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The EU was created in 1933, and established itself as the largest economic and political unity in the world very quickly. Part of its policy included the wealthier, more economically developed countries assisting the less developed regions to trade, and establish themselves more firmly. This has had a long term impact of improving many people's lives, with negligible effect on the wealthier countries. It has also had the benefit of making the EU itself stronger as a unit.

Individually, the countries of the EU still maintain their language, culture and individuality. The benefit of using one currency, common trade policies, and the ability for every individual to work anywhere in Europe has been huge. It has allowed students to travel extensively, widening cultural understanding, improving language skills, and gaining important work experience. It has allowed countries with surplus labour to work in countries with low unemployment. There are many jobs in the UK that most British Citizens will not do, and Polish workers can help plug the gap.

On a global scale, the EU can draw both upon it's entirety, and upon individual countries. The fact that the majority of European countries disagreed with the war on Iraq, but Britain, and some other countries provided support to the US is a sign of how flexible the EU is. In the USA, it would be impossible for some states to go to war without it affecting other states. In the EU, if a country wishes to go to war it does not have such an immediate impact on the rest of the Union.

Overall, the political and economic might of the EU has allowed to offset and compete with other large economic giants such as the US, Russia and China. By providing important checks and balances, the EU helps to insure that the world does not become monopolised by a single country. It can help to put pressure on the USA to begin to acknowledge global warming, and take preventative measures against it. Equally, it can balance out the rampant industrialization of China.

In conclusion, the benefits of the EU vastly outweigh the minor problems of bureaucracy that comes from having such a large range of voices, languages and agendas.

Learn more about this author, Suzanne Fleming.
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