By Nicholas Walton, Special to CNN
Editor's note: Nicholas Walton is the communications director of the European Council on Foreign Relations. The views expressed are his own.
The first notable dissenting voice came from a familiar figure, that sensible German woman with her reasonable manner and head full of common sense. “Let’s talk,” said Angela Merkel, in response to her British counterpart David Cameron’s speech on Europe, in which he pledged a referendum in the next parliament on whether Britain should leave the European Union.
The wider European response to Britain’s perceived wrecking tactics had ranged from scorn to anger; Merkel spoke instead of reaching a “fair compromise” with the perfidious Brits. Although this left plenty of future room for Merkel to be able to twist British arms towards her own Europhile viewpoint, it also spoke to a wider concern about the direction the European project might be taking: while some worry that the Brits are turning away from Europe, others worry that Europe is turning away from the world.
Ironically, the point was put best by Cameron. “The map of global influence is changing before our eyes,” he said, noting that there was a “crisis of European competitiveness.” He even quoted that sensible German lady:
“As Chancellor Merkel has said, if Europe today accounts for just over 7 percent of the world's population, produces around 25 percent of global GDP and has to finance 50 percent of global social spending, then it's obvious that it will have to work very hard to maintain its prosperity and way of life.”
More from GPS: Euro crisis entering dangerous phase
Beyond the playing of domestic politics and the residual distrust of Europe that lurks in every Briton’s historical baggage, this was Cameron’s central and most important point: the world is getting vastly more competitive, and if Europe doesn’t adapt to this truth, it may go the way of the Byzantines, the Mayans, and Rome itself. The accompanying point was also important: if Europe wants to adapt to such challenges from the modern world, we Brits will want to be a central part of it.
This argument will not have been missed in Berlin or Helsinki, no matter what the initial response to Cameron’s speech was. Although the focus for the EU in the last three years has been saving the euro, the Union is surely a means to greater ends than a currency project. This might be to give Europe global influence in a world tilting towards a G-2 of Washington and Beijing; it might be to forge Europe as a formidable foreign policy and security actor, especially as the U.S. continues its pivot to Asia; and it might be to find a way to harness the collective economic heft of almost thirty nation states rather than leave them to fight individually.
On all these counts, an engaged Britain in an EU that faced the world would be invaluable (it would also be invaluable for Britain, as it struggles with debt, a deeply troubled economy and its own declining place in the world).
But take security first. Britain sits alongside France as one of the very few European countries that feels comfortable with military matters, as Libya shows. A longstanding American complaint is that Europeans continually fail to take responsibility for their own security, as it seeks to rationalize its own defense and orientate its own capacities towards emerging threats. With economic crisis leading to considerable budget cuts, this situation is only worsening in Europe. Whatever common capacity Europe develops, Britain’s involvement seems necessary to make it credible.
In more general foreign policy matters – from diplomacy to the deployment of development aid – the U.K. is already far more involved in Europe-wide affairs than its disengaged image would suggest. In fact, research from European Council on Foreign Relations’ own Scorecard project suggests that the U.K. is up there with Germany and France (and, remarkably, Sweden) as a leader in European foreign policy, on issues ranging from Iran nuclear ambitions to Somalia. Maybe that’s why Barack Obama himself has been nudging Britain to stay in the EU.
Economics matters are more complex, and there are doubtless many Europeans, from Paris to Marseilles, who might be pleased to see Britain leave the EU. But despite its own current economic woes the British economic vision of more open, competitive economies is something that chimes in Berlin and several other corners in the northern half of Europe. Without a British counterweight to help balance the more statist economies within the Union, the EU might not be quite as popular in Stockholm and Warsaw. After all, growth is a massive problem in Europe, and one of the core reasons why the euro crisis became so critical (one startling recent figure was that Italy experienced less economic growth in a decade than anyone else in the world other than Zimbabwe and Haiti).
This is not to ignore the problems that Britain’s opposition to “ever closer union” could cause the rest of the EU. Even Cameron has argued that the eurozone needs to integrate further if it is to survive. And if the euro does not survive the current crisis, any hope of a fighting fit 21st century Europe is probably dead in the water anyway. But Cameron obviously believes that it can survive, and that Britain can help Europe reform and become stronger.
