All Europeans are created equal. One of the fundamental principles of the EU is that citizens are all equal before the law. Yet the EU is not just a union of citizens, it is also a union of Member States. And some Member States are bigger (and richer) than others.
Countries such as Italy and Greece have long-argued that they’ve been treated badly by other EU Member States, who they feel have forced through painful austerity measures in the wake of the Eurozone crisis whilst simultaneously refusing to take their share of arrivals from the refugee and migrant crisis. On the other hand, countries such as Hungary and Poland argue they are being discriminated against by the EU because of their more conservative political inclinations, and because they are pushing back against the liberal worldview of Western European leaders.
What do our readers think? We had a comment sent in from randomguy2017, who doesn’t believe that all EU countries are treated equally. He says he thinks EU elites “look down” on countries like Hungary and Poland. Is he right? Are some Member States more equal than others?
To get a response, we spoke to Ana Maria Gomes, a Portuguese social democratic MEP. What would she say?
I think it’s totally wrong to think that the EU looks down on Poland and Hungary when we are trying to defend principles which are universal values and democratic values. On the contrary, I would say that we look up to the people of Hungary and Poland when we indeed insist that these basic values, democratic values, need to be respected by authoritarian regimes, such as the one that the people of Hungary now have to endure under Viktor Orbán.
The only explanation why Viktor Orbán’s regime has not yet been sanctioned by the European Commission – and it should because of violations of EU law and basic principles of international law – is the fact that the EPP [Ed: European People’s Party, the centre-right grouping in the European Parliament] is covering up to protect one of theirs, from the family. I think it’s exactly because we want to uphold those values – also in Hungary and in Poland and elsewhere – that we need to set higher standards. So this is not about looking down, it is about looking up to the high values that the EU believes is the cornerstone of its approach.
For another perspective, we also spoke to Margot Parker, a British MEP with the eurosceptic UK Independence Party (UKIP). Here’s what she had to say:
I think there is truth in that and I can understand it. I think it goes probably to the very heart of how the European Union functions. When I look at the people at the very top, I asked myself… who, and how, do we get the top people in these top jobs? And, I have to say, I have never seen any of the top jobs going to, for example, somebody from Hungary or someone from Poland.
We do have somebody at the moment [Ed: Donald Tusk, President of the European Council], but at the end of the day Mr Juncker was put in that position because Chancellor Merkel thought he was probably the right man as far as she was concerned for the job. But I would like to see greater democracy with the other countries within the European Union. So, I think he has a point.
Finally, we put randomguy2017’s comment to Pál Csáky, a Slovak centre-right MEP and member of the Hungarian minority in Slovakia, as well as former Deputy Prime Minister for European affairs, human rights and minorities. What would he say?
Does the EU treat all its Member States equally? Or does Brussels look down on countries like Poland and Hungary? Let us know your thoughts and comments in the form below and we’ll take them to policymakers and experts for their reactions!
177 comments Post a commentcomment
Some are certainly more equal than others. Funny, the newer entries are getting wealthier fast, and they won’t easily forget
Remind me again how “we are getting wealthier faster” when most EU FUNDS ARE STOLEN by politicians….
naaah
Dall ‘Europa, il problema sono gli
Stati membri :-
se tutti gli Stati si ostinano a scaricare il problema migranti sull ‘Italia; non potremmo che aspettarci un rinvio di quel cambiamento simmetrico che già
già gli Stati del Nord avevano rigettato sulla Costituzione Europea.
Pensai anche (< forse ci dovremmo aspettare un Eurasia contro un Estasia? >) – “al post l ‘ardua sentenza!.
Ma finché gli Stati non incominceranno a condividere i rischi per risolverli; i passi di una futura USE non potranno far altro che rallentare.
Tutti devono pensare alle distanze dalle quali l ‘Italia s ‘è allontanata e, continua ad allontanarsi nell ‘indifferenza dell ‘Europa.
#migranti
Of course it doesnt…where were the reprimand or punishment for germany by breaking the rule on trade surplus.. where was it for france when breaking it for budget deficit……its a franco/german rule book applicable only to others.
