Greek bailout money held back

CLAPTON

pqrdef wrote: »

That's mismanagement.

The United States is the standing proof that in principle a continental-sized Union can work with free trade and a single currency, despite very different economic conditions in different regions. But of course it operates in a very different way.

indeed

money in the USA is moved form rich states to the poorer states and in the UK a similar system operates

So is that what you are advocating for the Euro?
i.e. Greece should be GIVEN money to clear their debts and to build a higher standard of living

Generali

Mrs_Bones wrote: »

The reason the US works even though there are different economic conditions in the various states is because it's under one central government and variations of the regions are build in and taken account of.

The Euro-zone on the other hand is run by several governments all with their own electorate and internal interests. There is no degree of flexibility built in to the system.

It also helps that pretty much all Americans speak English so moving for work is pretty simple.

Try getting a job as an office clerk in Sweden or Frankfurt if your office in Athens closes. You don't even use the same alphabet!

ILW

Generali wrote: »

It also helps that pretty much all Americans speak English so moving for work is pretty simple.

Try getting a job as an office clerk in Sweden or Frankfurt if your office in Athens closes. You don't even use the same alphabet!

I have been to a few warehouses (packing centres) in the UK recently where virtually none of the workers speak english and all communications are in polish.

FTBFun

ILW wrote: »

I have been to a few warehouses (packing centres) in the UK recently where virtually none of the workers speak english and all communications are in polish.

That definitely negates Generali's point then.

Generali

ILW wrote: »

I have been to a few warehouses (packing centres) in the UK recently where virtually none of the workers speak english and all communications are in polish.

Fair enough.

I don't imagine there is much call for monoglot Polish typists or accounts clerks however.

PS I see purch made the same point as me earlier, albeit far more eloquently. Great minds think alike, fools seldom differ.

Generali

FTBFun wrote: »

That definitely negates Generali's point then.

I take solace in the fact that the plural of annecdote isn't data.

purch

That definitely negates Generali's point then

Other than the single most important fact.

Poland are not part of the EUR.

In many ways actually having the EUR, and the perceived economic benefits actually works against the movement of labour, or has in the past anyway.

Also it appears the largest movements of labour have been from the poorest states such as Poland to the richer states. It is harder to see Italians or Spanish workers (or even Greeks) moving across borders to find work, as in many ways they will not, or will refuse to see themselves as living in a poorer part of Europe.

purch

P.S. In fact I believe a large majority of the Polish electorate do not want the country to adopt the EUR. They want to be members of the EU and the benefits that brings, but do not see how being a member of the EUR club would benefit them.

They are a smart lot those Poles :T

DiggerUK

purch wrote: »

.....Even with legislation allowing the free movement of labour within Europe, the barriers to such movement are far larger within the EU than they are within one large single country.

It goes beyond that, the world economy is moving towards no borders.
It will always be disjointed until there is completely free movement of capital, goods, services, and labour.

The 'no darkies' and keep the pound brigades get to look more ridiculous by the day.

Only question to sort out is who rules this brave new world; bankers, business, elected assemblies, or maybe even us.
..._

FTBFun

purch wrote: »

P.S. In fact I believe a large majority of the Polish electorate do not want the country to adopt the EUR. They want to be members of the EU and the benefits that brings, but do not see how being a member of the EUR club would benefit them.

They are a smart lot those Poles :T

I'll freely admit that I was originally pro-the UK adopting the Euro. However, given the mess that has been made by the member states' being unable to change their fiscal policy to suit their own needs that has of course changed. The benefit of hindsight...