Dutch, Germans and French will lead Europe in a crisis

Luxembourg

WESTERN society is shifting. Seismic changes, from Britain's vote to leave the European Union (EU) to the US presidential election, have challenged the status quo. For the time being at least this shift seems to be confined to Europe and America, who are searching for a new narrative. Now, after Donald Trump's victory, all eyes are turning to Europe.

Europe faces three crucial elections in the Netherlands, France and Germany. Together, the three economies represent 56 per cent of the euro area, and are three of the six founding EU members. They signed the Treaty of Rome along with Belgium, Italy and Luxembourg, creating the European Economic Community and a common customs union in 1957. The treaty will commemorate its 60th anniversary on March 25.