So fellow Europeans, how shall we reform Europe?

[Saint Marcus]

I believe economic growth in the EU is higher than in the USA. Especcially France is doing particullary well (consumer spendings had the biggest grow in a long time this month), but in general Europe isn't in a recession, while the USA is. So compared to the other two main economies, the USA and Japan, Europe is doing remarkably well.

Europe is a entire continent. Not a uniform economic and political region. 'Europe' in that sence is still in the heads of some EU-airheads. One shouldn't mix apples and oranges in an analysis...

America is an entire continent. Not a uniform economic and political region. 'America' in that sence is still in the heads of some US-airheads. One shouldn't mix apples and oranges in an analysis...

[Roland]

"Don't you worry Roland, it's not the first time a austrian wants to join Europe under one flag..."

Yeah Kropo, I'll send my Sturmtruppen after YOU!

The EU is about half a federation, and on certain issues (from telecom regulation to trade agreements) it is one entity. Like it or loath it, but don't give me that "airhead" crap when you're trying to check out of reality.

[Bereta_Eder]

what do you guys think about the next two phases of european integration? (political - military).


Do you want them to happen?

I know I do.

(BTW by military I don't just mean the European Rapid Reaction Force which is already in the works).

[Bereta_Eder]

I'm not asking about the way they would happen (federal - state like etc) but if you want them to.

Or are you happy with an integrated market and that's all?

[Kropotkin]

The EU is about half a federation[ ...] Like it or loath it, but don't give me that "airhead" crap when you're trying to check out of reality.

It's still only half a federation. And as long as it's only half a federation I woun't accept general statements like the ones in those two articles. The countries and regions are still to different both in their economies and their institutions to say stuff like 'Europe is this and Europe is that'. Europe might turn out a federation in the future with homogenized laws to a full extent. One may think what he or she likes about that but acting like it's already so because of some laws in a bit premature in my humble opinion.

[Roland]

All depends on the issue. Some general statements about "the US" or "Austria" wouldn't work either. Especially in federal systems.

"federation in the future with homogenized laws to a full extent."

Ehm... in that case, it would be a centralist state, not a federation.

Now, depending on the issue: statements about _the_ european labour market or law are nonsense because the common regulations are minimal and the actually existing systems are quite different.

"because of some laws"

I think you are slightly underestimating the size and relevance of EU law, esp in all things economic...

[Saint Marcus]

I think you are slightly underestimating the size and relevance of EU law, esp in all things economic...

Slightly? He's completely clueless

[Fidel]

Originally posted by Bob Dornan
Cut taxes, more individual freedoms to the people, build up military, participate more strongly on American and pro freedom intiatives worldwide.

no way. we're gonna invade you and corrupt your way of life.

[Roland]

"corrupt your way of life."

How would that be possible ?

[Saint Marcus]

"corrupt your way of life."

How would that be possible ?

Take away their bible's?

[Bereta_Eder]

Why hasn't someone answered my question?


Do you consider it too dangerous?

[Saint Marcus]

this question: Or are you happy with an integrated market and that's all?


I'm hoping, and expecting, to see a European (Con)federation come to life. One army, foreign and monetary policy, and most of the rest up to the individual nations.

[Roman]

Sure European integration is a positive thing. However, I do fear that some of the convergence might be for the worse. Say Sweden might decide to impose its 60% tax rates on all the other countries in the interest of curbing 'unfair tax competition'.

If the EU follows free market policies in its integration, I am all for it.

[History049]

Central eurocom: a useless and stupid saying

[Saint Marcus]

Bob...do you think 90% of Europe is made up off commies? If so, then the reds did win the Cold War