It’s not completely true. France was overviewed by the EC because its excessive deficit. So, although the affected country was France, France was overviewed by the EU.
Jorge….France was given 8 years to correct !…….in fact, didn’t achieve that….only just now it’s budget forecast
COnt….forecast is due to come in under 3%……on the other hand Germany trade surplus is sucking the life out of EUROZONE and totally contravenes intention in macroeconomic policy…..but no action taken….no wonder Trump tweets !
Paul great words!!!
Haha
EU is a failed state
Yes
Here is the man who really owns the EU.
http://theduran.com/the-list-of-soros-names-226-meps-in-europe-who-are-under-the-control-of-george-soros/
Money talks. In the EU power is a function of wealth. That’s all there is to it.
Have you seen who gets the majority of development funding?
Have you seen who pays for it ?
Have you seen which companies benefit from the development funding? I visited Poland and just asking a few questions found many of the contractors doing much on the building works and this benefitting from the EU funds the most were in fact German 🤔
No
It’s certainly true that the wealthier states pay in more than they get back. But you’ve got to separate the EU from the eurozone which is/should be stricter
The EU should have kicked out the governments of Poland and Hungary a long time ago. Keep the people kick the governments out….
You mean overthrow the ‘elected’ governments of Poland and Hungary and replace them with unelected European Politburo ? The sooner the pointless EU is consigned to the dustbin of history the better. Here is the man who really owns the EU.
http://theduran.com/the-list-of-soros-names-226-meps-in-europe-who-are-under-the-control-of-george-soros/
Lawrence chętnie opuścimy EU które w obecnym stanie przypomina szambo
Lawrence , we would like to leave the EU, which in its current state resembles
No I mean restrict the movement of government and civil servants in the rest of the EU…. although sometimes someone from Brussels suggests that mabe both countries should be expelled….
DonBuydzio … it.s very difficult to run a fascist government within the EU… maybe old habits die hard for some polish people….
Are you really so ignorant? The Polish fought more against fascism than what France could ever accomplish! It’s foolish enough that you literally say that democratic governments should be overthrown, because they don’t accept cultural genocide, you even want to claim that Hungary and Poland are the fascist ones?
The funniest thing is, I also agree that Poland and Hungary should leave, and form their own union, and alliance, because the European Union is a digged grave at this point, with all it’s members entering that grave.
Marin ….before to start trolling read my comment first…..
Lawrence If your pointless EU restricts the movement of democratically elected governments because they obey the wishes of their people then you have proven the EU is the fascist dictatorship, not the member States trapped in it.
I’m sorry “cultural genocide” ?
I don’t speak “nazi slang”. Please go into details.
Ivan
Said by the one who works and got paid by the European parliament. How hypoctite.
Ivan …facebook didn’t notify me about your comment. But basically there is nothing democratic about fascism any more than cancer is related to good health. If people think that fascism is good it.s because they are sick….
Poland, Hungary, Romania and Turkey are looking down on EU, and not the other way around.
Maybe itț’s time the EU did something to our sh*tty governements.
Turkey is not part of the EU.
Jesús no, but has a privileged status in relation to EU.
The EU is destroying every country it controls, while Hungary and Poland are generally expanding, and growing both in economy, and importance. In the long run, twenty years from now, the EU countries will be loosing their sovereignty to Islamist uprisings, while Hungary and Poland will be flourishing.
Marin No, it’s not. And no, Hungary is not expanding economically. The whole world is, Hungary just keeps the pace.
Also, more and more Hungary becomes worse for its people.
There are no Islamic uprisings, there is no god, religion is irrelevant.
Robin Why do you pro EU fanatics hate democracy so much ?
Ivan
“Its the economy, stupit” 😉
Why is it that people can’t have a simple debate?
http://wiki.c2.com/?CivilizedDiscussionGuidelines
Nothing personal guys, its just a quote 😊
Poland is a very peaceful country, while Western Europe has serious problems with Muslims. Paradoxically, Brussels deals with Poland instead of solving its own problems..
