As you know from my previous postings here, I’m for a closer union. Then again, I am a “foreigner”, an African in Europe. Being for a federated EU, I’m also a rarity in the UK. I was already used to a lukewarm reception to all things from continental Europe from my fellow residents. I’m surrounded by Euro-sceptics at work, even from other European immigrants, believe it or not. But lately it is darn right chilly. Here the remarks against the eastern Europeans aren’t hushed. I’ve even read recriminations north-south in the Portuguese media with the Finns. I’m married to an Austrian and hear about the Austrians complaining about paying for the lazier Southern Europeans. A year or two ago I mentioned on this forum the fact that the acronym PIIGS had been deemed derogatory as far back as 11 years ago and hardly anyone amongst the better publications used it. Now it is bandied about in the press all the time. There is an astonishing arrogance from Sarkozy who doesn’t shy away from using derogatory remarks for people in France, never-mind other Europeans. I do not know what the French themselves say but the Germans aren’t entirely happy. While I do sometimes read of “solidarity” with the weaker economies, for the greater good of the union, stating that this is why a union exists, these voices are few and far between. Merkel, for all her flaws, is doing an admirable job in trying to sell this idea to the Germans. She isn’t helped by leaders like Sarkozy or Berlusconi. The tabloid press in Germany, Austria & U.K are strident in their attacks of anything from the stricken economies. The press I read in Portugal are irritated, defensive and retaliate at the attacks (although there is also an admission of things were done badly, a mea culpa of sorts).There is a definitive rise in xenophobia. The north-south divide is glaringly obvious again. The Euro-sceptics are stronger now.Gloomy, eh? That said, the proposed closer fiscal union will hopefully make it stronger. Paradoxically, I was for a closer union but I’d prefer a gentler approach, not bringing it in kicking & screaming. Not very democratic. That brings along resentment which is a poison for the union.If the “forced solidarity” works, then I’ll say the union will come out of this stronger, with lessons learnt. That resentment will hopefully dissipate as folks see how rallying round when the going gets tough is the way to go. The whole purpose of this union, after the treaty of Lisbon, was not just economic, it was meant to state it as far more and lay the legal framework for it. While the going was good, the grumblings of the Euro-sceptics were ignored (imho, unjustly as they did have reasons to object in many matters) and the imperfections of the weaker states glossed over. Now that things are tough, these voices are getting louder and are not being countered effectively. One of our main helpdesks is in Barcelona, staffed by Germans, Dutch, Spaniards, italians, Portuguese, French…I would love to know their opinion. The reason why is that I’m surrounded by Euro-sceptic folks in a Euro-sceptic nation. My colleagues in Barcelona might have an entirely different opinion. Perhaps they see the union is holding. This crisis is a severe test to it but also an ‘opportunity’ to show everyone how it should work. If there are failings, right them and learn from them. Right now I’m a little pessimistic. Ask me again in 6 months. ;-)
jkshaw over 12 years ago
I feel sorry for Greece, the Greek people, in fact the entire Eurozone.
Tue Elung-Jensen over 12 years ago
Greece getting mooned by that country in front I guess.
OmqR-IV.0 over 12 years ago
As you know from my previous postings here, I’m for a closer union. Then again, I am a “foreigner”, an African in Europe. Being for a federated EU, I’m also a rarity in the UK. I was already used to a lukewarm reception to all things from continental Europe from my fellow residents. I’m surrounded by Euro-sceptics at work, even from other European immigrants, believe it or not. But lately it is darn right chilly. Here the remarks against the eastern Europeans aren’t hushed. I’ve even read recriminations north-south in the Portuguese media with the Finns. I’m married to an Austrian and hear about the Austrians complaining about paying for the lazier Southern Europeans. A year or two ago I mentioned on this forum the fact that the acronym PIIGS had been deemed derogatory as far back as 11 years ago and hardly anyone amongst the better publications used it. Now it is bandied about in the press all the time. There is an astonishing arrogance from Sarkozy who doesn’t shy away from using derogatory remarks for people in France, never-mind other Europeans. I do not know what the French themselves say but the Germans aren’t entirely happy. While I do sometimes read of “solidarity” with the weaker economies, for the greater good of the union, stating that this is why a union exists, these voices are few and far between. Merkel, for all her flaws, is doing an admirable job in trying to sell this idea to the Germans. She isn’t helped by leaders like Sarkozy or Berlusconi. The tabloid press in Germany, Austria & U.K are strident in their attacks of anything from the stricken economies. The press I read in Portugal are irritated, defensive and retaliate at the attacks (although there is also an admission of things were done badly, a mea culpa of sorts).There is a definitive rise in xenophobia. The north-south divide is glaringly obvious again. The Euro-sceptics are stronger now.Gloomy, eh? That said, the proposed closer fiscal union will hopefully make it stronger. Paradoxically, I was for a closer union but I’d prefer a gentler approach, not bringing it in kicking & screaming. Not very democratic. That brings along resentment which is a poison for the union.If the “forced solidarity” works, then I’ll say the union will come out of this stronger, with lessons learnt. That resentment will hopefully dissipate as folks see how rallying round when the going gets tough is the way to go. The whole purpose of this union, after the treaty of Lisbon, was not just economic, it was meant to state it as far more and lay the legal framework for it. While the going was good, the grumblings of the Euro-sceptics were ignored (imho, unjustly as they did have reasons to object in many matters) and the imperfections of the weaker states glossed over. Now that things are tough, these voices are getting louder and are not being countered effectively. One of our main helpdesks is in Barcelona, staffed by Germans, Dutch, Spaniards, italians, Portuguese, French…I would love to know their opinion. The reason why is that I’m surrounded by Euro-sceptic folks in a Euro-sceptic nation. My colleagues in Barcelona might have an entirely different opinion. Perhaps they see the union is holding. This crisis is a severe test to it but also an ‘opportunity’ to show everyone how it should work. If there are failings, right them and learn from them. Right now I’m a little pessimistic. Ask me again in 6 months. ;-)
Rymlianin over 12 years ago
Answer to the Greek Financial crisis : the Argentine two-step.
lonecat over 12 years ago
What a good discussion. Thanks, everyone.