Vacationalschoolproject Europe, please help!

If this is not allowed to be posted here, please tell me.

Hello, i need ur help,
we have to prepare an important project in my vacationalschool as an examination.
It's about Europe and the European Union.
I have prepared questions and now I interview people.
I need your opinion.

So it would be nice if you could answer the questions.
Please also tell me were you are from, for the statistics.

Oh, it would be better if only people answered who live in Europe.


1.) Do you think the existence of the European Union (EU) is necessary for us?
Yes. / No.

2.) Do you see yourself as an EU-citizen?
Yes. / No.

3.) When thinking about the EU the first thing coming to mind is...
- trade union
- shared values
- community of interest(s)
- community you are forced to be a part of

4.) During the European parliamentary elections do you take the opportunity to vote?
Yes. / No.

If you do: Do you see yourself taking an influence in European politics?
Yes. / No.

5.) Do you think you benefit from the existence of the European Union?
Yes. / No.

6.) Was introducing the currency union a good thing?
Yes. / No.
If you think it wasn’t: Do you think returning to the individual currencies would be the right thing to do?
Yes. / No.

7.) Should Greece receive monetary help in the range of billions of Euros from other EU member states? Do you think this is the right approach?
Yes. / No.

8.) Looking into the future: Do you think the possible admittance of Turkey into the European Union is a good idea?
Yes. / No.


Thanks for your help.

André

From Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

1.) Do you think the existence of the European Union (EU) is necessary for us?
Yes.

2.) Do you see yourself as an EU-citizen?
Yes.

3.) When thinking about the EU the first thing coming to mind is...
- trade union


4.) During the European parliamentary elections do you take the opportunity to vote?
No.

5.) Do you think you benefit from the existence of the European Union?
Yes

6.) Was introducing the currency union a good thing?
Yes

7.) Should Greece receive monetary help in the range of billions of Euros from other EU member states? Do you think this is the right approach?
No.

8.) Looking into the future: Do you think the possible admittance of Turkey into the European Union is a good idea?
No.

1.) Do you think the existence of the European Union (EU) is necessary for us?
Necessary, not really, we would still survive, but we would probably all be like the greeks by now so to answer your question: Yes!

2.) Do you see yourself as an EU-citizen?
Yes.

3.) When thinking about the EU the first thing coming to mind is...

- community of interest(s)
and a little bit trade union

4.) During the European parliamentary elections do you take the opportunity to vote?
Yes. (In Belgium voting is mandatory)

If you do: Do you see yourself taking an influence in European politics?
Yes. / No. one person doesn't make a difference, many do! I don't have influence as a person but the voting does! you may take my answer as a yes if that's how you meant it. (if I think the voting system has influence on politics)

5.) Do you think you benefit from the existence of the European Union?
Yes, I KNOW I benefit from it!!!!!!

6.) Was introducing the currency union a good thing?
Yes.
If you think it wasn’t: Do you think returning to the individual currencies would be the right thing to do?
No.

7.) Should Greece receive monetary help in the range of billions of Euros from other EU member states? Do you think this is the right approach?
Yes, but it has to earn it: giving the lion it's meat is a temporary solution: it needs to learn how to hunt to

8.) Looking into the future: Do you think the possible admittance of Turkey into the European Union is a good idea?
Yes.



for the info: I did a course History of the EU and next Year I'm gonna take Policy of the EU. From this course I KNOW the EU is the best thing that ever happend to all EU residents - It's only to bad most don't realise it!

FROM SWEDEN


1.) Do you think the
existence of the European Union (EU) is necessary for us?
Yes. The more global and internationalized we become, the greater chances for world peace and open trade etc etc...

2.) Do you see yourself as an EU-citizen?
Sadly no (maybe because we do not yet have Euro in sweden?)

3.)
When thinking about the EU the first thing coming to mind is...
-
trade union
- shared values
- diplomatic opportunities

4.) During the European
parliamentary elections do you take the opportunity to vote?
Yes, if I am aware of them

If you do: Do you see yourself taking an influence in
European politics?
Yes, I trust democracy to run its course.

5.) Do you think you benefit
from the existence of the European Union?
Yes, definately.