More and more Poles believe that Poland should leave the EU, but not because of its members, but because of its politicians, such as Timmermans and Guy.
Although more when polled Poland had the highest percentage of people who want to remain in the EU. My experience of living in Poland has been peaceful but so too was my 23 years in the UK. (To respond to your other point). While attacks in the west have been tragic they are not the biggest challenge Europe has, just makes entertaining/ horrific news. Having lived in both Poland’s fire and road safety strikes me as a bigger conern. If not the dismantling of the judiciary 😕 We have our problems in the west too but trust me the biggest is not the presence of brown people!
Charlie who is saying the attacks in western EU are not gonna increase?
Wrong … Majority of Poles wishes to remain in EU.
Poland, Hungary, and all other sane countries should leave the manipulative EU that is destroying itself, and form a new union based on European values.
Charlie Trotter Who mentioned ‘brown people’? …he said ‘muslims’ …so basically you’ve just called all ‘brown people’ muslims….I’m sure Italians, Spaniards, Maltese etc will find this very insulting as they’re predominantly Catholic….he said the problem is with ‘muslims’ obviously referring to Islamic terrorism and you call all ‘brown people’ muslims….when virtue signalling and flying the flag for Islamic terrorism please don’t include all ‘brown people’ so you don’t come across as an uneducated tit….signed a ‘brown person’
Jerzy is actually right. Younger generations are more increasingly skeptical of EU.
While most Poles still support EU around 70-75 percent., if they keep pushing Liberal or immigration
Its almost certain support for EU would drop to below 50 percent.
The EUSSR politburo should be ashamed of how they have been aggressive toward Christianity, traditional values, and other such things. Look at what happened to Western Europe over a few decade.
Hopefully right wing and populism keep increasing.
NO
Strange question, it implies the EU is something other than & something above the member States, proving it really is nothing more than a occupation force of those Nation States & a dictatorship.
All EU members choose for membership instead of the UK which is a occupation of different nations.
Erik Utter rubbish, they chose to join the trade area called the EEC, nobody chose to be in a political union called the EU.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/eureferendum/2123045/EU-Treaty-Lisbon-Treaty-resurrected-defeated-EU-Constitution.html
Ivan
EEC doesn’t exist anymore. Its called the EU quite some time 😊
Erik Correct & it was rejected by the people.
Typical actions of a dictatorship don’t you think.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4592243.stm
Ivan
Old news my friend. And btw its a non binding referendum.
Erik You use that as a justification to ignore a result you do not like ? Yours are the words of a fascist dictatorship comrade.
But thank you for proving that you can have democracy or you can have the EU but you can’t have both.
Ivan
Oh pls, here we go again haha. So, tell me, whats the difference between the UK and EU?
I’d love to hear the difference between the two as well
Erik Sure thing comrade.
UK = 800 Years of history of spreading trade, education, democracy, peace & freedom around the world.
EU = 25 Years of dictatorship (Soon to come to an end)
Next stupid question please ? 8|
Poland and It’s government is treated adequately. However, the support for the people is not sufficient and the problem to be solved has nothing to do with equality.
Portugal does not respect deadlines of directives implementation . Something happens ? I don’t think so. You can see it today at..http://www.dre.pt
The EU Schultz be a lot tougher on Poland and Hungary
There is only future out of Merkelreich.
El siglo XXI, en mi opinión y con todo el respeto, tiene una EU demasiado obsoleta, me refiero a los representantes de cada país europeo, que tenéis mi edad y a vosotros nadie os rechaza en el trabajo por ser viejos como yo, 59 años y todavía tengo de verdad ganas de aportar valor a la sociedad!!
I don’t think so, in my opinion the th EU is extremely biased in base of the richness of each country
Er, yes ? And Westerners who have no idea about the culture, politics and history of Poland and think the Guardian will tell them all should STFU, ’cause they don’t have a clue about my country. You can only know what’s going on in Poland if you speak Polish and read Polish press, because the English language press only presents one side of the argument, and it’s definitely not the one supported by the majority of Polish voters.
