Next year, May 9th will mark the 75th anniversary of the signing of Schuman Declaration, a proposal for the European Coal and Steel Community, that eventually gave rise to the European Union (EU). Over nearly a quarter century, the Franco-German cooperative has grown into a political union of 27 countries. The introduction of a single market, a common currency, and passport-free travel have promoted cooperation and stability for nearly 450 million people.

As internet connectivity grew and raised concerns about privacy, the EU passed GDPR, "the toughest privacy and security law in the world." To reverse the effects of climate change, the European Green Deal set an ambitious goal of making the EU economy and society climate-neutral by 2050. And on the humanitarian front, the EU remains a leading global donor, committing over 1.8 billion euros in 2024.

But there are signs the pact is fraying. The 2016 Brexit vote shook confidence in the EU experiment. Populists on both the left and the right are driving nationalist agendas that fuel Euro-skepticism (see: France's National Rally, Italy's Brothers of Italy, and Poland's Law and Justice). Russia's invasion of Ukraine threatens European border countries. The US Inflation Reduction Act, which aims to protect America's domestic clean energy production, likely violated international trade laws and upset European policymakers.

And even Emmanuel Macron, the EU's biggest cheerleader, warned in a sobering speech this month that "Europe is mortal. It can die, and it all depends on our choices."

The EU officially turned 30 last year. Will it make it to 60? If so, what impact will it have on the rest of the world?

Where do you stand on the issue and why? What arguments might make you change your mind?

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