All of this will not have escaped Angela Merkel’s notice as she makes her careful calculations. Britain’s recent bumptiousness may grate, and certainly creates extra problems for those already struggling to work out exactly how the sticking plasters currently attached to the eurozone can be converted into more sustainable long term cures. But losing Britain could become something of a nightmare for many other Europeans (provided the price is not too high), and Germany will be crucial in brokering any deal that keeps them in and helps make the EU fit for purpose in the 21st century. A plea for this seems to be the subtext to Cameron’s speech: Britain doesn’t want to turn away from Europe, provided the EU doesn’t want to turn away from the world.
© 2012 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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I think Britain has a lot to offer Europe, the Germans know it, the Poles know it, practically everybody but the French and the Belgians accept this. It was only yesterday that the UK had arguably one of the largest Empires the world had ever seen. Britain has for an extremely long time been the end of the road for both conquerors and migrants, from Trojans to Romans and ancient Greeks to Vikings to the Polish of today. It has knowledge to bring to the table, it has real tolerance.
The Uk has a lot to offer, agreed. But you are either in a club or you aren't. The UK wants a lot of influence but doesn't want to pay like the rest of the wealthy nations in the EU.
Thry should pay the same per person as we do in the Netherlands.
You mean we should be paying for influence? How exciting! Do tell us your secret of paying too much. It must grate though, no?
What the hell? UK doesn't put in much money? We aren't fully in the union yet we PUT AS MUCH MONEY AS FRANCE INTO THE EU COFFERS. Yes! You read that right! Look it up or just live in your pathetic, clouded mind
Well, the UK gets a discount of about 4 bil. EUR for being a former empire. And I guess they are happy that the so much cricized Poles are paying part of the UK EU-bill.
The EU needs Britain as much as Britain needs the EU. Cameron has threatened to take Britain out of the EU and promised a referendum sometime in 2017. The "Brexit" might just be a pie in the sky. First he has to win the re-election in 2015, before he could negotiate and call for a subsequent referendum. The EU leaders welcome him to stay, but he can't cherry-pick. Britain has had enormous benefit from selling goods in a single market all these years. Yet it has to bear its share of the burden as well.
The EU is a failed socialist experiment, its costs; 600 billion euro outperform its credit 120 billion. The goal of the EU is were others have failed; Napoleon, Adolf Hitler. Ein Reich, Ein Volk, Ein Fuhrer.
Time for a revolution, peaceful if possible, violent if necessary.
Quite right, Ted. Britain does have lot to offer Europe like the post WW1 depression of the 1920's. By the way, who tried to take over all of France during the 100 years war(1337-1453)? In fact, Europe most probably would have been better off if Germany had won WW1.
Finally, someone on this website who read their history books whereas most people have not! This is like a breath of fresh air. Thank you, Quigley.
Pathetic, just pathetic comment. You always judge a person by what they did 50 years ago do you? You always judge a book by its cover person are you? These type of comments are why we need a better Europe because at the moment it is just fostering idiotic people like yourself.
Yes if you wanted Germany to win the wars then that is your shout BUT I guarantee you wouldn't be sat at your computer today writing rubbish like that
France won 100 years war. That's history
well you see the thing is, the UK behaves like the bully kid that does not want to play if he is not the "chief"...but guess what.
The UK will NEVER be leading US, the EUROPEANS..'cause WE don't want that.
besides, OUR CLUB
youre in or out!
OUR RULES. now get out.
What a responsible and not at all childish opinion.
It's a wonder why the UK are fed up of the Europeans when you're so well-mannered.
Britain was once a great empire,but that has faded into history,when i think what Sir Winston Churchill stood for and i look at the British Government today,i can only but shudder.The U.K. has sold it's soul,it's many engineering works, hell we don't even make Roll's Royce cars anymore,the German's are doing it.
Britain is a HAS BEEN as my late father told me some 30 years ago.
