Wolfson Economics Prize, tackles the uncomfortable truth that the European Union might be going down—and could take the global economy with it. Bootle expertly outlines the factors that gave birth to the European union of the twentieth century, from the collective Euro-spirit that initiated a solution to the region's various problems and the subsequent unforeseen consequences of the compromises nations made in order to create a sustainable organization. Bootle examines how the euro has hindered independent actions of member nations, both economically and politically, before envisaging how a post-EU Europe might come about and how it would affect the United Kingdom, along with other member states and the world at large. Is a full dissolution the only answer or could the United Kingdom's withdrawal be a viable course of action? With EU elections looming in May 2014, The Trouble with Europe is a compelling read for anyone interested in the economic, political, and social future of the United Kingdom and all of Europe. Roger Bootle is an economist and a weekly columnist for the Daily Telegraph . He is currently the managing director of Capital Economics, an independent macroeconomic research consultancy. Bootle is the author of several books, including The Trouble with Markets and Money for Nothing .

Genres: Economics, Politics, Nonfiction, History, Finance

224 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2014

Reviews

[Shirley Revill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Goodreads,Roger Bootle and Hodder for a copy of this book.
It is really appreciated and I will leave a review when I have read the book.
Thank you so much.

[Julian Douglass · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do not agree with the British decision to leave the EU, but Mr. Bootle lays out a compelling argument against it that doesn't have to do with nationalist or xenophobic tropes. He made some good suggestions and does advocate for some sort of European integration, not just saying they should be alone and that's that. Good book to read for any pro-EU person who wants a clear and concise counterargument.

[Dan Sumption · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first half of this book deals with the history and problems of the European Union - and in particular the Eurozone, and contains little that was either controversial or new to me. The remainder deals with the author's recommendations for implementing Brexit, both for the UK and for those states left in Europe after Britain leaves.

For Britain, the emphasis is on free-trade with the rest of the world, and on reduced "red tape" (in practice, fewer employee rights, and reduced health-and-safety and environmental protection) which will free up businesses, in particular those which operate only within the UK and yet currently still have to abide by European legislation.

For Europe, he recommends a withdrawal from political union, and dropping the Schengen agreement (I found it a little strange that such a champion for the free movement of goods takes a completely contratry view of the free movement of labour). However, his prognosis for Europe is not good, and he fully expects the EU to disintegrate, quite possibly within the next ten years.

It's an interesting and informative read, and I certainly don't write off Bootle's analysis out-of-hand, but I found myself increasingly annoyed with his habit of dismissing the hopes and expectations of remainers as wishful thinking, while repeatedly stating that his own solutions - such as setting up free-trade agreements with countries outside Europe - will be relatively simple to implement. Although the book was published only a year ago, the passage of time seems already to reveal this as wishful thinking on Bootle's part (his assertion that "the election of Donald Trump as president may well have brightened the prospects for the UK" with respect to free-trade with the USA already looks hopelessly delusional).

[Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

View of a British Eurosceptic

Describes the views of a conservative British Eurosceptic. Some interesting pages of analysis, but a bit complacent about the difficulties of Britain leaving the EU and of EU breaking up.

[Alejandro Shirvani · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sound argument against UK's membership of the EU without retreating in to a rant as can sometimes happen with Eurosceptics.

Bootle outlines some of the history of how the EU came about, then most of the book explains the economics of the EU - why it has underperformed, and looks to challenge the TINA (There Is No Alternative) claims of the pro-Europeans.

He has some good economic analysis about the state of the economies of different EU members and the way in which Eurozone membership has affected them - particularly interesting is his argument that Germans have not actually benefited as much as people think: wages have stayed low there and they are largely working to make things for people in other countries, and lending them the money to buy them (some of which they won't get back!).

The book also picks up the potential insularity of the EU - in a globalised world with emerging markets growing fast, it's not necessarily "openness" to focus inwardly on mainland Europe.

The later chapters of the book pick up some potential directions in which the EU could develop and there is an excellent chapter on the pros and cons of UK membership.

All in all definitely recommended reading ahead of the referendum!

[David J Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Held me to the last page

February 2019: it’s no secret that most people in UK would probably rather sew mailbags than read about the EU and try to understand the reality buried beneath the half (as much as that?) truths peddled by our largely-incompetent, mostly self-seeking, politicians. However, for those like me, who do want to try to understand, I recommend Bootle’s book. If even 5% of what he says is valid (and nearer 100% matches my observation and other reading), then this is a hugely valuable book. The author’s style is light and easy to read and - amazingly for a work on this subject- I had to keep going, right to the end. Thank you Mr Bootle.

