Why is the British media turning a blind eye to the political turmoil brewing right on our doorstep in Europe?
Is the lack of coverage driven by a media landscape that remains biased towards the EU? asks Claire Bullivant.
As Germany faces the prospect of a collapsing government and France grapples with sweeping budget crises, our newspapers and broadcasters seem strangely uninterested.
Instead, they’re obsessing over every twist and turn of American politics, while our continental neighbours face crises that could have serious implications for the UK and the rest of Europe.
What’s Happening in Europe? The Stories You Haven’t Heard
Germany, Europe’s economic powerhouse, is teetering on the brink of political collapse. The coalition led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz is in tatters, with internal divisions sparking speculation of early elections. Polls show the Eurosceptic Alternative for Germany (AfD) party surging, yet they receive barely any coverage.
Meanwhile, across the border in France, President Emmanuel Macron’s government is battling to plug a €60 billion budget hole. The French parliament has been in chaos as the opposition, led by the left, votes through massive tax hikes, only for Macron’s government to signal they will ignore these amendments using constitutional powers to bypass Parliament. Where are the headlines on this democratic crisis?
Why is the UK media so conspicuously silent on these significant developments in Germany and France? These are our closest neighbours, with direct impacts on trade, security, and even the migration crisis — yet you’d be forgiven for thinking everything is running smoothly on the continent.
Is This a Remain Bias? The Silence on EU Troubles Explained
Many are asking whether this lack of coverage is driven by a media landscape that remains biased towards the EU. It’s no secret that large sections of the UK press, particularly those that lean towards Labour’s ideology, are still pushing for closer ties with Brussels.
Criticising EU nations, highlighting their economic woes, or exposing their political chaos might undermine the narrative that the UK needs to “cosy up” to the bloc post-Brexit.
Critics argue that pro-EU journalists and pundits are quick to discuss every detail about Trump taking the White House but remain almost silent on the mounting issues within the EU. For instance, why do we hear so much about Trump’s border wall again, but very little about the border fences within the EU or the recent closure of internal borders by several European nations?
Double Standards in Coverage: Why the Media Focuses on the US
Over the last few months, we’ve seen daily diatribes against Donald Trump on British media and endless analysis on the US election. But why such disproportionate focus on American politics when there’s so much happening on our doorstep?
Take the Green Transition debate, for example. Ursula von der Leyen, Olaf Scholz, and Emmanuel Macron have all opted out of attending COP29 and are showing reluctance to pledge additional funding for green initiatives in developing countries. This, despite the fact that climate change is a cause championed relentlessly by the very same outlets that refuse to hold EU leaders to account.
A Crisis of Growth and Leadership in Western Europe
The economic reality facing Western Europe is dire. Germany, France, and Italy are experiencing stagnant growth, with GDP per capita lagging behind the United States. Real personal incomes are failing to rise, and social unrest is simmering below the surface. Yet, the British public hears little to nothing about it.
Instead, we are bombarded with critiques of America’s economic policies, while the structural issues plaguing the EU are conveniently brushed under the carpet. Perhaps it’s easier for sections of the British media to harp on about Trump’s latest tweet than to acknowledge that the supposedly superior EU model is struggling to deliver on its promises.
Perhaps these same journalists don’t want to admit that, dare I say it, Brexit has been a success.
What Are They Afraid Of?
The reluctance to cover these stories raises questions about agenda-setting in the UK media. Could it be that pro-EU commentators, still smarting from Brexit, prefer to ignore inconvenient truths that might vindicate the decision to leave the bloc? If the public were more aware of the crises engulfing Germany and France, it might just challenge the narrative that re-engaging with the EU is the solution to all our woes.
In these challenging times, it’s crucial that the British public is fully informed about what’s happening on our doorstep. Germany and France are not just any countries — they are our neighbours and trading partners, with the power to impact everything from food and energy prices to immigration flows.
Is it too much to ask for our media to shine a light on the issues that actually matter? Because when the EU’s largest economies are struggling to keep their heads above water, it’s not just their problem — it’s ours too.
Have Your Say: Do you think the UK media is giving the EU a free pass? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
By Claire Bullivant, Editor
Claire is the founder and editor of the Conservative Post and was a co-founder of the Conservative Democratic Organisation. Claire is now setting up www.GreatBritishPAC.com. Pre-register today.
The MSM both in the UK and abroad, hope that by ignoring things they dislike or find inconvenient they will go away. The humanist narrative beginning in eighteenth century Europe has run its course. What is slowly emerging to take its place and that of existing political-bureaucratic structures is perhaps so surprising that (if they even recognise it) the MSM and existing self-appointed elites find it mystifying and terrifying: Best ignore it.