By God, Rhodesian prime minister Ian Douglas Smith knew how to run a country,even UNDER SANCTIONS and a war to boot.
I'm sick of you experts talking about how Britain's needs and concerns "grate" on your delicate, pale eurocrat countenances. Has it occurred to you that we are concerned with incomes and who is going to take away the rubbish? And stop pretending that French people want the UK to leave Europe. For God's sake man, you're making stuff up. Even if a Frenchmen says "I don't care if the silly English leave the EU", are you going to take that seriously? Should we read your stuff if you do? No and no.
The British are saying this: sure we want to be in your club. It's not always so amazing, but we know how important it is to talk up the EU, even it's failures. So let's hear it for the EU woohoo. But here's your chance to become the EU that the citizens want. Accountable, transparent and working for us. Not us working for you. The EU has made the mistake of thinking that it's relevant and fun and useful. It isn't all those things. One out of three ain't bad. But it's also boring and inflexible and full of people who say that we are asking for too much, and we can't leave, but we have to do as we're told. Oh right. Well see you later then. You don't mind if we just get on with our stuff? No we do like you eu, we promise. Really we do. You're worth it. No I said that you're great. Bye now. See you soon. Bye.
*sigh* darling it's the bloody EU they're doing my head in again just keep smiling never mind we won't let them in the house maybe they'll get the message that the world doesn't revolve around them *sigh* fat chance
As a Brit It always makes me cringe when there a re problems in Europe and everyone runs to what Merkel says. Now I understand they put MUCH more money in than most but I was thinking that Europe is for the Europeans and not just Germany and France. On a lot of military matters I would for sure prefer to hear anybodies contributions BUT the French funnily enough that don't have the best record to say the least. We have always feared Europe for what it is now NOT what it could be which has been hijacked by the Germans and French hence the state it is in today.
I for one wouldn't give a hoot if Britain pulled out and lost Europe, it would be a hard road but a fruitful one if we end up with a largey self sufficient country that makes for its own instead of this global capitalist rubbish we have forced on us today!
Britain is welcome to lead in the EU with us germans and french if they would only understand the project and would want to lead, by having visions, instead of blaming the Union and only use it for their advantages! The strongest countries should lead the Union to success but those countries also must want it and not still have to discuss if they are actually in or out of the club!
It's no surprise that everyone is looking for German and French leadership in the EU. Britain has never shown any. Britain chose not to be a leading and shaping part of the EU. Why would anyone look to Britain for answers and solutions in EU matters when they didn't provide any for decades? It's hardly Germany's or France's fault that Britain chose to take the backseat. But thankfully Cameron seems to have finally realized that they will never be happy with the EU unless they actively involve themselves. Better late than never, i guess. Most europeans would probably welcome a Britain that takes an active role in shaping and reforming the EU. People just don't like the guy on the backseat who does nothing but complain. Don't be him, Britain. Offer solutions and take part in the discussion. And maybe one day you'll be happy too with the EU that you helped building and forming.
Whether you are in or on the back seats, how can you sit by and watch a Europe digging it's own grave that it is today. Europe needs to be more transparent and that is what it IS NOT today. If what Europe is today is the making of mainly the French and Germany then I fear for Europe as a whole. France is almost bankrupt and it wont be long before Germany are too. How is that good leadership with or without Britain?
I'm afraid Nicholas is reading far too much into Cameron's speech. What we observed was a weak leader of a divided government and a divided party. The speech, whatever passing echoes it may have found in Berlin and Stockholm, had more to do with kicking the threats Cameron faces within a terminally divided Conservative party down the road than any serious attempt to chart a different path for the European project. The scandal is that Cameron is playing a high risk game with the British economy and Britain's influence within the EU. As Ed Miliband says, Britain is now sleepwalking towards an exit from the EU. This is neither good for Britain nor for Europe.
Desmond O'Toole, Dublin Citygroup, Party of European Socialists (PES)
Mr. Socialist; the EU is just another failed socialist experiment, your sort want all the credit but fail to pay the bill. With a 15% unemployment rate in the " EU ", the train is coming and there is no way to stop it. Just like the CCCP this experiment will end in bloodshed and revolution. We will remember your name, this time there will be a bill to pay.
