The United States of Europe
from the April 19, 2005 eNews issue
The European Union has steadily moved forward in its attempt to unite Europe politically and economically. It has succeeded in unifying and strengthening its economic market, creating a common currency, and establishing both a European legislative and judicial system. It has been suggested by some that the European Union may be the revived Roman Empire. Thus it is interesting to note that the introduction of the Euro is the first time since the days of Caesar and the Roman Empire that Europe has had a common currency, others have tried, most notably Napoleon Bonaparte, but none were successful.
Over the last few years we have watched closely as the European Union has emerged as a growing world power. The value of the Euro has surpassed that of the dollar, and in May the EU welcomed 10 new members, increasing its influence in the UN and expanding its potential for growth. The bitter debate over Iraq between the United States and the EU has been seen by many as a foreshadow of what is to come. A battle in which the EU, lead by France and Germany, is positioning itself to surpass the United States as the dominant world power.
Meanwhile, the battle over the new constitutional treaty continues. The European Union Constitution is an enormous document (474 pages in the English version) that is supposed to streamline the governance of a united Europe. It provides for all the trappings of a federal state, including an EU president, a foreign minister, a criminal court, a European prosecutor and a police force. It provides for the voices of all 25 member nations to be heard, from Germany with its population of 82 million to the island of Malta with its 400,000 citizens - and all 25 nations must ratify the document by the November 2006 deadline for the Constitution to go into effect.
This week Greece became the sixth country to ratify the new constitution. However many are concerned about upcoming referendum in France. According to opinion polls in France, between 53 and 56 percent of its citizens are opposed to the treaty. The new constitution also faces heavy opposition in Great Britain.
We will continue to observe with anticipation the historic developments taking place in Europe. There are still many obstacles the European Union must face on the road to solidarity, but in the eyes of some they have already accomplished the impossible. The once impenetrable wall between east and west, communist and free, is now gone, and in its place is a growing economic and political force.
Related Links:
- Greece backs new EU constitution - BBC
- Dutch to kick start Yes campaign - EU Observer
- French No could shelve the referendum in Britain - EU Observer
- EU still split over lifting China arms ban - AFP
- The Rise of A European Superstate - Koinonia House
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