Day 19: European Union!

July 22

It is amazing how such a vast amount of knowledge can be gained in such a short period of time, or better yet how well-known fact is still oblivious to other people. I say this as prior to our study program, I had no clue as to the existence of the European Union. Interestingly enough, in a recent discussion with my classmate Cecily, I learned that schools in China instruct their students about the European Union. In America, there is not even a mere mention of EU business.

From what we learned today, the EU appears to be a significant (and very ambitious) move towards a web of interconnectivity and cooperation between all Europeans. In the United States, the thought of separate, independent states is so unheard of. In fact, the last time such thoughts were discussed in America, a civil war broke out. With that said, the very thought of a stronger Union in Europe is very fascinating to me, especially considering the continuous state of conflict and tension that engulfed the continent throughout the course of history. To think, until just 75 years ago, many of the great powers were bitter rivals and diplomacy was nearly impossible. And fast forward to present day Europe, we have this binding union that in theory will keep all of Europe on the same page with the interests of every state as a whole before its component parts.

But the EU is not without its flaws. There is the issue of strong individual interests that come before a stronger union, such as the Swiss and Norwegian refusal to join. Furthermore, the general population as a whole does not think a true confederation of government should be created. Whether this is a good or bad thing remains to be seen, however. Lastly, there is the whole Euro crisis, the issue of Greek bankruptcy, and the overall worldwide financial meltdown that the EU is currently struggling with. These crises will certainly reveal the true strength of the union.

But as we learned in lecture yesterday, we must all view this system in the context of European history, as such a system today was simply impossible. Hopefully, when it all settles, we will see the EU as a big step in the right direction.