I like to think of myself educated in some world matters and history, but I have no idea what's going on in the "E.U" ...I hope my Government isn't planning with USA and Mexico a "A.U" because it sounds complicated and not worth it.
Think you already have something on a far smaller scale: Summit of the Americas which brings together North, Central & South America.
With Cuba being the only state not to participate.
Here's a disgusting twosome if I ever saw one, David Cameron and Angie Merkel! Now I don't know who is more disgusting, those Marines in Afghanistan who urinated on the purported dead Taliban or these two people! These people are enough to make Hitler and Mussolini look good!
cheesy comment...
Quigley, I'd like to pee on you.
EU does not need Britain unless Britain can cough up a trillion bucks into its kitty, which Britain can't do. Britain is a has been empire, and is no longer "Great" . It is Britain and no longer "Great" Britain.
Europe needs as many countries as it can. It seems to have followed the French/German interests way too long and look where it has got Europe? Bankrupt! France and Germany have never been leaders ever! Europe has come about because of democracy and where did democracy come from? Now if any country should know it is Britain when it sees a democracy become a fallacy that Europe is today.
There was nothing wrong with what Europe was before the EU. A continent with different cultures and living styles and that was a pleasure to visit. Now it has become nothing but a elitist club led by the blinded France (Bankrupt) and Germany (Soon to be bankrupt)
That is true. There are only so many nations in the world who can consider themselves leaders. For better or worse, only Britain, USA, RUSSIA and Germany have shown any leadership over the past century.
. . .and Germany was "great" exactly when? Perhaps when it was trying to take over Europe and force its fascist ideology on everyone then just happened to lose the war and had to give up all its colonies to the League of Nations whilst being forced to reduce its forces to tiny numbers.
I rest my case.
pssssst may I remind you that WWII was NOT a BRITISH VICTORY, as a matter of fact you had to be SAVED by the rest of the world, so what are you on about?
The UK as given the world a vision of a modern CAST society, that's actually why you guys did so well in India.
and you tried to IMPOSE that on the world, so move along theres no place here for that sort of rhetoric.
I for one, and I am not a German, RESENT your USE of the NAZI's as a way to dismiss German opinions.
THAT is WHY WE think you are Beerhead Louts with nothing in the way of education or respect for others.
(translating that means that is why people in other nations do not like you)
Greg The European: Of course World War II ended with British victory! It wasn't only British victory, of course, but nontheless a British victory, as well as a Russian and American victory. Russians are said to have done most of the job with enormous losses, but surely Britain bombed the cr ap out of Germany, as well as having had a major role during the D-day invasion – and of course, Britain confronted the Nazis in north Africa, in Greece, in Italy, and at many places, all the way up to northern Norway. In fact, Britain was the only country that managed to resist an attempted Nazi invasion. This while the Nazis pretty much just walked to Paris.
Of course the EU needs Britain ! Great analysis !
The EU needs every sucker it can find.
But does the UK, does France, does Germany, does Holland, does Austria, does Spain or Italy need the EU ?
Decidedly not.
Just look at the facts.
Every country in question - even Greece ! - was better off if you look at unemployment statistics, income disparities, crime rates, cost of living.
12 years of the experiment.
Isn't that enough for even the terminally foolish to recognize a mistake ????
The EU was doing just fine, until it decided to swallow up all those central and eastern European countries.
The EU and in-turn single Euro currency grew too quickly and too fast.
They still haven't learnt their lesson with former Yogoslav nations set to join the EU in the next 2 years.
Western European nations increasingly look at the EU with resentment as our taxpayers pay more and more towards the EU budget, receiving little reward whilst eastern bloc countries enjoy handsomely at our expense.
I remember that day Poland was admitted into the EU and Tony Blair gave his speech in Warsaw; "the EU should be a super-power not super-state". . . guess they ignored him. *sigh*
The UK has its own culture, its own CURRENCY, its own royal family, and is evidently enjoying causing influence and controversy in an organisation it do not like, otherwise it would apply the Euro currency. Perhaps, it is time to move on the EU, and expel from the European parliament all the EU states that refuse to be members of the Eurozone, so that the EU can develop with more tranquillity.
