Is it time for Europe to unite?

[Aureumterra]

Also, reminds me of this "Merkelreich"

[Vivolkha]

As I have said before, I think the common market was a really good idea and very helpful in integrating and strengthening the European community.

I think the EU is political overreach as I dont think there is a european consensus on how to go about governing things. The national interest of Germany is very different that that of greece or Poland. So as to further consolidating political power, I think it's a bad idea.

So how about building that consensus before consolidating power? And yes, it would take a very long time, but Europe as it stands isn't ready for unification.

[Cetacea]

I suppose if the Fourth Reich was to be achieved across the EU it would finally vindicate Brexit.

[Maroza]

The monarch of most of those countries (Canada, Australia, NZ) has those powers and has used them. Dismissing elected officials to protect democracy and institutions is a good idea. Would you disagree with a Kaiser dismissing Adolf Hitler, a Tsar dismissing Putin or such?

What did the Italian monarch do to stop Mussolini?

Edit: I'd also argue that Hitler wasn't elected to be the Chancellor. He was appointed by Hindenburg.

If I recall correctly he had him dismissed him, had him arrested and placed Pietro Badoglio as prime minister. Not that it actually makes Monarchies a good idea mind you.

[Greed and Death]

What did the Italian monarch do to stop Mussolini?

Edit: I'd also argue that Hitler wasn't elected to be the Chancellor. He was appointed by Hindenburg.

If I recall correctly he had him dismissed him, had him arrested and placed Pietro Badoglio as prime minister. Not that it actually makes Monarchies a good idea mind you.

I wouldn't mind a monarch that is mostly symbolic but can in extreme situations intervene to stop something.

[-Astoria-]

Also, reminds me of this "Merkelreich"

(Image)

*outraged Irish noises*

[Socialist States of Ludistan]

That would be like North and South America uniting into one country.

It’s stupid, I’m happy with the living standards in my nation, and I don’t want them to get worse because other more corrupt nations get mixed with mine.

After all, it's not like Europe had been united multiple time in history or anything.

... Wait a second!

I would be fine with Europe uniting as long as my country isn’t a part of it, they can unite with the rest of the North instead.

[Bear Stearns]

Unite under whom? Against what?

[Bear Stearns]

Yes but at least I’ve got the delusion of at least living by my flag. Hope for a better country, independent and free.

Why can't a united Europe be better, independent, and free?

Because the people promoting a united Europe neither want it to be independent nor free.

[Vassenor]

Why can't a united Europe be better, independent, and free?

Because the people promoting a united Europe neither want it to be independent nor free.

Who do they want to control it then?

[Bear Stearns]

Because the people promoting a united Europe neither want it to be independent nor free.

Who do they want to control it then?

Banks, American corporations, unaccountable intelligence agencies, certain privileged classes. The usual.

[-Astoria-]

Why can't a united Europe be better, independent, and free?

Because the people promoting a united Europe neither want it to be independent nor free.

[citation needed]

[Occidens Praseodymia]

I believe Europe should unite, but with the current European Union, I'd stay well away.
I mean they have ridiculous copyright laws for starters, you can't take a picture of the Eiffel Tower at night and let's not forget the dreaded Article 13.
And support over the Union waxes and wanes, so it's usually, generally, pretty unsettled.
No wonder Britain left.
But all aside, a united Europe would in no doubt be a magnificent, powerful nation rivalling that of the US, China and India. Not only that but they'll have territories everywhere around world, a very strategic thing to have.

[Greater Miami Shores]

While I don't live in Europe, I voted for option 6 - No, Europe should never unite. I think getting the support of all member states is impossible for Europe. I support Europe as a Union of European Nations not as a USA of Europe.

Based

A more detailed post: While I don't live in Europe, I voted for option 6 - No, Europe should never unite. I think getting the support of all member states is impossible for Europe. Too many different ethnic groups, too many different languages, too many different cultures, too many different political views and parties, too many different nationalists, many with their own proud established nations. I support Europe as a Union of European Nations not as the United States of Europe.

[Sao Nova Europa]

Not surprised a majority of Greeks favor EU federalism. With tensions with Turkey on the rise and the (lack of) size of the Greek economy, a united Europe is in Greek national interests. A united EU would discourage Turkish encroachment on Greek territories and economic zone, and would provide financial assistance and stability necessary to kickstart economic growth.

