1. The Status Quo in the U.S. Undermines EU Core Values
The European Union (EU) has built its identity on a commitment to inclusivity, democracy, stability, and sustainability. It is a union of 27 member states that, despite cultural and political differences, has succeeded in crafting a political framework that prioritizes collective well-being, shared progress, and the rule of law. Yet the status quo in the United States—a deeply flawed electoral system and a political duopoly dominated by the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and the Republican National Committee (RNC)—threatens these very values. What happens in the U.S. affects not only its own citizens but the entire world, including the EU.
Inclusivity: A Value Trampled by the Electoral College
Inclusivity is a cornerstone of EU governance. Proportional representation in the European Parliament ensures that even smaller member states and minority voices have a seat at the table. By contrast, the U.S. electoral system systematically excludes and marginalizes millions of voters, undermining the principle of inclusive governance.
The Electoral College is a prime example. This antiquated system effectively renders millions of votes irrelevant. A presidential candidate can win the presidency by focusing on a handful of swing states while ignoring the rest of the country. As a result, voters in states like California or Texas, which consistently lean toward one party, have little incentive to participate. Minority groups, already marginalized by systemic inequalities, often see their votes carry less weight due to structural barriers like voter suppression laws.
In contrast, the EU’s proportional representation systems empower diverse voices, ensuring that small parties, regional movements, and underrepresented groups have a role in shaping policy. The U.S.’s failure to adopt similar systems signals a disregard for inclusivity and creates an electoral landscape that rewards division rather than representation.
Democracy: A System that Suppresses, Not Expands, Participation
The EU values democracy not just in theory but in practice. Mechanisms like multi-party systems and coalition governments ensure that power is distributed across a spectrum of political ideologies, reflecting the diversity of its citizens. The U.S., however, clings to a two-party duopoly that suppresses alternative voices, creating a system where voters are forced to choose “the lesser of two evils.”
In a 2014 study, political scientists Martin Gilens and Benjamin Page demonstrated that U.S. policymaking is largely controlled by economic elites and business interests. They found that the preferences of average Americans have little to no impact on public policy, leading Gilens to conclude that the U.S. is better described as an oligarchy than a democracy. This system, which prioritizes corporate donors and wealthy individuals, is the antithesis of the EU’s vision of democracy as a tool for collective progress.
The EU has shown how multi-party systems can invigorate democracy. Countries like Germany and the Netherlands boast robust coalitions that reflect a wide range of political perspectives. By contrast, the U.S. suppresses third-party and independent candidates through systemic barriers, such as restrictive ballot access laws and first-past-the-post voting. This suppression ensures that the duopoly remains unchallenged, stifling innovation and reducing voter enthusiasm.
Stability: The Cost of Polarization
One of the EU’s greatest strengths is its commitment to stability. While internal disagreements among member states are inevitable, the EU’s institutions are designed to encourage dialogue, compromise, and long-term planning. The U.S., on the other hand, has become a case study in instability, with its political system lurching from crisis to crisis.
The partisan polarization that defines U.S. politics is a direct consequence of its two-party system. Gerrymandered districts and the absence of ranked-choice voting incentivize politicians to cater to their party’s base rather than the broader electorate. This dynamic fuels gridlock, as seen in the repeated stalemates over the debt ceiling, government shutdowns, and Supreme Court confirmations. Each crisis erodes public trust in institutions and weakens the country’s ability to lead on the global stage.
For the EU, this instability is not just a distant spectacle—it has tangible consequences. The U.S.’s unpredictable foreign policy, driven by polarized administrations, creates uncertainty for Europe. From the withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal to the abandonment of the Paris Climate Agreement, the U.S.’s erratic behavior disrupts international efforts that require long-term collaboration. Stability is not just a domestic issue for the U.S.; it is a global necessity.
Sustainability: A Victim of Inaction
The EU has emerged as a global leader in sustainability, enacting ambitious policies like the European Green Deal to transition to a carbon-neutral economy by 2050. In contrast, the U.S. remains paralyzed on climate action, with its political system unable to deliver the consensus needed for transformative change.
The influence of corporate interests, particularly from the fossil fuel industry, plays a significant role in this paralysis. Both the DNC and RNC rely on donations from industries that benefit from delaying climate action. While the DNC pays lip service to sustainability, it often fails to enact meaningful policies due to internal divisions and fears of alienating key donor groups. The RNC, meanwhile, continues to deny or downplay the urgency of the climate crisis, creating a political environment where progress is impossible.
This inaction has global implications. The U.S. is one of the world’s largest carbon emitters, and its failure to lead on climate policy undermines international efforts to combat global warming. For the EU, which has invested heavily in climate diplomacy, America’s paralysis is not just frustrating—it is a direct threat to its sustainability goals.
Global Leadership: A Crisis of Credibility
The EU has positioned itself as a champion of multilateralism, working through institutions like the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and the World Health Organization to address global challenges. The U.S., once a leader in these efforts, now frequently undermines them due to domestic political dysfunction.
The Trump administration’s “America First” policies exemplified this decline, withdrawing from key international agreements and weakening global institutions. While the Biden administration has attempted to repair some of the damage, its efforts are hampered by a polarized Congress and an electoral system that incentivizes short-term thinking. The result is a loss of credibility, as allies and adversaries alike question America’s ability to commit to long-term solutions.
For the EU, this crisis of credibility is deeply concerning. The U.S. remains a critical partner in addressing issues like climate change, security, and human rights. Yet its unreliable governance makes collaboration increasingly difficult, forcing the EU to shoulder a disproportionate share of the burden.
The Cost of Complacency
Allowing the U.S. to remain in its current state is not a neutral choice—it is a tacit endorsement of dysfunction. The EU, which has long advocated for democratic values and global stability, cannot afford to ignore the consequences of America’s electoral failures. From the erosion of democratic norms to the undermining of international agreements, the status quo in the U.S. poses a direct challenge to the EU’s vision for the world.
A Call to Action
The EU has both a moral and pragmatic responsibility to act. Its own history demonstrates that systems can evolve to become more inclusive, stable, and sustainable. By advocating for U.S. electoral reform, the EU can reinforce its commitment to these values and help restore America as a reliable partner on the global stage.
This is not interference—it is solidarity. As Rutger Bregman argues, “The real crisis of our times is not that we don’t know what to do, but that we don’t do it.” The EU knows what must be done. Now is the time to act.