The European Union has been a grand experiment
originating in 1958 but solidifying in 1993
Take 27 European countries with diverse histories, cultures, locations, and economies
and bind them with laws and a single currency,
the euro
The European Union aims to provide free movement of people, goods, services, and capital within Europe
A dreamy idea, but can it work?
National borders relax
as many from poorer EU countries flood wealthier EU countries for work,
for no work visa is required
{ with a few exceptions }
Unfortunately, it has created another layer of big government
My babysitter says her fees are dictated by the EU in Brussels
Sounds a little crazy, right?
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| Countries in the European Union Switzerland and Norway are among the few who did not join |
Due to the current economic crisis in Greece and Italy,
a recent UK newspaper headline read
'EU Demands £25bn Lifeline From UK'
That doesn't feel fair to the British who have their own economic woes
and decided to keep its currency { Pound Sterling } from the beginning
as a way to hold on to their sovereignty
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| Map of the European Union |
The demands and threats toward the British to financially help with the euro crisis
has led 59% of those surveyed wanting to leave the EU,
25% wanting to stay, and 16% not sure,
according to a UK newspaper, The Sunday Telegraph
In a country where NO ONE has bumper stickers on his/her car
{ it is tacky to display your opinions so publicly },
I actually have seen a few promoting the UK to leave the EU
{ or maybe it is just the same car I see over and over again }
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Euro notes replaced many national currencies in 2002 Not used by all EU countries, including UK and Denmark |
What has the EU meant to me?
Aside from taxes, new laws I'm not aware of, and a great variety of imports in the stores,
I can't help but be a little envious of EU citizens buzzing
through passport control as I stand in the long non-EU citizen line
I see cars and big lorries on the highways with licenses plates from all over Europe
When we travel through Europe,
it is convenient to use the same currency when we cross borders
{ But I must say the bland artwork on the euro makes me sad for the countries
who lost their beautiful, meaningful depictions of their culture on their own currency }
2012 could be an interesting year for the EU
Will the European Union break up?
Will a few countries be forced to abandon the euro?
Will the UK decide to leave?
Stay tuned...
P.S. Post Of The Month Club will resume January 31 :)
Sources: Wikipedia, AFP, The Daily Telegraph
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