Euroscepticism Euroscepticism refers to criticism or doubt of the European Union. Many countries in Southern Europe are showing increasing opposition to the European Union. This is caused by the European Union poorly handling the current financial and immigration crises. Effects of Euroscepticism are that more anti-EU politicians will get elected, and some countries will leave or consider leaving the EU.
The Hollow Alliance There is a lot of concern over the weakening of the Transatlantic Partnership, an alliance between the US and European countries, including those in Southern Europe. The weakening is mainly due to diverging interests of the US and Europe, as well as the lack of a common source to unite the two. Europe is preocuppied with internal issues such as the economy, the migrant crisis, and the European Union, which don't allow it to focus on relations with the US. In the past, the US and Europe would work together on goals such as advancing democracy and liberty, and decreasing poverty. The effect of the hollow alliance is that these goals can no longer be effectively worked on.
Closing Borders
Many countries in the Balkan Peninsula, as well as Italy, are closing their borders to block hundreds of thousands of refugees from entering Southern Europe. The decision was caused by the migrant crisis. The decision results in refugees not being able to travel into certain European countries. Many people argue over the effectiveness of closing borders, as well as its effects. Some people think that restricting travel through European countries will damage Europe's economy.