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3 questions the EU Constitution must answer.
Former Member
Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
Should the EU have a common foreign-policy.
Should Brussels have more power.
Should the EU become a superstate.
Good article is below if you need more info before debating.
http://www.time.com/time/europe/html/030623/story.html
Should Brussels have more power.
Should the EU become a superstate.
Good article is below if you need more info before debating.
http://www.time.com/time/europe/html/030623/story.html
0
Comments
“If we entered with the tests not met, at the wrong exchange rate, we would see unemployment rise, public service investment fall and growth stall.”
Mr Brown called on high unemployment countries like Germany and France to learn from Britain’s experience. He said: “There is a British national interest in the economic reform agenda, working not just for ourselves but for the rest of Europe with which we trade so much.
“In this way, Britain can be a leader in Europe as Europe equips itself for the challenges of globalisation.
“The test for any government is whether they have the strength to take tough decisions in the long-term interests of the country rather than the short-term quick fix.”
Mr Brown attacked the EU for failing to wind down the corrupt and chaotic Common Agricultural Policy.
He said: “The case for reform is now stronger than ever.
“It imposes enormous costs on the EU economy as European consumers bear a burden of £36million through higher food prices.
“On top of that, agricultural subsidies and protectionism costs developing countries £12billion a year, leaving millions in poverty.”
To quote Mrs Thatcher "No. No. No."
This new constitution is simply a blueprint for a federal superstate. Why is there a need for a common foreign policy?
But the reality is, the diversity and cultures of Europe would be loss. And, if the article is to be believed, lot's of layers of politicians and powerplays.
Regarding foreign policy, an Al Qaeda operative who was just caught in the US, decided not to try to destroy the Brooklyn Bridge because there was too much security on it. Not to have your country decide on your security would make your Parliment like some local town politician.
I agree.
You should also learn that one of the most powerful lobbying groups against reform of the CAP is the National Farmers Union (The UK farming lobby). The CAP needs reform without doubt, but any time EU member state ministers get together to address the subject they are besieged by powerful lobby groups representing (quite contrary to your wishful assumptions) large industrial farming concerns rather than the small family held farms which comprise the bulk of French farming.
Most of the CAP money ends up in the hands of the richest farmers not the little guys. That is the main problem with the system right there.
In trade, for instance, Brussels negotiates on behalf of all member states at the World Trade Organization. But last week France and Germany got together to water down reform plans for the Common Agricultural Policy, the subsidy program that consumes 45% of the Union's j98.6 billion budget, of which France is the biggest beneficiary. The reforms would strengthen Europe's hand in the next round of WTO negotiations. E.U. Agricultural Commissioner Franz Fischler was furious at the deal. "It cannot be that two member states decide for the other 13 countries," he fumed. But it is so, and the episode is just another example of how member states intent on preserving entrenched advantages undermine the strength of the E.U. as a whole. "
Time Magazine
Learn to read Belgian-posing-as-an-American man.
http://www.choosefoodchoosefarming.org/cap/where2.htm
Yes France recieves the largest overall percentage of the budget, but in terms of numbers of farms receiveing more than €300,000 per annum, the UK stands second only to Germany with France trailing considerably.
The reason? CAP payments are linked to productivity levels. The greater the output (i.e. factory farms of more than 500 Hectares) the UK exceeds France (which is comprised of small continuously subdivided family held land).
The boy reads on article in Time and fancies himself an expert on one of the more complicated areas of EU policy negotitations. You are a real trip and so starstruck with off the cuff analysis that you do not make any real effort to try to learn the ins and outs of any subject you choose to rant about.
Oh and if I were Belgian, Id hardly be claiming to be an American, thats for sure.
Go play build sandcastles on the beach, child, and leave politics to those with minds capable of understanding what they are discussing.
In terms of growth and properity for Europe...I'm sure the EU is a good idea. I only hope cultural differences aren't lost.
As for the EU Constitution- a lot of what is goingt o go into this constitution- supermacy of the ECJ, for instance, si already enshrined in EU policy anyway, so all the constitution does is tidy everything up. Article 234 shows thsi perfectly.
The point that is getting lost is all the huffing and puffing is that discussions and negotiations and compromises are far from over. In the end Id be surprised if any substantial changes were made. Most will largely cosmetic.
I would draw your attention to the week long open debate webcast I posted info for in another thread. Itll be a chance for us little folk to mix it up with the pundits. Let your voice be heard (can't get more democratic than that!)
As for the NFU, ive only dealt with their representatives over here, can't speak for the sentiments of their membership.