The majority of Polish voters would not vote staying in the EU if that implies obeying the rules.
The rules ? The EU frequently breaks the rules in Germany’s favour whilst strictly applying them to Slavonic states, giving Germany an advantage over us.
State aid to airlines – with Lufthansa it was fine, but with Polish rail – no, no, no you eastern dumbasses.
Obey rules of EU solidarity and don’t jeopardize security of eastern states ? Nah, let’s make a cool deal with Gazprom called Nord Stream II, whilst accusing eastern states of “putinisation”.
The rules are designed to be ignored or applied in the favour of some and to the disadvantage of others.
Western countries, Germany in particular never stopped being Nazi imperialists and still get a hardon oppressing Slavs but don’t bother about obeying the rules.
The Poles could leave the EU- but as major beneficiaries of EU funds they would have a pretty big hole in their budget. Despite the fact their national insurance (ZUS) is cripplingly high for self-employed people. Where does the money go? On luxury cars for Rydzyk?
If one hast no argument, one mentions Rydzyk and pretends to have the moral high ground. Wtf does Rydzyk have to with ZUS ?
Majority of Poles want to stay in EU like everywhere we also have some thick people who blame EU for everything what isn’t so great or just bad. Fortunately most of the people know how beneficial is being in EU.
Judging by the replies I’m not even going to go into who free trade really benefits, because I don’t think anybody could grasp the EU not necessarily being a good thing here, even the majority of PiS voters don’t understand basics about trade and behave like EU fanatics.
Ever heard about Greece? I did, especially when my bank account was shut down thank to the EU trying to manipulate a referendum. So, what’s the question again?
Uhm… No. That’s not how any of this works. ^^
In a couple of year EU will not exist anymore. Hopefully.
Some are more equal than others…
The EU is ruled by North Europeans who look down on Southern Europeans.
Many Northerners think it’s the other way around. ^^
David well that takes some doing, some serious mental gymnastics!!
…and Romania, Slovenia, Croatia, Slovakia, Czechia, Greece.
Yes, indeed.
Nobody is looking down on anybody. There are rules which need to be obliged.
Especially were democracy, legal systemes, free media and human rights are concerned.
Nobody is looking down on anybody. There are rules which need to be obliged.
Especially were democracy, legal systemes, free media and human rights are concerned.
It’s more that governments that are rightfully under attack tend to blaim an outside “force”
In addition, I should point out that Italy is looked down on now,
because the elites see “populists” as enemies. Italy is trying to secure borders.
Well they are now “evil racists”. Yes when you have a pay check from Soros
everything is racist. They are skeptical of Euro. Well they are rebels to the system. Hopefully the M5S and right coalition can resist the regime of EU.
On the Bilderberg meeting one of the discussions is the rise of populism for a reason. The big dollar/euro/etc people do not represent the people. They represent banks, corporations, self interest.
Italy is doing exactly what all of Europe should be doing, enforcing the borders to prevent illegal migration. Our wealth does not exist in a vacuum. Anybody that comes here legally can share in the wealth but illegals should not be able to benefit from breaking the rules of entry.
If no country will take the boats and the boats have to start going back to africa then this practice will end, now Spain got weak and took in these people. European’s don’t have the stomach to get the job done and the third world people recognize this and act accordingly. Their African countries would never tolerate millions of illegals, they would incarcerate and deport illegals, we on the other hand rescue them, bring them to Europe and then let them walk free to disappear.
Just consider the application of such basic rules as the Maastricht-criterion for budget deficit: maximum 3% and no more, or else infringement procedures and fiscal babysitting are the consequence.
Some Westen European countries were not punished for excessive budget deficit. Hungary *was* once punished because the Brusselites *thought* that the budget deficit *will* exceed the limit. Well, it didn’t. But Hungary was punished for something that didn’t even happen..
A very democratic EU governed by the rule of law, is it?