[Mr Alister Cryan · Rating 1 out of 5]

My initial reaction was that this book was spectacularly badly written. For example Mr Bootle begins a chapter by telling you the EU is bad and makes bad decisions. Okay, what bad decisions are you taking about Me Bootle? He then immediately employs Boris Johnson's "dead cat" technique (when you are losing an argument, throw a dead cat on the table, everyone will look at the dead cat and be horrified that you have thrown it on the table and talk about the dead cat rather than the argument) without even bothering to make an argument at all. The EU is bad we are told because Russia and Turkey want to join it and Russia wants to copy it. But how does that demonstrate the EU is bad or makes bad decisions, Mr Bootle? Well, the EU didn't intervene in Crimea when the Russians invaded. But one of the main Eurosceptic arguments is that we must not have a European army? Ah, but Turkey might join and it has a Muslim population. This doesn't really address the fact that one of the greatest successes of Boris Johnson's kakistocracy in July 2020 has been the possibility of a potential trade deal with Turkey does it Mr Bootle? This reader does not think that the author's islamophobia amounts to a coherent argument to demonstrate why the EU is bad or makes bad decisions and his failure to even understand the basic principles of democracy or European law is even more alarming. Having said that part of the book is about economics and free trade and is more coherent than what the author has to say about politics or law. This remains however a disappointing book and the conclusion makes unsubstantiated claims about the extent to which the author has made an argument, let alone a coherent one. I am yet to read Douglas Murray's book on this subject but I suspect that Douglas Murray will make a coherent argument before employing dead cat tactics if he employs dead cats at all. My recommendation is that you read Douglas Muray's book as Mr Bootle's book is dreadful.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

any commoners would use common sense to think about the invalidity of putting 20+ different families together: different brought about, different spending habits, different cultures, different language especially....EU was manufactured without any intelligence by the, author stop short, saying by the crooked politicians...Thatcher was right..look at the mess nowadays and author has detailed data and numbers to depict that even with the separate countries, intertwined economic treaties like NAFTA will do just fine within the current EU countries...brilliant move of Brexit..because it does not hurt Britain at all, in any ways, in economic indicators, numbers, and welfare of the citizens.....it is time for the people to wake up and smell the sh.t from NWO..yes..the NWO who wants to "unite", and "globalize" the whole world...but ignorant citizens do not see it coming...

[Joshua Hoggard · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a very fair analysis & account of the EU. Was an interesting book. The author Roger Bootle is very well accomplished would recommend to anyone interested in this matter. Personally I voted to remain but I do dislike a lot about the way the EU is run.

Would recommend the following interview on his book if you have read it or if you are considering buying the book...
https://moneyweek.com/roger-bootle-in...

Interestingly on the interview he doesn't mention migration. Which, personally I think is a breathe of fresh air. I am fairly libertarian at heart & other issues wasn't focused on during the election. But scaremongering works best so whatever :).

Also it was an "account" of the EU and gave a good historical understanding.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a "reluctant remainer" voter when it came to the Brexit referendum I read this pro-Brexit tome in the hope of reassurance. Upon finishing, I sincerely hope hope he's right but found his explanations of various economic arguments quite vague. Whether this was to make it "accessible" or not I can't tell but it didn't leave me feeling hugely informed on the matter despite Bootle being a so-called expert. It is reassuring in principle given assurances that we'll survive any turmoil then thrive, but somewhat vague in practice, as we are seeing with the messy process underway.

[Paul Everitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit outdated now given that the UK has left the EU but an interesting read nonetheless. Written for the general reader rather than someone with an economics background.

[Aurélien Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

What's wrong with the EU? Roger Bootle, brilliant economist with quite an impressive record (he forecasted the exit of the pound from the ERM back in 1992 and, more recently, had warned against the bubble in US real estate) delivers here a clear but damning verdict: because of its political direction towards federalism, pushed forward by European political elites even against the will of most European citizens (remember that Constitutional treaty forced through the back door at Lisbon?...) the EU not only became ill-suited but also damaging to the economical well-being of its member states. More, it has thus been feeding a growing and worrying discontent both amongst politicians and the common citizens, to the point where the situation, climaxing with the whole Brexit campaign (and this book was written before the results came out!) has become untenable. In fact, beyond economical disappointment, failures and insufficiencies, if nothing is done to reverse the political process countries will leave, and/or the EU itself, as it is now, will have its future seriously put a risk.

I really loved this analysis. Not only is it clear on topics that are quite complex (e.g. the chapters on the Eurozone crisis are truly absorbing) but even though he focuses mostly on economics, the author puts things in an enlightening perspective. Here's not only a great insight into why the EU failed to deliver in terms of economical success -especially compared to other blocks like ASEAN, MERCOSUR or NAFTA. It is also a good picture of what relationship would be alternatively available to the UK in case of a Brexit and, cherry on the cake, a great hint at what might happen to the EU itself should one of its members leave.

Now that the UK is out, 'The Trouble with Europe' is therefore a great read to better grasp why leaving was a good choice, and what the possible implications, both economically and politically, might be for everyone -the UK and the EU. Time will tell, but this account is engaging and very interesting.

