And I don't see that changing. Due to a combination between structural issues, different interests between North, West, East and South and the crisis-related rise of right-wing populism across many European countries (to various degrees, not every country has turned into Hungary), it's getting worse. And I don't see what's going to change that.
I used to be in favour of an EU "federal state". Now, I'm not so sure. Political union makes sense for countries with similar culture and economic interests. But as it is, I see regional blocks, not political Europe. Maybe dropping the common currency and splitting the EU into "mini-EUs" would be a better approach?
Dear letter writer, the view from London counts for nothing, you should try a view from the minor colonies (UK outside London and the home counties).
Yes, the UK has opted out of several parts, but it can't (yet) opt out of everything. There's precious little accountability within the EU, but it does, at least for now, hold a more centerist position.
Also the EU regional development funds have done more for the UK regions than Westminster ever has.
Condensed further: "Dear British voters: Screw yourselves. Literally."
Either way, this piece propounds a deeply and unnecessarily divisive opinion. We are not our government, and it saddens me greatly to be reminded that the exclusionist prejudices half the Commons are currently busy whipping up into a frothing idiocy here are just as present on the continent.
But below the satyrical level, there is a point. The British government has long been unpopular in European circles. British politicians insist in interpreting the EU as a trade zone rather than a long-term federalist project, and this is at odd with pretty much everyone else. Also, the EU got too big too fast, and if it is to ever make real progress again, it will have to slim down and lose troublesome countries (UK but also some of the Eastern bloc and maybe Greece). In that sense, Brexit might be a belated step forward for the Union, and it would likely hit only the British themselves (well, maybe some French companies too).
I find this (fairly common) statement pretty opaque. I'd appreciate someone explaining what he means and why it's a good argument.
However, transcontinental treaties like TTIP and its ISDS provision would effectively remove a big chunk of each nation's (and the EU's as a whole) capacity to make decision which could be seen as "business-unfriendly". Additionally, the fact that modern economies are so intertwined make them quite fragile (witness the way the financial crisis crossed oceans), which in turn mean less control by national governments.
Also ask Tsipras if he has any idea what this is about :)
All of the european north is not in the Euro, other countries (e.g bulgaria) are not in Shengen, and every other country has the same options too choose (with consequences). There is nothing special about the UK in the EU, as much as Cameron wants to claim the opposite. Despite political gestures, the UK has no other option than to stay in the EU, the opposite would be inane. As the author himself suggests, if they left, they would soon find themselves wanting back, for purely practical reasons. They are not even a barrier to a closer union, there are other more important issues.
It's almost certain Britain's trading position would be weakened outside the EU. But I'm unsure if the EU would benefit from Britain's exit. It depends if the UK is blocking things would be positive for the EU, something I've seen no evidence of yet.
There's a lot to be gained from being in the EU. As a startup having the possibility to 'passport' into the EU is one of the most magnificent things, one license 28+ countries. This includes banking & finance (FCA) licenses. It is enviable to do this even in the US where 50 separate licenses are needed in some cases.
Meh, you should ask French companies like EDF, Bombardier and friends... They don't like the UK in, they love it. No trade barriers, mature and profitable market, no real competitors in traditional industrial sectors anymore... It's almost like printing money.
Perhaps then should be a referendum to ask the "Euro mainlanders" if they want a UK with the privileges they have
> There's a lot to be gained from being in the EU
Yes, but with the same rules than all the other countries, not like now that they cherry pick what they want.