The attitude is fundamentally influenced by factors like having a left- or right-wing government. A left-wing government gets away with excessive police violence against political demonstrators (bloody beaten people, eyes shot out with rubber bullets) and gets away with putting many dozens of demonstrators and people captured in pubs into *jail*, all based on fake police testimonials. And there’s no question about the independence of the judiciary!
A right-wing government tries to apply the general retirement age to judges too, and gets assulted by the EU for tyranny.
How is that for democratic values at the EU?
It’s countries like Hungary that spits on the plate of the other European countries. Out Hungary from the EU, with their criminal government.
You are an idiot
I can say the same of you? Nice arguments 😂
of course NOT
No as some are more equal than others. I lost all faith in this organisation despite having voted to join. This is not the EU I expected,
Poland receives a lot of money from the EU and you can clearly see the benefits of it. However there are arguments that the money has improved standards in cities while having little effect in rural areas. Historically too the Poles have a (justified) distrust of the Germans. However I think that complaining that the EU treats Poland badly after repeatedly attacking the EU and painting them as the enemy (check out stuff like Do Rzeczy & Gazeta Polska) is similar, and similarly hypocritical, to the Brexit supporters actions in the UK
Don’t worry, the money every country gets is going to be reduced massively when the British tax payer stops wasting our money on the pointless EU so expect Euroscepticism to rise across the EU. Really looking forward to the MEP election next year, a lot of pro EU fanatical MEP’s are going to be out of a job 8|
What is the point if being an anti-EU MEP? That’s like going to work just to mess up the working of the business. I will be interested to see if the savings from leaving the EU come anywhere near compensating for the costs.
Joseph
Pro EU MEP’s are just there to rubber stamp the unelected European Politburo dictates so the anti EU MEP’s are the true democrats who represent the people.The only way to destroy the pointless EU is from within …… & it works :)
I think we will just have to agree to disagree. There’s no point starting an argument here.
Joseph Lynn There is no argument comrade, its called reality. 8|
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/mar/03/brexit-has-put-other-leaders-off-wanting-to-leave-says-ec-vice-president
I understand that Euroscepticism is on the rise and may well lead to the collapse of the EU but personally I think that it is a very bad move to return to infighting in Europe- Far Right nationalists are the true enemies of freedom and democracy. This time has a distinctly 1930s feel :-(
Joseph
You mean infighting as in happening within the EU now ?
You can have democracy or you can have the EU, you can’t have both.
Fascism, Communism and now Europeanism, different flags but the same deranged lust to rule all Europe. The world has moved on but the EU is stuck in the early 20th Century & serves no purpose in the 21st.
Unfortunately you may be right that cooperation and collaboration are no longer considered necessary, people have become too selfish to work together and share. The collapse of the EU will lead to nothing positive. But I know that there is little point arguing, like a religion there is no way to shift opinions.
Ivan you deluded twat. Open a history book. And take of the tinfoil hat.
The League of Nations was a similar organisation and its collapse led quickly to WW2. The EU has promoted collaboration, cooperation and peace between European nations. This has been one of the longest periods of peace in Europe’s history. Divided all the old grievances and border disputes come out and then countries start fighting.
I bet some UK politicians would like to see EU collapse as it would strengthen position of UK on the world scene but fortunately it won’t happen. We are not always united but European know exactly value of being one big Union (and not only trade wise) than 27 single countries
You think democratically elected governments doing what the people want them to do is fascism ? lol
Ivan please open a story book before commenting, both Mussolini and Hitler were elected, it is called cesarism, because also Julius Ceasar first dictator in history was elected.
bye
No it does not
German economy is suffocating the east. While they are protesting for 28 hour work weeks at home, abroad their companies pay 500 euros a month in the east to their workers. EU funds were used to make nice parks and also highways for the trucks that export the products made by cheap labor like engines for Audis. While we get the lower quality garbage they can’t sell in the West. Barely any money went to create new jobs that could compete with the west and a lot more workplaces were bought up and closed to create market for their products.
