Quote:
Originally posted by Sidd Finch
I think the idea of Europe ran away with itself, especially with the end of the Cold War and with the push for a form of diversity. The former resulted in Eastern Bloc countries pushing to join what had been a club of mostly wealthy countries -- bringing very different histories, economic needs, and political perspectives. The latter led to Turkey pushing to join, a development that France in particular opposes because of the enormous cultural, demographic, and economic issues that would pose.*
Ultimately I think Europe will be stronger if it keeps its focus on maintaining and promoting an economic union, one that in particular maximizes trade opportunities for the former Eastern Bloc countries.
*Which is interesting, because if you read this board you would think that France is dominated by radical Muslim clerics.
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I believe this is just a speed bump on the road to European unity. The polling showed that most of the French are for a Constitution, but it just needs to be rewritten. I think they are worried by two things. 1) The union forcing a neo-liberal (as they like to say "Anglo") economic system. Which will make them too much like the United States (God forbid) and flood their country with cheap labour destroying their social safety net. 2) Turkey - since most French envision a much tighter union that goes beyond just Economics they don't want Turkey in. The British, who see a loose European confederation, don't mind Turkey so much.
Europe needs to unify it is even going to have half a chance to keep up with the US in the near future, and China and India in the far flung future. At a certain point Economic unity also requires social integration (especially for socialist leaning nations).