[Ed Crutchley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Created as a refuge from European war, dictatorships and tariff barriers, the raison-d’être of the EC now seems surpassed with the arrival of quick and easy travel, the internet and free movement. But the actors at Brussels and Strasbourg appear ever more controlling, remote, unaccountable (we can’t seem to boot them out), and overpaid, and the club is unfairly protectionist with regards to poorer countries around. Despite the theoretical arguments thrown our way, there is no proof that the organisation has been responsible for economic success. Unemployment is staggering, the EC has been accused of squandering money, and the arrival of the Euro has cost less-performing countries dearly. The US is sometimes presented as a role model, and yet in reality individual states there play a major role in most people’s lives, and Washington has been in political gridlock for years. Centralisation is contrary to current trends. We can now begin to understand why the Americans so dislike their Feds. There is, all the same, a need for a European organisation that promotes coordination, free trade, common standards, coordination on policing, and defends the region from monopolistic practices such as exorbitant mobile roaming charges. It just doesn’t have to rule our lives and be growing into a megalith obeying Parkinson’s Law and increasingly resistant to change. An EFTA-type arrangement would perhaps be more beneficial.

[Herschel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Britain's EU referendum campaign and its coverage has so far generated far more heat than light. Facts are fact-checked, economic projections disputed, diplomatic game-theory is guessed at without yielding anything concrete. Bootle's case for Brexit is well researched and well written. His argument encompasses the EU's lack of democratic legitmacy, its behaviour during the financial crisis and its handling of the euro. So much for the diagnosis: the EU's failings are well-documented and numerous, but even those who argue for remaining in would concede much of this analysis. Where the referendum will be won or lost will be in what Britain would look like out of the EU. Here Bootle is less sure-footed. He probes the immigration issue without fetishising it: yes Britain would be able to close its borders to EU citizens although it would be wise not to. No, those already living here would not be asked to leave. On Britain's future trading relationship with Europe, Bootle is optimistic and lifts his sights higher than simply a Norway-style semi-detachment from the EU. He concedes leaving is fraught with risk, but he marshals enough evidence to show staying in is far from safe either.

[Dozo · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was looking forward to reading this book, however, the writing is generally quite poor.

The author darts around different points, quotes figures with little context and then makes unsubstantiated statements. This means the arguments do not feel well thought through and are unconvincing (even when the author may be right). This poor way of arguing a point is compounded by continuous references to later chapters and a repetitive sentence structure. It reads something like a university essay.

However, the author comes into his element during the one chapter when he discusses his obvious passion for what happens after brexit. Suddenly, talking about his own opinions and convictions, he wakes up and provides interesting and convincing analysis. That chapter alone is worth a read however the rest of the book can be safely skipped.

[Rob Lavin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an interesting assessment of the serious and extensive problems that the EU faces in the modern world. The author suggests in particular that the Euro is a serious drag on the economies on European Countries and that if the EU wants to compete in the modern world it will be vital to carry out important reforms such as reducing red tape and focusing more on trade with parts of the world such as China. However the author also makes clear that it is unlikely the EU will be able to summon the political will to carry out these changes and therefore it's coninuing decline seems likely. The author also makes clear that Britain could do well outside the EU and would not collapse as the political class suggests.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

In need of some more information ahead of the EU referendum I found this book provided a lot of information and a balanced view as to the economic and political pros and cons of the EU. Bootle covers the EU history, economic performance, politics and various options for staying in and leaving the EU. It hasn't changed my mind about the referendum but it provided food for thought which is what I wanted.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahead of the euro referendum I decided I needed an education on the subject of the eu, and this book has helped to deliver that. I now realise that the eu has not delivered what we have all been lead to believe and if it isn't reformed then it will fail anyway. Cameron is correct that a reformed eu is what we need and if so I will vote but we can't hitch ourselves to a construct that remains sclerotic and uncompetitive.

[Kate Raisen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to read this to understand the Brexit debate more thoroughly but all I got out of this was that this man has an all for me and forget everyone else mindset. That’s not the world I want to live in and that’s why I remain against Brexit.

(When you begin your argument by saying that Germans suffered more than anyone else in WW2, you’ve proven your point...)

[Richard Trimble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marshals strong arguments in favour of the dissolution of the EU for the benefit of Europe. Acknowledges the difficulty in predicting the effect of BREXIT and doesn't resort to hyperbole, a considered rather than polemic approach.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whichever side of the argument you are on you need to read this book which is thorough and detailed in its analysis of the history, economy, management and future of the EU--and Britains future in the world.

[Ric Poh Peng Wang · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is an informative book of how the EU was created and how it progressed to become too big of itself to sustain properly. Pretty interesting book for someone from a different continent to understand how countries actually unite to form a union but operates differently from the likes of ASEAN.

[Richard Cubitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad. A bit general, some interesting statistics.

[Ami Iida · Rating 4 out of 5]

The great Britain left EU.
Scotland will remain EU.
How does EU happen?
the book will guess EU for the future.

[Clement Ying · Rating 4 out of 5]

Immigration policy is the water shed.

But root of the split is founded in culture: that Scottish Enlightenment is distinct from European Enlightenment.