how long will the EU stay in E?

[fubbleskag]

do you think the EU has the potential to expand beyond the geographical limits its name implies?

if so, what would you wager is the likeliness that Canada could be the first non-european member of the EU?

 

[FireJED]

Canada could maybe join the EU. We are interested in the well being of the continent of Europe but I cannot see why Canada could not be added in the future.

If Canada joining the EU would make the EU better, I can see it coming to join the family. If Canada would join the EU and weigh us down, I would see rejection.

 

[Jillyvn]

Admittedly, my understanding of the EU is fairly limited to coverage on the media outlets, but isn't it an economic union? I have to wonder what the benefit for Canada would be in joining? Perhaps someone can explain this to me.

I'd wager that Canada will join the EU the same time the Brits give up the pound, and I don't think that's happening any time soon

 

[Rick van Opbergen]

As an European I don't think Canada will ever join the EU. Not necessarily because of the fact it's on another continent, but because it's just ... too big. It would undermine the positions of other big EU countries, like Germany, the UK or France. However, I am in favor of Turkey joining the EU (but that's another story).

The EU is not only an economical union, but also focuses on other expects of society. For example, it's possible for me to travel from Portugal to the border of Russia without showing my passport even once (considering I'm not traveling through Switzerland :wink: ); we all have EU passports. German police can operate in the Netherlands, and Dutch police can operate in Germany if they want. There are all kinds of environmental rules which all have their impact on all EU countries. And so on, and so on, and so on. Some people think it will make an end to all different cultures in Europe. Could be. Nowadays, I call myself a Dutchman as easily as I call myself European

 

[Jillyvn]

The EU is not only an economical union, but also focuses on other expects of society. For example, it's possible for me to travel from Portugal to the border of Russia without showing my passport even once (considering I'm not traveling through Switzerland :wink: ); we all have EU passports. German police can operate in the Netherlands, and Dutch police can operate in Germany if they want.

Most of what I know about the EU surrounds passports. Last time I travelled to Europe, I remember being annoyed that I had to wait forever in the regular passport line, while the EU folks just whipped right through

I really should learn more about this EU thing, but I think your right - Canada would overwhelm the other nations. Oh, but how I covet that EU passport!

 

[Andem]

I don't know how Canada joining would actually work. As Rick said, it's also the size which would bug Germany, France & the UK. Additionally, as a European, I wouldn't want to see a European Union that borders the United States and also a European Union that relies so much on the US for trade.

As a Canadian, though, I'd like to see some kind of special relationship between Canada and the EU like we have with the Commonwealth of the United Kingdom of Great Britain.

 

[Rick van Opbergen]

That would be a good thing. To me (personal view) it seems that Canada has much more a bond with Europe than the US has with Europe, and we might get something good out of that.

 

[Reverend Blair]

RE: how long will the EU

Canada has a history of joining multi-lateral institutions, so I think forming a special relationship with the EU would come naturally. I doubt we'd actually join, at least in the forseeable future, but I could see us adopting developing the kind of trade relationship we now have with the US and possibly even adopting the Euro as a our currency.

The United States is becoming much more protectionist. It's economy is endangered by huge debt, much of which is owed to foreign countries. It is not interested in multi-lateral relationships and insists on dictating the terms in bi-lateral relationships.

At the same time Europe does need resources, and Canada is resource rich. The EU is, by definition, multi-lateral and more used to negotiating deals that are beneficial to both sides.

Canada should be making overtures to the EU for a much closer relationship, if not a full membership.

 

[Andem]

Very well said, Rev.

I can only agree with everything you've stated. A full membership would be ideal to the future of Canada and it's break away from the United States (which is happening now).

 

[Andem]

Ahh another one agaisnt the European Union.

I'm sorry I don't have the time right now to reply to every one of those posts, but Europe is better off with the EU and that includes the UK. Britain is not a ruler of the world anymore.

 

[passpatoo]

Utne magazine's current issue has an article in it comparing the EU to the US's charter. A very interesting read. While I'm incapable of stating with any authority as to whether or not it is feasable/likely that Canada could join the EU, I can say that our priorities as Canadians are far more similar to those of the EU than to the US. For as long as I can remember people have been telling me that Canada will soon be the the next US state. I say, after reading about EU in that article, it is far more likely that we will become the next European state.

 

[Blackleaf]

How is Britain better off with the EU? I've just posted hundreds of reasons why it ISN'T. If you read the post you would agree.

 

[Blackleaf]

I want Britain to become like Norway or Switzerland. They aren't EU states, but they are richer than nearly all of the EU member states. Norway has the best standard of living in the world.

Britain should leave the EU, which means we would stop paying thousands of pounds each year to the EU, and we can spend that money on a better quality of life, such as a better health service and transport system.

The EU isn't even democratic. No EU citizen elected the members of the European Parliament.

It's time for Britain to get out.

 

[Blackleaf]

Canada would be better off in the on its own or as a US state, NOT an EU state. The US is a democracy, and it's growing. The EU is slowly shrinking.

 

[Reverend Blair]

Canada would be better off in the on its own or as a US state, NOT an EU state. The US is a democracy, and it's growing. The EU is slowly shrinking.

On it's own maybe, as a US state? Not a chance. We've been following the US very closely, Blackleaf...they are in major trouble and it's getting worse.

As for wanting into NAFTA...It has shown itself to be a bad deal for every country involved, the only ones winning are the big corporations and that will disappear with the jobs. It's a bad deal, on that does infringe greatly on sovereignty as well, although not the USA's sovereignty.

 

[Rick van Opbergen]

Also the ascension of these new countries to the EU has made English the dominant language in the EU and is changing the French dominated culture of the EU.

As a EU citizen I've never had the feeling France was so dominant in Europe ... could be me of course ... my personal opinion is that I rather want Germany to handle more things, I personally like Germans more than I like the French (too stubborn for me :wink: )

My personnel feelings are that the UK is much closer culturally and politically to America and that unless Old Europe changes and dumps socialism it will suffer terminal decline.

Has socialism not brought along more positive things in the EU? Terminal decline? Explain please ...

 

[Numure]

Re: RE: how long will the EU stay in E?

I want Britain to become like Norway or Switzerland. They aren't EU states, but they are richer than nearly all of the EU member states. Norway has the best standard of living in the world.

Britain should leave the EU, which means we would stop paying thousands of pounds each year to the EU, and we can spend that money on a better quality of life, such as a better health service and transport system.

The EU isn't even democratic. No EU citizen elected the members of the European Parliament.

It's time for Britain to get out.

They had elections a few months ago. They have elections for the EU Parlement every 4-5 years.

 

[Numure]

Re: RE: how long will the EU stay in E?

Canada would be better off in the on its own or as a US state, NOT an EU state. The US is a democracy, and it's growing. The EU is slowly shrinking.

You truly are an idiot.

 

[Rick van Opbergen]

Is it all about the money?

 

[Martin Le Acadien]

Re: RE: how long will the EU stay in E?

Is it all about the money?

If its a Pound, Euro, Dollar (pick your favorite), Krone, Franc and it wil fold into your wallet or purse, it will get your attention. Nothing stirs emotion like MONEY!