Voters ‘will only embrace eurozone reforms if benefits properly explained’

Only by properly explaining the benefits of further eurozone integration to the electorate will it be possible to introduce the reforms needed to make the region work, says Financial Times’ columnist, Philip Stephens.

Speaking at a conference in Dublin yesterday organised by the Institute of International and European Affairs, he argued that the rise of nationalism and euro-scepticism across the EU was inevitable in view of the unprecedented economic challenges.

However, the premise behind much of the anti-EU rhetoric is based on the chimera that regaining sovereignty will equip governments with all the tools necessary to defend and promote national interests in an era of increasing globalisation.