The results are in from the final state primaries and the outcome is no real surprise. With the media, the Democratic Party machine, and big money behind her, Hillary Clinton is to be the party’s nominee. Sanders’ strong showing, however, is proof that millions do not want to settle for Hillary Clinton versus Donald Trump.

In all countries across Europe, capitalism is in crisis and class struggle is on the rise – from Greece and France, to Spain and Portugal. Belgium – a country where compromise and moderation seemed for a long time to be part of the genetic make-up of society – is no exception to this rule, and mass strikes are breaking out everywhere.

We publish here an edited version of an analysis originally written by Alan Woods in 1997, commenting on the contradictions within the European project in advance of the introduction of the Euro. In this document, Alan outlines the history and class character of the European Union and emphasises the need for Marxists to fight for a socialist alternative.