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I think that pressure would be healthier if directed at a real path. The combination of EU as scapegoat and fear-based counter-politics by the political establi

by netcan 11y ago

I think that pressure would be healthier if directed at a real path. The combination of EU as scapegoat and fear-based counter-politics by the political establishment is unhealthy. I don't think it's possible to really poll opinion in this environment. Look at Scotland. They wanted an independence vote from the UK. It would have been historically peaceful and safe independence. They would have joined the EU, maintained close ties with England. But, when push came to shove, Scotland didn't want it, mostly because of anxiety. That's a real pressure valve. If Scotland really wanted independence (like Ireland did 100 years ago) it would have passed. It would also put pressure on the EU to improve. I want more democracy too. It wouldn't be bad to have countries demand it to stave off EU-exit politics.

realusername 11y ago
It's indeed complicated, the EU is moving way too fast for local cultures, they are also arriving in a bad economic climate so it does not help. No-one thinks themselves "European" either (whatever this might mean), the European Union looks from the outside as a floating entity on top of Europe, it's difficult for people to relate to it. The fact that politicians are avoiding to do a poll with almost 35% (total of left + right parties) of votes to openly Anti-EU party (this was in 2012, I imagine it's more now, and this is only people voting for openly anti-EU parties, the real figures are obviously higher) is also seen really negatively and does not help at all to improve the general opinion of the European Union.
- netcan 11y ago
  I do, to an extent. So, there is at least one. To me, it's a modern identity. I have geographically dispersed friends and family. I am speaking to you online, right now and we are speaking candidly about political issues concerning us together. I don't even know where your'e from (Hello, by-the-way.) I appreciate the right to live in other EU countries and I would feel violated if it was curbed. I respect other European's rights to live here if they choose. That's it. There is a lot of movement, btw and I think it's a good thing. The italians living here for 2 years before college and the Germans living in Paris for a year. The cousin who married a French girl. Maybe their grandchildren will feel differently. We don't need to be anything in particular. We just need to function a little better. We'll feel whatever we feel. Our kids will feel what they feel and hopefully they won't bomb each others cities ever again.
  - realusername 11y ago
    Oh yeah I feel the same, I'm a French guy currently living in London but I must admit I clearly not represent the majority, especially when I look around my relatives.
  - denis1 11y ago
    I think you make a good point about your cousins children. I believe if the EU could survive for another decade or so, it will be in a much better shape. IMO the politics of free movement inside the EU changes the lives and behavior of those affected(e.g. students having the chance to live & study in a totally different culture and environment) in a way that makes is almost impossible for them to accept a reversal to the old status-quot. When the generations that are currently criss-crossing in the halls of european universities will get a chance to influence the politics I believe we'll see a much more aligned "european identity".

by netcan 11y ago

realusername 11y ago

It's indeed complicated, the EU is moving way too fast for local cultures, they are also arriving in a bad economic climate so it does not help. No-one thinks themselves "European" either (whatever this might mean), the European Union looks from the outside as a floating entity on top of Europe, it's difficult for people to relate to it. The fact that politicians are avoiding to do a poll with almost 35% (total of left + right parties) of votes to openly Anti-EU party (this was in 2012, I imagine it's more now, and this is only people voting for openly anti-EU parties, the real figures are obviously higher) is also seen really negatively and does not help at all to improve the general opinion of the European Union.

netcan 11y ago
I do, to an extent. So, there is at least one. To me, it's a modern identity. I have geographically dispersed friends and family. I am speaking to you online, right now and we are speaking candidly about political issues concerning us together. I don't even know where your'e from (Hello, by-the-way.) I appreciate the right to live in other EU countries and I would feel violated if it was curbed. I respect other European's rights to live here if they choose. That's it. There is a lot of movement, btw and I think it's a good thing. The italians living here for 2 years before college and the Germans living in Paris for a year. The cousin who married a French girl. Maybe their grandchildren will feel differently. We don't need to be anything in particular. We just need to function a little better. We'll feel whatever we feel. Our kids will feel what they feel and hopefully they won't bomb each others cities ever again.
- realusername 11y ago
  Oh yeah I feel the same, I'm a French guy currently living in London but I must admit I clearly not represent the majority, especially when I look around my relatives.
- denis1 11y ago
  I think you make a good point about your cousins children. I believe if the EU could survive for another decade or so, it will be in a much better shape. IMO the politics of free movement inside the EU changes the lives and behavior of those affected(e.g. students having the chance to live & study in a totally different culture and environment) in a way that makes is almost impossible for them to accept a reversal to the old status-quot. When the generations that are currently criss-crossing in the halls of european universities will get a chance to influence the politics I believe we'll see a much more aligned "european identity".