The “German Problem” Again

A recent article in the French independent newspaper Le Monde diplomatique stated, “An old nightmare returns in Europe; Germany alone within the EU” (January 2018). The article highlighted how several Central European nations continue to distance themselves from Germany and Brussels based on German-initiated policies driving the EU. The article concludes with a statement from Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s speech in Romania in July 2017: “Twenty-seven years ago here in Central Europe we believed that Europe was our future; today we feel that we are the future of Europe… I think that the comfortable, warm, socialist-liberal world in which ‘we all bleat in the same sheep-pen’ has come to an end.”

Nordic nations are also uncomfortable with Germany’s leadership and plan to maintain strong ties with the UK, even after Brexit (EU Observer, November 10, 2017). The Nordic, Benelux (Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg) and Baltic EU nations are also drawing closer together to balance what some are calling the “German-French axis.” Recent studies indicate that a significant portion of non-German Europeans feel Germany has too great an influence in European decision-making (PEW Research, June 15, 2017), and only 41 percent of Europeans trust the EU (Economist, February 3, 2018). Many also fear the solid financial footing of Germany compared with other nations in Europe. Even within Germany, divisions are emerging—as indicated by Chancellor Merkel’s recent difficulties forming a coalition government (EU Observer, January 29, 2018).

Bible prophecy has long foretold that a German-led European “beast” power will arise at the end of the age. Though the final configuration of nations in Europe remains to be seen, eventually ten leaders, or “kings,” will give control to a single dictator (Revelation 17:12-13). The “iron and clay” nature of this end-time beast indicates this final configuration will have little internal cohesion (Daniel 2:41-44)—which is increasingly evident in Europe today. For more informative insights about the future of Europe, read or listen to The Beast of Revelation.