Soft is beautiful

The European Union is often criticized for being a soft power, which is unable to overcome internal divisions and other obstacles that prevent it from adopting a credible and efficient foreign policy. However, notwithstanding its inability to dominate the diplomatic chessboard, it nonetheless exerts what appears to be an irresistible power of attraction over its near neighbours. Events of this week have once again proved this to be true: in Moldovan general elections on 29 July, a majority of voters chose pro-European parties, which resulted in a narrow victory for the opposition. If these parties succeed in forming a government — which is by no means certain, because the Communist Party still remains by far the largest in parliament — Chisinau may submit an application to join the EU in the near future.

Putting an end to decades of indifference to the benefits of EU membership, Iceland, which has been hard hit by the economic crisis, is now ready to join the fold. Reykjavik's request for accession submitted on 23 July has been warmly welcomed in Brussels and other European capitals. The response was so enthusiastic that a number of diplomats felt obliged to reassure other candidate countries (notably those in the Balkans) on the processing of their applications, which may be accelerated later this year. On the eve of the anniversary of the Swiss Federal Charter on 1st August, the Genevan daily Le Tempsreports that a group of intellectuals led by the Club helvétique has called for Switzerland to join the EU. In short, in spite of all the criticism, soft power may prove to more effective than poorly controlled hard power.