Europe’s Fragile Union

Long ago the prophet Daniel foresaw an end-time European empire composed of ten kingdoms or nations and represented by feet of "iron and clay" (Daniel 2:41-43). The mixture of "iron and clay" is symbolic of a union of nations that do not naturally adhere to each other. This past week’s parliamentary elections reflected the iron and clay nature of the European Union and illustrated that "Europe is a divided continent" (EU Observer, May 26, 2014). "EU leaders meeting in Brussels on Tuesday (27 May) are still digesting the result of EU elections, which saw anti-establishment parties winning in Britain, France, Belgium, Greece, and Denmark and making gains in several other countries" (EU Observer, May 27, 2014).

"The revolt had been a long time brewing. The rising voices of discontent. The anti-austerity protests. The steady rise of Eurosceptic parties. Even so, the shock could not be disguised when a stridently anti-EU party topped the poll in France" (BBC, May 26, 2014). Marine Le Pen, leader of the far right French National Front (FN), proclaimed "Tonight is a massive rejection of the European Union" (EU Observer, May 25, 2014). While some see the election as a "wake-up call" for European leaders, others believe a majority of leaders are still proponents of EU integration. However, the election revealed that European citizens see the need for reforms.

The future of Europe promises to be very interesting and bears watching. For more on Europe’s future, be sure to read our fascinating booklet, The Beast of Revelation: Myth, Metaphor or Soon-Coming Reality?