Fast forward, EU will disintegrate just like Yuogoslavia. Fiscal n political union does not n will not work. GB will survive without EU whilst EU cannot survive without GB. If Iceland can prosper despite crisis, why cant GB
dude...since the middle ages the UK has NOT came out on top of anything without the help of EUROPE.
Napoleonic wars, small PORTUGAL broke the Napoleonic naval blockade to feed YOU or you'd starve, and in the process of doing that had to fight Napoleon 3 times which lead to the Anglo-Portuguese alliance that eventually drove Napoleon from Spain.
fast forward a few wars and skirmishes and WWI ...UK what?
WWII ...UK what? you needed the REST of the world to do what you could not do. The only thing saving you is the channel water separating you from the mainland.
It's well past time you start recognizing that the UK, is but a spec in the global scheme of things, and that WITHOUT EUROPE , you're just an Island full of Snobs. (and with a very short memory ) ( but fast to take the credits)
lol. Go back to bed anglophobe.
The European debate and what is right for Britain and for Europe can only be be brought up to the right level by all of us leaving aside our nationalistic stereotypes and talking about the future not about the distant past. We now have different times, different situations and all of us grappling with new technologies in a very different world.
The European project has floundered on a lack of democracy and accountability leaving many citizens feeling unrepresented and disenfranchised by their own politicians who tend to ask them to vote again if they receive the wrong answer by the voters.
Europe has grown so fast and has become so disorganised that in order to for all of us to decide what would be the in the best interests of our respective countries we need to ask " Can we reorganise Europe into a democratic and representative organisation that is beneficial to all of us that live here". If this doesn't prove possible then the future of Europe will be a short one.
I cannot believe the level of ignorance prevelant in an "educated" United States of America. Come on guys. Get out of your country and visit France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Italy, the core of Europe. Try learning languages other than English. If possible, visit Spain, Portugal, Slovenia, Slovakia. If possible, also try to learn Portuguese, Spanish. Get some character. Get a life. Otherwise, you will remain caught up in the world where "London" pretends to bring its knowledge to the table, but what it actually is doing is fleecing you of your dollars.
English is the most important language in the world, and as a Scandinavian, I don't want Britain to leave the E.U., leaving smaller countries in the E.U. to have to bend to second tier large languages such as French. Britain is the militarily strongest EU member, has the best relations with the world's largest economy U.S., emphasizes freedom of the individual, and is home to the most important city in the EU. Why would anyone other than possibly the French or the British themselves want Britain to leave? Britain leaving would be a serious blow to the E.U., seriously tipping the balance of power further away from northwestern Europe. Don't be surprise if the Nordic countries follow, leaving an even heavier burden on the remaining rich E.U. members such as Germany and the Netherlands to finance the netreceiving south (Spain, Greece, etc.), as well as keeping French farmers happy in giant subsidies.
The point I am trying to make is the "other" Europeans have as much brains as the English people, only their approach is far less risky, the European approach values life.
I beg to disagree,there is not a single reason why Europe needs the UK. At the moment that is...
Consider this, the UK as been the "spoiled brat" of Europe for DECADES. The UK track record of opposition to common sense bills in the European parliament should be considered to figure in the Guinness Book of Records.
Manly they want all the "meat" and "pudding" leaving the "tatos" and "veggies" for the rest of Europe.
REFORM is good,but surely NOT for the UK, why else did they NOT reform and regulate the BANKS that left EUROPE (and the world)where WE are right now?
Answer to that is REFORM is good for others, we want the dividends.
The EURO...we rather stick to the good old "quid" that is RAPIDLY loosing value against the EURO. Creating a challenge to the EURO on it's start and a BAILOUT in the FUTURE( I SAY NO TO THAT)
IN EUROPE'S best interest the UK should GO. let them grow up, start thinking of the common good of the Nations involved instead of their own "Imperial" interests and ego.
