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EU: Expansion too rapid?
Former Member
Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
What do you think of the relatively rapid EU expansion, especially towards the East? Will the dream of a united Europe evapourate because of inlcuding too many countries too fast?
My (somewhat subjective) opinion is that the EU would benefit from slowing down a tad or two. In order to successfully establishing a healthy economy, it would be better to focus on already existing members first.
My (somewhat subjective) opinion is that the EU would benefit from slowing down a tad or two. In order to successfully establishing a healthy economy, it would be better to focus on already existing members first.
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However, doing it very quickly causes massive instability as the 'system' can't cope with the change quickly enough, meaning there aren't enough new jobs over in the east and too many new workers over in the west.
The obviously differences between potential members and members themselves are economic, social and political.
Economically, they are more deprived and indeed will need lots of funding to get anywhere near the economies of the west.
However, free open markets should help both the E.U and new members in this area.
Politically, many of the countries are post communist and are still to this date trying to get over their troubled past. I think some countries are not yet ready to join such a big organization although they believe, joining the E.U will provide security against the past.
Socially, many, actually pretty much all new E.U members are more socially Conservative in their views. I think the E.U would play a good role in developing rights for minority groups in these countries, However, I think such change should take part from within, instead of forcing them to change. The E.U should be socially liberal and to become a member, the countries should take note of this.
On the whole, I do believe E.U expansion is too fast. The countries are not economically developed enough therefore causes masses of immigration and a lack of opportunities and jobs in their own countries.
That said the EU needs to be reformed. In its current state membership would not seem to be in the interests of Britain, Germany and the Netherlands. French farmers come in for a lot of deserved criticism but the biggest beneficiaries of EU funds have recently tended to be Ireland, Portugal, Greece and Spain.
But then you have to face the facts. You can't separate the two because the powers-that-be in Europe want both a wider and deeper union; the two go hand in hand; recognising this, I don't support expansion. That's why the Tories (who supported expansion) and are now complaining about Labour's 'shambolic' immigration policy - as if the current state of things wasn't the obvious outcome - are a bunch of turds.
I dont know about you, but a United Europe means nothing to me in a political sense, and the only economical side of it i want is to take whatever Britain can get that is viable... beyond that, it seems an unnecessary expense and poltical quagmire.
Due to them often being more industrial, than commercial, economies, they only contribute to Europe. That and the slave, sorry, cheap labour thier workforce offers the rest of the EU is only a benefit. Lets face it, they are not "stealing" jobs at all. They are doing it for less than others do it. How many brits would work the conditions the polish labours do?
It's a capitalist world, that's how it works, get over it. Don't like it? Change it.
When it occurs to fast it causes negative externalities, which is why it needs to be controlled. Think of it like setting a sleeping baby down in a cot, there's no harm in letting it lay in its cot, but you can't just drop it down there else it will wake up and cry. You need to gently lower it in so the baby doesn't realise at all, then it can have a fantastic nights sleep.
Jesus, it's not like we let the world join europe with 1 hours notice is it? It's not even like there are many countries left who can join with that much wealth or influence.
Turkey definatley should be told to fuck off mind. Not in Europe, and still illegally occupying Cyprus. I hate that. Alot.
Part of Turkey is in Europe. Plus, who are we to say what's European or not? Where are the geographical boundaries? As long as Turkey share common European ideals then I see no reason for them not to join, however they're not in that position at the moment so shouldn't join.
... and the part of the Turkey that is in Europe is actually not really thier land at all.
I bet if Russia or America wanted to join, there'd be all sorts of outcry. But Turkey people don't seem to care about, despite thier actions, location, and political decisions.
Everyone says that Turkey shouldn't join until such issues are sorted (especially the Cyprus issue). I wouldn't have a problem with Russia joining on principle, because part of their country is also in Europe. America isn't in Europe, so I don't see why they're even an issue. Turkey probably will become an EU member soon anyway, and I think they'd be a huge asset. I'm not an expert on economics, but I suspect they'd be a overall contributor to Europe, and would play a huge part in improving Europes relations with the middle east.
Oh and what are you on about the part of Turkey that's in Europe isn't really thier land? Istanbul isn't Turkish territory now is it? Kırklareli? Edirne? Tekirdağ? Çanakkale? They all look to be within Turkish borders to me.
I was actualy refering to Cyprus there. The majority of thier country is outside of Europe. So a corner is in. The majority is outside. Same reason I wouldn't let Russia join (that and they would blatantly abuse thier power).
Turkey meets nearly none of the criteria for joining. About hte only thing on thier side that a little corner is in the EU. I have no problem at all wih Turkey, generally a well run country, apart from thier illegal occupation issues, but they are NOT a European country. I suppose some twats would argue it's racist or segregational to keep people out of Europe, but there is a reason it's the EU. Not the WU (World Union).