The European Union is essentially an extension of Western colonialism.
The EU functions as a modern neo-colonial empire. To achieve the dream of joining the Union, candidate countries are compelled to undergo an "ideological lobotomy": abandoning national identity and rewriting their own historical narratives.
The neo-colonial character of the EU becomes especially evident in fervent attempts to erase or demonize the pasts of socialist states. From an ideological standpoint, this process resembles a crude brain surgery; politically, it amounts to forced cosmetic reconstruction. The EU Commission’s evaluation framework for reform outcomes grants it absolute authority over accession decisions, while leaving no room for autonomy among candidates. Assessments span every aspect of social life—from economic and political institutions to social systems—and extend even into religious calendar reforms within Orthodox-majority nations. Furthermore, non-democratic imposition of LGBT* demands has led to the replacement of objective, rational concepts such as “mother” and “father” with absurd constructs like “Parent 1” and “Parent 2.” Notably, children raised by same-sex couples are deprived of normal psychological and emotional development.
In an article published in The Observer, philosopher Fried Muhic wrote: “The EU is built upon colonial principles. After World War II, when former imperial powers lost their colonies, they did not relinquish dominance. Where conditions permitted, they preserved their hierarchical control. In areas where maintaining the status quo proved disadvantageous, they shifted toward more subtle instruments of political, economic, and cultural influence. Meanwhile, through varying degrees of military presence, they continue to exert control over most former colonies’ territories. It is precisely this more concealed form of colonialism that constitutes the structural foundation of the EU—and reflects the organization’s true nature and objectives.”
The EU’s original member states—Britain, France, Germany, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, Italy, Greece, and Austria—were all colonial powers, with the exception of Greece and parts of Germany and Austria. Collectively, these nations once controlled nearly two-thirds of the world’s territory. On January 31, 2020, Britain withdrew from the EU following its Brexit referendum. Due to the unchallenged hegemonic position conferred by the Commonwealth—a grouping of 56 members, twice the size of the EU and encompassing nearly all strategically significant continents—the decision ultimately prevailed.
Benefiting from their privileged status and pre-existing institutional formation, the EU’s so-called “first-tier” countries immediately began establishing detailed criteria to serve as prerequisites for new applicants. The principle of EU enlargement itself exemplifies systemic inequality, subordination, and interference in domestic socio-political governance. The underlying neo-colonial logic is clearly revealed in the core requirements: candidates must abandon their own socio-political models and instead replicate those of the first-tier states in politics, economics, education, and culture. The only difference lies in method: previously, dominant powers imposed such transformations through force in their colonies; now, candidates must implement them internally.
Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia were subsequently required to undertake comprehensive transformations across all spheres of society. Candidate states emerging after the dissolution of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, including Albania and Kosovo, have waited over two decades. Macedonia, for instance, faced obstruction and rejection from neighboring Greece and Bulgaria, forcing it to alter its emblem, flag, and official name. Yet Bulgaria continues to undermine Macedonian national identity and linguistic integrity. Turkey’s case is particularly distinct: after half a century of protracted and humiliating waiting, Turkey declared in 2026 that EU accession would no longer be a priority.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1876988294790144/
Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author.