The European Union – often known as the EU – is an economic and political partnership involving 28 European countries
It began after World War Two to foster economic co-operation, with the idea that countries which trade together were more likely to avoid going to war with each other.
The European Union was officially founded on November 1, 1993. European treaties and alliances, however, have been in place since 1949 when NATO was formed.
It has since grown to become a “single market” allowing goods and PEOPLE to move around, basically as if the member states were one country.
It has its own currency, the euro, which is used by 19 of the member countries, its own parliament, and it now sets rules in a wide range of areas – including on the environment, transportation, consumer rights and even things such as mobile phone charges.
With the initiation of Brexit, that could all change.
So let’s answer some basic questions so we can get a handle on this whole mess.
What does Brexit mean?
It is a word that is used as a shorthand way of saying the UK leaving the European Union- merging the words Britain and exit to get Brexit.
Why is Britain leaving the European Union?
A vote in which everyone of voting age could take part – was held on Thursday, June 23rd, 2016, to decide whether the United Kingdom should leave or remain in the European Union. Leave won by 51.9% to 48.1%. The voter turnout was 71.8%, with more than 30 million people voting.
When is the UK due to leave the EU?
For the UK to leave the EU it had to invoke Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty which gives the two sides two years to agree the terms of the split. Theresa May triggered this process on 29 March, 2017, meaning the UK is scheduled to leave at 11pm UK time on Friday, March 29th, 2019.
Theresa May has put it into British law.
So is Brexit definitely happening?
The UK is due to leave the European Union on March 29th, 2019 – it’s the law, regardless of whether there is a deal with the EU or not. Stopping Brexit would require a change in the law in the UK.
The European Court of Justice ruled on 10 December 2018 that the UK could cancel the Article 50 Brexit process without the permission of the other 27 EU members, and remain a member of the EU on its existing terms, provided the decision followed a “democratic process”.
So, not only is British Prime Minister Theresa May fighting the European Union, she is also fighting the courts and her political opposition in her own country.
Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of the European Union.
First, what are the advantages of the EU?
- It creates a more influential economic block.
Individual nations within Europe struggle to hold influence on the global stage because of their size. By having several small nations join for one economic purpose, more influence can be exerted on local and global economics. Larger economic blocks create better import and export opportunities. Better pricing on needs, goods, and free trade opportunities all help to benefit the greater good of Europe. - Travel becomes easier.
With the nations of Europe working together, it has created a society that is somewhat borderless for travel purposes. There are fewer checkpoints, customs entry points, and other identification verification stops required when traveling from nation to nation. This allows for free travel within the continent for those who have applied for the appropriate identification. - It creates harmony on the continent.
In the past, European nations were often combative with one another. Many divisions have come out of Europe over the generations, including wars that are far too numerous to list. Civil wars were also common on the continent, leading up to the 20th century. The joining of the 28 member states of the European Union has helped to lessen the number of conflicts that have occurred, which has created better safety for Europeans from an overall standpoint. - It has helped to modernize countries.
Members like Turkey have become modern nations thanks to the benefits of being part of the European Union. Specific criteria for membership include making commitments to human rights, having a specific rule of law, and following a market economy. This prevents discrimination and provides due process across the continent while encouraging economic growth at the same time. - Job creation occurs because of the existence of the European Union.
In the United Kingdom, up to 10% of all employment opportunities are directly linked to the EU. The United States has employment ties to the European Union as well. Without that structure, those jobs and the economics they provide could disappear. Millions of people could be displaced and billions could disappear from the global economy. - It creates another level of international security.
European nations have a form of mutual protection through NATO. Belonging to the United Nations provides another level of security. The European Union provides a third level of security that allows for local intelligence services to have access to improved data sharing and military resources that can keep the population safer than if the Union did not exist.
Now, what are the disadvantages of the EU?
- Fewer borders and restrictions means more opportunities for evil deeds.
History has shown us that one person, with the right tools and motivation, can cause a lot of havoc for a society. Since 2010, there has been an increase in vehicle attacks and other terror-like events that have occurred on European soil. The highly-coordinated Paris attacks in November 2015 killed 130 people and several have occurred since then. With open borders comes less security. - Creating an overseeing government doesn’t heal division.
The recent Brexit vote is evidence that Europe may seem united in a Union, but the old divisions still exist. The European Union has proven that it can provide helpful benefits from an economic standpoint, but there is still a sense of nationalism that provides the foundation of what has been built since 1993. When push comes to shove, Brexit proves that the harmony present is more for outward appearances only. - It ties the hands of local governments on certain issues.
There is one primary issue which the European Union faces right now: refugee migration. More than 1 million refugees have settled in Germany. Despite the many needs that these people have, just 6 billion Euros have been dedicated to build facilities for these refugees outside of the humanitarian aid that is already being offered. This means local governments must provide support to the EU without much in return for the crises they face at home. - Currency support is required for stable politics.
The banking crisis in Greece was just the first step of many toward a currency that is insolvent (does not have the assets to back its worth) for Europe with its current structure. Italy is facing a banking crisis with billions in doubtful loans on the books. Huge budget cuts forced upon Greece may be forced upon Italy as well, which would create instability for the politics in the region. - It lacks transparency.
Elections in member nations are public and transparent. The election of the European Commission is not transparent. The Commission has the authority to wield a tremendous amount of influence and power, but the average person has no say in who represents them in this way or what the quality of the representation will be. This makes it difficult for member nations to have individual control as each nation is required to follow EU laws to remain with the Union. - It costs money.
Member states are providing billions in support to the European Union every year. The argument could be made that these investments could be made within their own borders .
So folks there you have it. Can you imagine joining an American Union with North America, Central America, and South America?
Bear in mind, it would mean no borders in the Americas with people free to travel from Canada, Central America, and South America to the US with no passport and vice versa.
In addition we would be required to submit to the decisions of one, all powerful government, overseeing our economy, transportation, environment, foreign relations, and defense.
As for me, I think Brexit is long overdue and I fully support it.