Spot on. This is EXACTLY what happened here.
Ivan you are probably not living in Hungary. There is no political debate in this country. I have never seen Orban on tv, radio debating with a political opponent.
In my opinion, this question should be divided into two different aspects: the first one is the economical one and the other the cultural one. I will proceed to discuss both of them individually:
1.- In the economical side, it is true that different countries are treated differently according to various aspects. However, the ultimate goal of the EU is to build a democratic and meritocratic society, and because of this it is obvious that rather than treating everybody equally the objetive would be to exalt the different benefits each member has. While Germany should have (and has) more importance in decisions concerning Industry (because it is their expertise), Spain also should have the ability to make their decisions about agriculture more relevant that others. Should we praise the differents aspects and take profit of the different historical expertises each country has, efficiency and happiness would rise.
2.- We then have the more conflictive area: the cultural one. This one is a lot more objetive, but I will do my best to remain objective. The so called “discrimination” we are seeing here comes from very different political points of view, rather than because of the different countries. This comes from the dominant liberal view than permeates all european institutions. We should strive to meet half-way, without directly assuming that neither progressism or conservadurism is the definitive answer to the question of Europe. However, this meeting should happen bilaterally, not only from the EU but also from the other countries. We tend to forget that this stereotypes are not only created by Brussels but also reinforced by those anti europeans politics who are benefited from them
Why should they when Hungary is happily taking their money but disagreeing with all their values
It’s called the voluntary exchange of goods and services. You get cheap labor, products and food in exchange for money. Deal with it.
In my opition there’s a lack of balance in the way in which Eu treats its members. As concers migrats I can’t understand such a “tolance” or lack of reaction towards certain East Countries’ arbitriary decisions to close fronteers. If we really want to join this great project called “Europa”, well, it’s time for everybody to take its own responsabilities. I am still faithful to Europe and I don’t really want it to be so devided inside
Probably because you need at least two equal partners for a debate. That occasion is very rare in the EU, especially since the “left” hijacked the very concept of discourse with their -falsely- assumed moral superiority a long time ago.
Because right failed in moral and honesty and any other many years ago
No, Hungary is punsihed for the wall, and the EU pays money for the wall in Turkey
khm because the left didn’t do the same thing “many years ago”, right? Oh, wait, that was in Eastern Europe.
@Fabio – Incorrect. The “right” mindset values individual liberty and private ownership over government, while factoring in the necessary boundaries (eg. borders, nations) when it comes to effectively distributing wealth and praises the voluntary exchange of goods and services. The “left” forces equality of outcome, which is by definition equals theft and forced redistribution. Btw with your comment you sort of proved my point… :)
It provides equal opportunities to all member states.
Definetly not
NO.
No it does not,…
Is this a rhetorical question or what? What kind of answers do you expect below?
Germany is absolutely making a fortune whist other states die financially. The French Euro idea is a disaster
Does the EU treat all its Member States equally?
What is equality?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwU56Rv0OXM
And here is a run down of this particular form of misrepresentation called equality.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnc1Ay6X1bg
Amen!
Hope not. Government can be changed in next years but normal people like me would suffer a lot if we would be kicked out because of those thick people 😔
The EU is not equal. The richer countries gain abundant labour by offering higher wages and free University education. Big business take advantage of cheaper labour in certain EU countries. The rest of the countries do not attract businesses if they don’t have cheap labour. Families are broken up when kids flee to the few rich EU countries for education and work. Then the rest of the countries suffer unemployment and migration of their youth and workers. They are left to struggle giving birth to workers, students and tax payers for richer EU countries. For the EU to be more social and generate revenue in each country we need a more social EU with EU-wide minimum wage, benefits, free education, taxes. Plus a Guaranteed minimum income to generate entrepreneurship and more spending within each country by its own citizens so their economy can flourish too, in a different way. Then the minimum wage can be low in all EU countries as it subsidised (by the GMI) and all countries have an equal opportunity to attract new businesses.
