by Stephen Atkinson

Created on: March 18, 2008

European Union: Good or Bad Idea?

As with most ideas, one must first decide whether he, or she, accepts the premise as a whole. I accept the premise that there is more than sufficient room for disagreement among friends. In order to fully discuss the viability, or non-viability of the European Union, it would be wise to consider the thoughts, and the current moods of they who are most affected: The Europeans themselves. What I think, is seen through the eyes of a third, albeit interested party. From this perspective, this is what emerges as considered opinion:

As an example: The Irish, in the fall of 2007, tended to be bullish about EU membership. They viewed membership status would give to them increased opportunities, they also believed in the concept of an EU Constitution. Conversely, they also allowed that they had little interest in politics, generally speaking. France, a supporter, and driving force for European "integration" since 1950, seemed always with a hand on the wheel of sovereignty concerns, continued pushing for a form of European Statehood. It was full steam ahead.

As of January, 2008, Great Britain, and Austria gave negative responses to the value of membership in the EU. Approximately one third of the citizens polled in each country favored such membership as being good for their respective countries. Germany, the dominant political, and economic power on the continent, was, on the whole, satisfied with progress within the union. For Germany, there has been much to gain, little to lose. Growing pains, one might say, but the clouds on the horizon were dark and foreboding.

Currently, the topical rage in Europe has centered around the idea of the "Muslimification" of Europe, and the loss of identities within the EU. This is especially apparent in England, where a multitude of voices speak up issuing warnings, much as Winston Churchill did from the back benches of Commons prior to the advent of WWII. Add to this the experiences of Dutchman Geert Wilders, and his 15 minute film controversy detailing the perils of the "Muslimification" of Holland, and one may see that not all is well in the supposed paradise known as the EU.

Time in it's own way, will flesh out all the many details. What remains to be seen however, is whether or not the EU can compete politically, and ideologically with their large neighbor to the west-America. All in the name of reaction to the notion of globalization, and how Europe could become a strong driving force internationally.

The jury is still out, and we may not have a verdict for some time to come.

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