Has the politico-economic situation in the EU changed your stance?

Graham_Devon

Just wondering really.

Has the events of the last couple of months, specifically the economic implications and the political language and stance changed your view on the EU?

It's an anonymous poll, but feel free to expand on your answer!

Carl31

I didn't have much of an opinion on the eu really, only looking at the benefits for trade, common market rtc.. and how it affects the uk, but lately I have come to realise that the EU is a big vanity project, that doesn't work and is either going to collapse now (hopefully) or in a few more years in more catastrophic fashion

I also note I am not alone on this view, the UK referendum will be interesting

mwpt

Nope. I enjoy the benefits of the EU. The Euro as a currency is flawed and I wouldn't be unhappy to see the back of that, but the benefits of being easily able to pack up and go where the money/jobs/lifestyle is in the EU, to me, are fantastic. I just can't understand why there are so many young unemployed people in Greece/Portugal/Spain/Italy when there is plenty of opportunity in the EU economy.

Currently in London, but would be only to happy to shift somewhere with a better climate if the right job was there.

wotsthat

I've been less than impressed with the way the Greek negotiations have been handled by both sides. Some of the Greek language was very inflammatory and it was disappointing to see how many grown ups felt the need to respond in kind.

Merkel has come in for some flack but she didn't seem to descend to the levels of her colleagues and was fairly consistent in her position.

I wouldn't care too much if the Euro failed and politicians took a step back and, instead of worrying about ever further integration, considered what Europe is about. I think it's about trade 1st, 2nd and 3rd.

I was a no and still am.

michaels

Given what the EU threatened Greece with in the event of Grexit it seems fairly likely that they will threaten the UK with no free trade area and restrictions on EU companies doing business in London to help us make up our minds when it comes to the referendum....

It is so sad that pretend and extend continues, it is like the emperor's new clothes, clearly the Greeks can not pay what is owed but no one, especially in Germany, is able to admit to the electorate that the money is already lost.

The new plan seems to be to throw another 25bn of good money after the bad but the cunning plan bit is that they are seizing 50bn of assets in advance as collateral....effectively the baliffs have done a walking possession.....

kabayiri

The EU project is a grand experiment. No experiment is guaranteed to work.

I naturally align with Cameron's philosophy that an entity like the EU should try and adapt to change; to become more flexible.

I am not impressed by the autocratic nature at the centre.

This is no natural union of countries; there is a clear hierarchy; it's clear who calls the shots.

purch

I am certain that the EU will evolve, and the currency situation along with the overtly politically inspired solutions will give the reformers a stronger position.

RJP33

I hope it's becoming more clear to people what the future EU is - clearly it's a federal project and clearly we know who would be at the top.

So in a year or two it's up to the British people to decide whether they want to be part of a United States of Europe or not. Personally I see bigger opportunities elsewhere and am out.

vivatifosi

Interesting question, thanks Graham.

I'd still vote to stay in because I think that's best for the country. My hope is that purch will be proved right and the EU will evolve under the reformers. I think coming out is too risky at this point in time, but would never say stay in at all costs.

shortchanged_2

I would rather that we would all be friends instead of bed buddies.

Europe simply is not the US. There is too much diversity in history, culture, language and economies.

As others have noted the EU is actually being ruled by a couple of the bigger players.

What happens to the poorer countries like Greece, Spain etc when the German economy is ready for an interest rate rise? Hmmm I wonder.

CLAPTON

vivatifosi wrote: »

Interesting question, thanks Graham.

I'd still vote to stay in because I think that's best for the country. My hope is that purch will be proved right and the EU will evolve under the reformers. I think coming out is too risky at this point in time, but would never say stay in at all costs.

what do you consider the 'reformers' stand for?

further integration of all aspects (legal, social etc)

unwinding integration?

greater financial discipline?

abolishing the agricultural policy?