YOU will hear this from MOST common folk in the EUROPEAN union, now this is something the majority of people DO agree upon.
PS- BYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE and DO NOT COME BACK!
Greg you have quite an insight into geopolitics. Your well considered unbiased views must be quite influential with decision makers.
Another jealous anglophobe with a chip on his shoulder. Is probably Belgian or French, therefore liberated by the British and has felt insignificant since.
Yes, what is it with French-speaking people's problems with native speakers of English? I have a clue. For some odd-ball reason, French are still mad at the world that French isn't the world's most important language (nor the second or third most important language). I have noticed that many French seriously think that visitors to France should speak French (while they themselves, of course, don't speak Chinese when in China, Arabic in the Arabic world, or German when in Germany). It's hard to believe, but, yes, many French actually do expect people to study French before visiting France... As crazy as that sounds, it is no wonder French people are disappointed at native speakers of English. I just laugh! I worked hard to learn English, and sorry France, I will NOT learn your language (and neither will you learn my language)!
Although my ancestors left Germany some five generations ago, even I'm more of a German than this broad Angie Merkel is! At least I'd pull Germany out of the Eurozone, demand a voice in making decisions at NATO and quit taking orders out of Washington D.C with blind obedience. I guess that this makes me sound old fashioned but then again, I'm proud of my German heritage!
I feel the same way, Marine5484. Moreover, I feel deeply offended at the presence of U.S., British and French forces still being on German soil since I myself am a German American and proud of it. At least, the Russians went home over 20 years ago!
I'm England born and proud of my ancestry, Screw the EU, We need to look after our own and if we can afford it then by all means help those in need but there is more to this planet than just "empires" run by the "chosen" few
I think the UK tends to stick its finger where it hurts and doesnt feel the need to be humble or polite about it.European leaders on the other hand tend to lie to give the impression everything is fine without being honest about what is needed to make the EU work (further handing over of sovereignity to Brussel,unified fiscal,economic policies)) and how much it will cost (esp. The credit worthy member states goodbye pensions).
Europe does not need the UK, it does not need Albania or Romania either. Today's UK is virtually bankrupt, much like the US is. We do not need Anglo-Saxon supremacy in Europe, as probably most of the Europeans consider the UK to be just another US state.
The US are, now, the most feared nation in the world, as Britain once was. I say feared, not respected. Let Britain go with the US, the larger the US become, the faster they will destroy themselves from within, a process that has already started anyway.
Well put, Jan. Thank you. All these ignorant comments here calling for "unity" between Great Britain and the E.U. get old. Moreover, Great Britain needs to quit NATO and stop taking orders from those Washington bureaucrats but most of all, stay out of the E.U.!
This whole dog and pony show on behalf of Cameron is only about votes. Cameron does not want to loose votes to the far right so he (they) are being stiff with the Eu in order to gain bargaining chips from Bruxelles and votes at home. It's just politics. As a continental European, while knowing well that the EU does have its flaws, I see the UK politicians as always trying to lecture and pretend to be better and find them a bit annoying. The UK has received an enormous amount of money from the EU and has nothing to complain about. We have heard the Brits doom and gloom about the Euro for months and months, but the Euro is not going anywhere and the EU will survive and prosper with the UK hopefully, without if it has to.
Europe does not need Britain except maybe for defense. The euro will be gone so that small countries in Europe can recover or else there will be bloodshed. The leadership of Britain should have read Wyndham Lewis' book " Count Your Dead, They Are Alive" and listened to his advice in 1937 so that WW II could have been avoided and Britain would have remained Great Britain. Now it is a pitiful state , bankrupt and going downhill fast even further. The people need to "thank" the international bankers and corrupt politicians for the current state of affairs. The leadership of Britain has little to say in European affairs – it is just much ado about nothing. Their self dilution of importance is for the movies. If they are not careful , Communist China may buy them – lock,stock and barrel as we say in the US.
Europe needs the UK of the UK needs Europe? that's the question.......
I'm a Brit and all I want is to be able to have a job and a decent lifestyle whether that's in or out of the Euro.
