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Post by USSManhattan on Mar 15, 2018 12:16:11 GMT
So, let's start "small"...
In your opinion, what is the state of the European Union? Are you confident in its future or are you fearing cracks?
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Post by petetheskypirate on Mar 31, 2018 21:25:08 GMT
I fear about a democratic deficit the most.
I fear the EU is losing a crucial opportunity, due to being too fearful. It should begin an even-handed effort at marrying respect for member states' sovereignty with better oversight over corruption issues and human rights issues that occur in the member states.
Some increased decentralisation, to help break up the easy scapegoat of "faceless bureaucrats in Brussels", would also be welcomed in the future. Not to an extent that would cripple the EU, but still to an extent that would dissuade those who claim there is too much centralisation in the Belgian capital, and that the EU officials there are too far away from the more acute problems of member states.
Otherwise, I think the EU is in a good position to not only continue, but work towards a reasonably bright future. I've always been an optimist when it comes to European integration, but I've also been a firm believer integration shouldn't only be about finances and the economy, but also about upholding and improving democratic standards, and the hallmarks of a living, breathing civic society.
Concerning EU tech developments, including military and aerospace developments, I'm not much worried about that. The EU can clearly support itself when push comes to shove, so I'm not the least bit pessimistic in that regard.
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Post by USSManhattan on Apr 1, 2018 7:31:14 GMT
Democratic deficit is probably the biggest issue, yes. It's part of what kindled Brexit. I think the bigger issue is that the EU needs to decide what kind of union it is and go from there.
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