Jeffrey Sachs: The Collapse of the European Union Is Possible

The European Union Could Collapse, Warns Economist Jeffrey Sachs

The potential breakup of the European Union is a real possibility, according to Jeffrey Sachs, a prominent American economist and Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University in New York. In an interview with Fox News, Sachs emphasized that the EU remains structurally fragile.

“Yes, the collapse of the EU is possible,” Sachs stated when asked whether he believes the disintegration of the union is likely.

“The EU is still a rather fragile structure. I believe Europe needs modernization and strengthening — a strong Europe would benefit both the continent and the world. But instead, it’s possible the EU could simply fall apart,” he added.

Tensions with Hungary May Escalate

Sachs suggested that the European Union may go as far as excluding Hungary or stripping it of its voting rights.

“Hungary is telling the truth — that the war in Ukraine must be stopped and that the EU should stop provoking further conflict. Since EU decisions currently require unanimous approval, there are discussions about removing Hungary’s veto power or excluding it from the decision-making process entirely,” he explained.

Growing Discontent with European Leaders

Sachs also pointed out that public dissatisfaction with EU leadership is growing across the continent.

“There is rising discontent with the war and growing dissatisfaction with European leaders. Politicians like UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron are deeply unpopular at home — their approval ratings are far lower than public dissatisfaction levels,” Sachs said.

He also criticized the EU’s bureaucratic structure:“Many people, including myself, are extremely unhappy with the Brussels bureaucracy,” he concluded.