If we are to stay in the union then we all have to get our heads together and work as a team forget about history that's past lets look to the future life is to short.
What a narrow minded comment this is. This idea of uniting Great Britain with Europe is one of total stupidity!
And what do you know you sound like what other countries hate about the Brits, that we are the master race exactly what the Germans once thought
Most of the people Dont want to be part of the EU. The people of the Netherlands already lost all of there money on this stupid stok houlders game, and what did we get back for it , more taxes.
The euro is not good for the people. We dont want to be a Third Reich with one coin.
Ii'm ashamed of my country and not to be a free person anymore.
Well said, Dana. Thank you. The Eurozone is not and never has been a good idea.
LOL, if only "the people of the Netherlands" were "most of the people"...
The UK is showing common sense by trying to shake up the EU. In 2003 the first REAL Chief accountant arrived, up to this point the EU had never had an account firm sign off its books. The Chief accountant before that was not even an accountant ,he was an Italien guy who scuttled off back to Italy when he found out he really wasn't an accountant. At that point the amount of money missing from the EU coffers was around 16 Billion euros. No accountant in there right mind was ever going to sign that off and till this day no-one has. 18 years later the amount that is missing is close to a 130 billion euros. It could be suggested that his is what happens when you give blank check books to a bunch of lazy southern europeans. With the UK paying 50 million a day into this insane set up, I think it is only fair for the UK to want a shake up and wake up call blasted out. Actually, it even makes you wonder if the fanaticism of some members in the EU is more down to their fear of being thrown in jail rather than the welfare of the people. Unfortunatley, I think it is unlikley that any will face any kind of justice because fat old barosso and co have created the EU so that they are answerable to no-one, and for this reason alone it makes sense that the EU is dismantled.
bull-shiite– it really doesnt and doesnt want it!
The problem is something which should resonate with Americans. We Brits fear tyranny from Brussels, that is basically at the root of why we are so uninterested in the EU. If the EU keeps to a loose confederation of trade agreements, that fine. Cross-border issues such as crime and the environment, also fine. The EU has no right to get involved in any other aspect of our lives. We are not a "United States of Europe" led by the Germans i'm afraid. I would welcome a new relationship with Europe, just one with less restrictions, less red-tape, and less day-to-day influence from Belgium. That isn't "cherry picking", that is just a sensible approach to how we should operate.
We are different countries with different histories and traditions. We have fought wars against each other since time immemorial (lucky we don't any more!). We are not and should never be more than trading partners. We were right not to join the Euro, I am fairly confident we are right on this occaison too.
I'm not sure the EU needs the EU, unless you're a poor Mediterranean nation what's in it for you?
The UE needs Britain to pay UK rebate. But maybe not for long...
The EU is a Fourth Reich, not in how the Nazis envisioned it but in how Germany has conquered much of the whole of Europe by swindling neighboring countries into giving up both their political and economic sovereignties to them. Back when the Euro was being considered leading economists - most notably among them Paul Krugman - told them point blank at the first sign of a massive economic disaster the Euro would create economic chaos throughout much of Europe because the member states that have adopted the currency couldn't print nor mint their own bills and coinage to combat inflation. That exact scenario has played out today. Germany and France are doing their best to try and even keep the Euro afloat.
The EU does need Britain. It's the only other economic power capable enough of dishing enough money into the EU to keep the broken system together. The problem for them is that Cameron's government's austerity measures have destroyed the UK's economy as they're teetering on their third recession since 2007. If Britain had adopted the Euro instead of being able to mint their own coinage they'd be in a mess like Italy and Spain are at the moment but not quite like Greece.
The best thing for Britain is to get rid of the European Union. Wash their hands of it.
The question should be 'why Britain needs the EU.'
Great Britain contributes great benefits to EU, but did not get the opportunity for leadership, until now. The right time is now, to allow Great Britain to show that can lead EU for better future. The unsuccessful EU is not entirely due to faulty German leadership, but mostly, as Germany does not have the necessary knowledge in managing complex EU and Transatlantic relations. Give Primeminister David Cameron and Great Britain this valuable opportunity for leadership.