I agree with most of it, except the “EU-wide minimum wage”, which sounds attractive but will kill the weaker economies (you should study some economics).
The problem lies in the EU competition law, which prohibits the state from participating in the economy. However, the bigger countries solve this hindrance by politics serving the interest of businesses more effectively than in the smaller countries.
The best evidence to this is the difference in attitude towards the gas pipe lines. The Southern Stream project was killed by the EU, the Northern Stream expansion is getting built. Southern Stream would have brought a diversity of route, Northern Stream will bring no diversity at all, but the transit fees will go to Germany and Germany will control distribution.
If the EU-wide minimum wage is based on the lowest wage in the EU,which is then subsidised by the Guaranteed minimum income, how will it kill the economy of weaker countries? Can you explain to me why as I am reading enough books and economics is a bit dull for me lol. I am more of a truth and fairness person that knows the EU can pay highly trained economists to work out the details.
Julia Well done for figuring out the point of free movement in the EU, it was not intended to benefit citizens of the the Nations States but only to supply business with cheap labour.
Julia If it’s so blatantly obvious why do people allow their elected governments to sign up to the Brussels dictates ?
Why do people allow their government give their taxes to help the rich only instead of society as a whole, especially the vulnerable and at the expense of the people? I would say the same reasons of lack of knowledge and awareness of the truth, lack of care for eachother and those that care lack the power to do anything about it.
Julia If I earn why should I let my government take it off me and give it to people in another country who have not earned it ?
That is blatantly obvious. All governments and governing bodies serve business only at the expense of people and with people’s tax money.
You give to mega-corporations, private banking shareholders, oil subsidies, tax breaks for the rich and all of them enjoying legal tax evasion loopholes who neither earned it nor deserve it. All vulnerable people not only deserve it, its a basic right so they can live in dignity. It’s not like they are going to buy a yacht, plane, golden toilet or an antique bowl for £1000000. People do not need to suffer. Suffering is created and maintained by the financial system and government. Therefore suffering can be ended. Only a cruel selfish heartless greedy person with entitlement issuses would consciously allow human-created and maintained human suffering when human suffering can be abolished.
Of course not.
of course not! Peripherical countries are treated as crap, only Germany and France are important for them…
That was the point of the EU from the very beginning, give Germany & France joint control over Continental Europe and they might stop fighting their bloody wars over it. How does it feel to be owned by Berlin & Paris ? …. mostly Berlin though.
Of course not. Treating its members equally means giving the smallest states same powers as the biggest. Does it look like it happens?!
You have missed the point of the EU, its not there to benefit smaller Nations. It’s only reason for being is to stop Germany & France fighting over you. Same result for most Continental countries though but with a Franco-German Empire as opposed to just a German or French Empire. Better get use to because as soon as Berlin / Paris have ‘their’ EU army there will be nothing to stop the federalists Empire builders.
Ivan Burrows i can see you know it exactly as the book. So I guess you believe that war is all about “exporting democracy” isn’t it?!
Alex Wars are fought for one of two reasons. 1. Protection from totalitarianism / defence of democracy & 2. For power and control. The only difference between 1939 & 1993 is the EU was created with lies and deceit and not with bullets and bombs. Same outcome though, centralised power and control of continental Europe by the old enemies of Germany & France.
why do you not try to portray an’image of Europe as thee founders had in mind…
and not a place to exploit business…
It was never intended to treat everyone equally. The goal of the EU fanatics is to create their federalist utopia and if millions of people in certain Nations have to suffer for it then so be it.
Spot on!
No. Countries are not equal and not equally important. Some of them, richer and bigger, try to impose their conditions on the poorer ones…
I agree but the question is ‘If you know this why is your Nation in the EU ?’
Ivan Burrows I’m not against EU but I also think that the conditions on which EU was born were very different, maybe anachronistic now. We’ve got peace, yes, but maybe something should have changed during the years. Also I don’t agree with having same guidelines for countries with very different characteristics.
