The role of Europe
By c1masters
@c1masters (54)
March 17, 2007 6:42am CST
European leaders are soon to meet in Berlin, celebrating 50 years of the EC. Yet European nations are divided on any way forward, European populations are sceptical of the institution and its relevance to their lives. Should Europe become a mere trading block, as some euro sceptics would like, teh more extreme ones seem to deny teh very existence of any countries south of the channel islands and not recognising the Queen as their sovereign, with the exception of teh United States who, they seem to believe, listens intently to the aspirations of the British people. The alternative is a sdtronger political alliance with more power to deliver on issues like the environment and climate change and a united voice on foriegn policy issues. Imagine an economic powerhouse the size of Europe punching its weight on the world stage. A strong Europe could be a positive force in the world if only its leaders were brave enough to sell this vision to a public who desperately want a sense of purpose and if only they could be strong enough to avoid the patheticaly narrow call of nationalism over tiny issues (pork pies and bananas are good examples) inplace of seeing the big picture.
3 responses
@4ftfingers (1310)
•
17 Mar 07
It's a bit experimental isn't it, a union of states, with different political systems, a single market, common trade and agricultural policy, and a regional policy to assist the poor. I don't really know if it's wiorking or not, but i do wonder if it's a worthwhile efficiant system with all the necissary checks, and if the different policies really do work together or contradict.
For example we are pumping money into the new members to bring them up to a standard. At the same time alot of the nationals of the new states are taking advantage of the right of free movement. They will have the money but will they have the workforce to develop the country?
Also, is it good to undermind individual national soverignty? If I take a case to court in the UK, it gets thrown out so I take it to Europe and I win, what impression would that give of the UK.
@c1masters (54)
•
19 Mar 07
I agree with some of this, it is expensive and there is the democratic deficit issue out there. There is also the horror of the rise of neo fascist parties across the continent to deal with. The EU needs reforming, that is why it needs a well thought out constitution rather than people screaming "NO" in a pale immitation of Ian Paisley every time the institution tries to move forward. I accept the problems, and they are pretty huge but just consider the potential. Europeans have enough collective guilt to motivate them to achieve wonderful things if they can put aside differences for long enough. We can still remain true to local and national traditions while cooperating for a greater good. I know that this is a really big ask, but i remain confident, afterall, even Ian Paisley might soon sit down in government with Sinn Fein.
@umitcicek (463)
• Turkey
31 Mar 07
Of course we can be one big family,but that depends mostly on our leaders!we're going to get away from all the corruption and hate that's among us.
@elisata (568)
• Netherlands
17 Mar 07
Since 'Europe' is here to stay, we better had a strong Europe, not oonly a trading community... A united Europe may be far off yet, due to all the different cultures, but slowly and surely we are getting there. Rome wasn't build in ONE day either...
It is my belief that if Europe doen't operate unitedly on the worldstage as it comes to foreign politics, environment, defense etc, we might as well withdraw in our little villages and pray that things will work out...
Now I am not a believer in prayer, so men must act themselves!
