EU: once in, the difficulties begin

COLUMN: “Europe’s Marxist dilemma: It is easier to influence a country before than after it joins the club,” by Charlemagne, The Economist, 26 April 2008, p. 72.

Contrary to Parag Khanna’s optimism in Second World, the EU is having a lot of trouble rebranding east central European states once they’re let into the union. Seems once they’re in, they don’t take advice from Brussels so seriously, aping the sloppy compliance from most of the old EU members. It’s basically the new guys saying, “Well, so-and-so doesn’t meet that criteria either, so why the heck should I?”

As for the stiff fines for persistent offense outlined in the EU accords? The EU does not apply them.

Yet another good reason why we shouldn’t expect the EU to become anything close to what we fear from China: the legendary “near-peer competitor”!

Comments

[Ted O'Connor]

"Be careful what you wish for" is the old saying. Some Irish politicians are now wondering if membership in the EU is going to result in a loss of identity and a change in culture for tiny Ireland. Citizens of the EU can work in any EU country. Ireland's college grads are working and living on the continent but low skilled workers from the mainland are living and working in Ireland. Not what the Irish had in mind. Housing costs in Ireland are being driven up by investors and second home buyers from EU countries. A right wing element is groing amidst complaints against illegal immigrants from EU and non EU countries. Criminal activity linked to Albanian, Nigerian and Romanian groups is on the rise. Many Irish are pointing to France (another Catholic country)as an example of what can happen when immigrants threaten to change the existing culture.

[Jarrod Myrick]

Either the Core addresses the Gap collectively in a strategic and comprehensive way or it'll be left to deal w/ the inevitable 'radical losers'. Soft power of sport on display in Moscow yesterday w/the first UEFA all-England final. Abramovich's 5 year plan just, just, just falls a little short.