Giulia Nothing as changed when you know the original goal was to unite Continental Europe to put an end to the wars fought mainly by France & Germany to control it. If you follow the trail of legislation from the the European Coal and Steel Community via the EEC to the EU (& beyond) it is clear what was intended is being enforced. The method maybe different but the outcome is the same, dominance over Continental Europe by Berlin & Paris. At least millions of people didn’t have to die for the new Franco /German Empire but there is still time.
Tbh at this point it just looks like we’re heading not towards a Franco-German Empire but simply a Eurabian Caliphate. I like the idea of the united Europe but this I have a huge problem with.
Not true at all dimension doesn’t matter at all, Ireland is a little country and behave like a fiscal paradise inside the EU
Luca Argalia if you are referring to me, by “bigger” I meant economically.
Edita caliphate from less than 5% of the population? Its sounds More like a cheap labour force for the German empire
Παυλος just today a study showed that in Italy salary for the migrants is at least 16% lower than for italians. It’s not fair both for them and us.
Of course not. And why should it???
The EU is acting like a police to some countries and like the servant towards other countries. Though we need to be making sure all countries follow the EU rules, I find there is an issue of respect towards different cultural attitudes that harms the diversity of the civilizations brought together under EU.
definitely no different taxes , different migration policies.
No, never did and it Will never do.
yes, they support Turkey until demolish Greece down to the qround, and install the democracy of Allah
They don’t support Turkey but they oay Turkey to keep and hold back the illegal immigrants
Hahahaha NO
No because the solidarity is one direction. Some countries dont take refugees while they are more than willingly to accept our money. Not that I’m against Europe, but it is frustrating that lack of solidarity.
There is no solidarity in the EU, it’s just a word used to con people into doing what they told.
Nope is quite obvious that first the German and secondly French interests are above everyone’s else
From ” € ” structure to immigration policies it’s all about serving the big ones
Just as the EU was designed to do from the very begining.
Here is something you really need to think about.
In 1942 when the Germans still thought they were going to win the war they produced a report entitled the Europaische Wirtschafts Gemeinschaft – which translates as the European Economic Community.
The report was written by various bankers and academics and laid out a plan for how Germany would manage the economies of the conquered countries of Europe after a German victory. It was drawn up under the leadership of Professor Walter Funk the Reich’s Economics Minister and President of the Reichsbank.
The report contained sections on Agriculture, Industry, Employment, Transport, Trade, Economic Agreements, and Currency. It proposed the ‘harmonisation’ of European currencies and a harmonised currency system.
The evidence is in the historical record so don’t take my word for it, go look for yourself 8|
No!
Countries not states.
yes, if they are from the same level…
Yes, sure. In fact Greece is not a German colony!!!
Of course not….how can you say that !!!!Look at what they did to Greece.Look at what are Germany’s ideas of democracy…and there are so many other examples
Not, it’s obvious. But also is a historical obligation ?!?!
well, all europeans are equals but some europeans are more equal than other.
… what? ehm….
look! …a migrant,
go help him you racist!
In theory yes
In reality nope
Of course it doesnt look at how france was treated compared with itay on budget…france has been delinqüent for last 11 years. .without censure..also german trade surplus breaks stability rules…sucking life blood out of southern states…again with no sanction.
If Germany leaves the union, EU collapses. Despite many problems, I don’t see any better alternative to EU. Populist parties across Europe cannot provide any solution in a globalised world.
I have been living in the Netherlands and all I could say is that I have never met so many racist collective groups in my 35 years of life . Called upon by the locals , being called things like “exotic” and racial discrimination on Non blonde locals ( especially in Amsterdam ). Segregated bars that won’t let tourists or foreigners inside the place .
If you were considering the NL and is not fair and blonde & from scandinavia, don’t even bother wasting your emotions on them !!
The EU is a joke, remember they got a Nobel Peace Prize in 2012 for preventing & stopping wars in Europe! Worked in the former Yugoslavia in 1992, now the same in Ukraine! They said that is because they are not in Europe, where are they? In Africa? If they are not in Europe why does the EU want them to join?