Future of the European Union

[Suraknar]

This is a discussion from 2005 still going.

While I have not read all of the discussion I am curious to see if the opinions expressed by some have changed over the years.

In 2005 I may have had a different opinion of the EU and then by 2010 that opinion may have changed, especially after the events and handling of the 2008 Economical Crisis.

So there are basically two fundamental views of the EU for me, the "Happy Reality View" formed during my youth in the 80's, and the "Sad reality view" formed thereafter as the years passed and based on actual decisions and actions of the people involved with the EU governance and Bureaucracy and Policy Making.

The Happy Reality view is that of a Strong EU, no borders, between its members, a common currency, common Defense Force, several Aircraft Carriers Strong, opportunity for the people of all its members, and a celebration of its Cultural and Social Diversity.

A Multicultural Europe, a Just Europe and a Prosperous Europe for all. A sort of United States of Europe.

Which, ironically, could have included no only the eastern block countries but Russia itself come the dissolution of the Soviet Union. I really think this was a missed opportunity then which could have ensured many of the goals of that Reality and especially long lasting Peace and sovereignty of Cultures and Identities.

Then, of course the Sad Reality version of Europe happened instead.

Major players of Geopolitics ensured that the EU would never become strong and would remain divided, petty bickering about trivial issues to this day. Ensured that Russia never joins it either. And ensured that its Defense force would not evolve to be what was being planned, effectively making the EU an insignificant player in the Geopolitical board or even a non player, acting instead as the waiter for the actual players ensuring that their drinks and plates remain full and living on their Tipping.

What is the future from here you say? Not guaranteed...and maybe bleak.

Because other than the renewed aggressive actions of Russia and war on Ukraine. - which mind you I am of the opinion that, Russia was provoked in pulling the trigger, very poor ways of the world to handle the issues, while at the same time I condemn Russia for deciding to pull that trigger, failing for old and outdated trappings - causing the EU to to now have to buy its cutlery from the Customers that it serves on the Geopolitical Table.

There is another impending issue, of the Climate Change. There has been at least 40 years (since the 80's) of inaction on the issue of the Environment and Climate. The Politicians and the Financial Interests they cater to, chose to ignore the growing problem in favor of own indulgence of Greed and Lust for Power.

So, in reality the Earth has no Future the way we are still doing things and affairs are still going, let alone Europe. Catastrophe after Catastrophe the world will divide back in to tribes trying to survive, and until we are all dead, or at least most of us.

Unless, somehow, there is a collective wisdom which compels us all to see the error of our way and decide to take right action.

I like to call myself an Optimist but the world is sure falling in to pessimistic outcomes...war, suffering...lust for power...and Greed.... still. Business as usual.