Personally, I am supportive of European federalism but that is because I believe that:

a) European nations need to cooperate if they are to compete with giants such as Russia, China, India, US, etch. If we want to be players on the global stage, we need to cooperate because no European nation is important enough to have the geopolitical and economical gravity that European countries had in the 19th century.

b) European nations, despite the cultural differences they have, share certain values and historical experiences: Greco-Roman antiquity, Christianity, Enlightenment.

As such, a federal European Union would both be in the interests of EU countries and wouldn't be a forced union, as there are shared cultural values.

What I do have a problem with are:

a) globalists who view EU federalism as a first step towards a broader, global governance - No. A federal EU would work exactly because of shared historical and cultural values.

b) federalists who believe some forged 'European' identity should replace national identities - again, no. You can be both European and Greek, Italian, Hungarian, French, etch. You can be both supportive of EU cooperation, and have a deep interest in preserving your national culture, values, identity, etch. Also the idea that 'European/EU' = 'liberal' should be dropped.

c) Overt concentration of power in Brussels. My idea of federalism is that Brussels should have more powers in certain matters (foreign, defense, certain fiscal aspects) compared to now, but that it should also delegate more powers to nation states on other issues (regulations a prominent example). A EU federation shouldn't (and needn't) be a superstate.

[Asle Leopolka]

[Greater Miami Shores]

Not surprised a majority of Greeks favor EU federalism. With tensions with Turkey on the rise and the (lack of) size of the Greek economy, a united Europe is in Greek national interests. A united EU would discourage Turkish encroachment on Greek territories and economic zone, and would provide financial assistance and stability necessary to kickstart economic growth.

Personally, I am supportive of European federalism but that is because I believe that:

a) European nations need to cooperate if they are to compete with giants such as Russia, China, India, US, etch. If we want to be players on the global stage, we need to cooperate because no European nation is important enough to have the geopolitical and economical gravity that European countries had in the 19th century.

b) European nations, despite the cultural differences they have, share certain values and historical experiences: Greco-Roman antiquity, Christianity, Enlightenment.

As such, a federal European Union would both be in the interests of EU countries and wouldn't be a forced union, as there are shared cultural values.

What I do have a problem with are:

a) globalists who view EU federalism as a first step towards a broader, global governance - No. A federal EU would work exactly because of shared historical and cultural values.

b) federalists who believe some forged 'European' identity should replace national identities - again, no. You can be both European and Greek, Italian, Hungarian, French, etch. You can be both supportive of EU cooperation, and have a deep interest in preserving your national culture, values, identity, etch. Also the idea that 'European/EU' = 'liberal' should be dropped.

c) Overt concentration of power in Brussels. My idea of federalism is that Brussels should have more powers in certain matters (foreign, defense, certain fiscal aspects) compared to now, but that it should also delegate more powers to nation states on other issues (regulations a prominent example). A EU federation shouldn't (and needn't) be a superstate.

I think the EU Bureaucracy that thinks Europe is The United States of Europe needs major reform, how I don't know.

[Dollystana]

No, Germany would control everything with 4th reich.

[Occidens Praseodymia]

No, Germany would control everything with 4th reich.

True actually

[Greater Miami Shores]

No, Germany would control everything with 4th reich.

True actually

I third these posts.

[Occidens Praseodymia]

True actually

I third these posts.

Good for you

[Greater Miami Shores]

I third these posts.

Good for you

Thank you.

[Ifreann]

No, Germany would control everything with 4th reich.

Why would anyone agree to that?

[Kowani]

Eventually, yes.
Now? No, that’s fucking stupid.

[The Islands of Versilia]

No, Germany would control everything with 4th reich.

While Deutschland is certainly a power centre in Europe, it wouldn’t be a Fourth Reich. Germany’s too placid and tame for that to happen, and it’s long since given up any and all claims to Polish, Czech and - unfortunately - Russian territory. It isn’t the power it could’ve been, and that’s something to celebrate and use to encourage minor nations in Europe to form an internal bloc to ensure any wrong treatment doesn’t occur.