The negative view on the EU and the positive view on the EU

Hi, my name is Tim Jonkman i am 24 years old, originally i hail from across the ocean in North Holland Castricum, but for the past few years i have been able to call Leeuwarden my home. I like it here quite a lot so far, this “city” really has the “Towny” feel to (imagine Starshallow in Gilmore Girls) it is a city yes but it has the feel of a town where everyone knows one another. My contributions to this project have been the two interviews and the article about changing thoughts on Europe. I hope that the interview and the article of mine, but also those of my colleagues can help people have a more informed opinion about Europe and the European Union. 

The European Union: A Divisive but Necessary Project

Since its establishment on November 1, 1993, the European Union (EU) has been a subject of intense debate. From its early roots in the European Coal and Steel Community to the formation of the European Economic Community (EEC), and finally to the European Union as we know it today, the European project has consistently been shaped by political elites. This fact raises questions about the EU’s legitimacy, as it was not the result of a popular movement or direct input from the people but rather a top-down initiative driven by leaders and technocrats in the highest echelons of power. The EU’s structure, dominated by unelected bureaucrats, has led many to argue that the Union’s expanding influence lacks democratic accountability.

Positive Aspects of the European Union

Despite criticisms, the European Union has brought about a host of benefits for its member states and their citizens. One of the most significant achievements of the EU is the prolonged period of peace within Europe. Historically, the continent has been a battleground, with wars and conflicts dating back to ancient civilizations. From the Peloponnesian War to the devastating conflicts of the 20th century, Europe has been embroiled in violence for millennia. The two World Wars, with their catastrophic impact, serve as a stark reminder of the continent's history of bloodshed. However, since the formation of the EU, Europe has enjoyed an unprecedented era of peace.

This peace has allowed for economic cooperation and cultural exchange, contributing to a higher quality of life for Europeans. The Schengen Area, for example, provides an extraordinary level of freedom of movement, allowing individuals to travel across 26 countries without border checks. The ease of travel facilitates commerce and tourism, creating a more interconnected and prosperous Europe. From Lisbon to Nuorgam, Finland, one can cover a distance of 5,161.6 kilometers without encountering a single border checkpoint. This convenience not only simplifies travel but also enhances economic opportunities across the continent, providing a seamless marketplace for goods and services.

Additionally, the introduction of the Euro has further streamlined economic exchanges. Citizens of the Eurozone can travel without worrying about fluctuating exchange rates, simplifying cross-border trade and personal finance. The common currency has proven to be an invaluable tool for the integration of European economies, enhancing the EU’s collective economic power.

From a geopolitical standpoint, the EU provides a sense of unity and strength, particularly in a world where security challenges are ever-present. While individual European countries, such as France, possess formidable military capabilities, the strength of the EU lies in its collective defense. A united Europe presents a more formidable front on the world stage, enabling member states to stand together in defense of shared values and principles. This unity is critical in a world characterized by political instability and emerging threats, offering both military and diplomatic leverage.

Negative Aspects of the European Union

While the European Union’s economic and political benefits are widely acknowledged, there are several contentious aspects that remain significant sources of criticism. One of the most pressing concerns is the increasing concentration of power in Brussels. The EU’s expanding influence over national policies, particularly in areas like monetary policy, has led to fears that smaller economies are being constrained by the decisions of larger, more powerful nations. For example, countries with weaker economies may face restrictions on currency devaluation, limiting their ability to make their goods more competitive on the global market.

Moreover, the European Parliament, despite being the elected body of the EU, is often seen as ineffective and irrelevant in the face of a growing technocratic bureaucracy. This has contributed to a perception that the EU is governed by an elite, unelected class of bureaucrats who hold disproportionate power over the lives of ordinary Europeans. Many argue that the EU’s decision-making processes are too slow, bogged down by compromises between member states, and overly influenced by powerful lobbying groups.

Perhaps the most significant point of contention among EU critics is the inefficiency and expense of its institutional structure. The practice of moving the European Parliament between Brussels and Strasbourg every month is widely criticized as wasteful. This decision, made as a political compromise to appease French interests, costs taxpayers a substantial amount of money and detracts from the EU’s ability to function efficiently. Such inefficiencies, though relatively minor in the grand scheme of things, are emblematic of the broader issues that undermine the EU’s public image.

Critics also argue that the European Union’s system of governance prioritizes consensus and compromise to such an extent that it becomes paralyzed. The need to accommodate diverse national interests often results in watered-down policies that lack the boldness and decisiveness required in today’s fast-paced world. The EU’s inability to act swiftly and decisively in the face of crises, from economic downturns to security threats, is a point of frustration for many.

Conclusion: The Divisive Nature of the European Union

The European Union, like many political entities, is deeply divisive. Its continued existence and expansion have been shaped by compromises, often driven by the desires of the political elite. While the EU has undeniably brought peace, stability, and prosperity to Europe, it has also fostered a growing sense of alienation among those who feel that its bureaucratic machinery is out of touch with the everyday concerns of citizens.

The EU represents a delicate balancing act between unity and division, with member states of diverse cultures and histories coexisting within a larger framework of political and economic cooperation. However, the challenges inherent in this arrangement—ranging from inefficient bureaucracy to perceived loss of sovereignty—are unlikely to be resolved in the near future. In this regard, the European Union remains a work in progress, one that will continue to evolve as it navigates the complex web of competing interests that define Europe’s future. Ultimately, the EU’s fate will be determined not only by its ability to adapt to these challenges but also by the willingness of its citizens to reconcile their differences through dialogue and cooperation rather than conflict.