6.) Was
introducing the currency union a good thing?
Yes! Allthough it needs more countries to really prosper (Im voting for sweden to get the euro next time we get to vote)

If you
think it wasn’t: Do you think returning to the individual currencies
would be the right thing to do?
-

7.) Should Greece
receive monetary help in the range of billions of Euros from other EU
member states? Do you think this is the right approach?
Yes, if the economic state in greece means it could destabilize the economic state of the rest of europe, then yes. If not, I still tghink we should aid them monetary, but not without some kind of reassurances taht it will actually help.

8.)
Looking into the future: Do you think the possible admittance of Turkey
into the European Union is a good idea?
Yes. Even if they lack some of the basic values of the EU, those things will come more naturally if they are a part of the EU. You got to start somewhere, and admittance into the union is a great start. Exclusion should then be concidered if it shows that Turkey is not making attempts to change. Such a change could come around by actually getting aid from the other countries. By merging with the rest of the EU, Turkey should feel more "included" and be a aprt of a european "team". If they do not make said attempts to correct their demiocratic flaws, then it should be interpreted as if they do not want to actually be a part of the union, and thus be excluded.

A litte long answer on the last one (though, in reality, I'd much more like to elaborate even more )

1.) Yes

2.) Yes

3.) Trade Union, Community of Interests, Mobility

4.) Yes

5.) Yes

6.) Yes

7.) Yes

8.) No

As usual, giving such short and definite answers feels bad and incomplete...

1.) Do you think the existence of the European Union (EU) is necessary for us?
No.

2.) Do you see yourself as an EU-citizen?
No.

3.) When thinking about the EU the first thing coming to mind is...
Trade union

4.) During the European parliamentary elections do you take the opportunity to vote?
Yes

If you do: Do you see yourself taking an influence in European politics?
Yes, albeit a tiny one

5.) Do you think you benefit from the existence of the European Union?
No.

6.) Was introducing the currency union a good thing?
No.
If you think it wasn’t: Do you think returning to the individual currencies would be the right thing to do?
No, it's too late for that.

7.) Should Greece receive monetary help in the range of billions of Euros from other EU member states? Do you think this is the right approach?
Yes, it's the only option for the other countries that use the Euro

8.) Looking into the future: Do you think the possible admittance of Turkey into the European Union is a good idea?
No.

From Sweden.

1.) Do you think the existence of the European Union (EU) is necessary
for us?
Yes, I think it reduces the risk of conflict.

2.) Do you see yourself as an EU-citizen?

Yes, having traveled Europe a lot. I guess most of my peers would say no.

3.) When thinking about the EU the first thing
coming to mind is...
(- stabilizer)
- trade union

4.)
During the European parliamentary elections do you take the opportunity
to vote?
Yes.

If you do: Do you see yourself taking
an influence in European politics?
Yes.

5.) Do you
think you benefit from the existence of the European Union?
Yes.

6.) Was introducing the currency union a good thing?
Yes. The Greek financial situation would probably have affected the markets Euro or not, but now the damage is more or less limited to Euro countries and affects other countries less.

7.)
Should Greece receive monetary help in the range of billions of Euros
from other EU member states? Do you think this is the right approach?
Yes, but not without demands.

8.) Looking into the future: Do you think the possible
admittance of Turkey into the European Union is a good idea?
Depends on how far into the future we're talking about. "No" until the EU is more stable (10 ish years?), "Yes" probably after that.

From Germany


1.) Do you think the existence of the European Union (EU) is
necessary for us?
Yes.

2.) Do you see yourself as an
EU-citizen?
Yes.

3.) When thinking about the EU the
first thing coming to mind is...
community of interests

4.) During the European parliamentary elections do you take the
opportunity to vote?
Yes.

If you do: Do you see
yourself taking an influence in European politics?
Yes.

5.)
Do you think you benefit from the existence of the European Union?
Yes.

6.) Was introducing the currency union a good thing?
Yes.
If you think it wasn’t: Do you think returning to the
individual currencies would be the right thing to do?
-

7.)
Should Greece receive monetary help in the range of billions of Euros
from other EU member states? Do you think this is the right approach?
No.

8.) Looking into the future: Do you think the possible
admittance of Turkey into the European Union is a good idea?
No.

1.) Do you think the existence of the European Union (EU) is necessary
for us?
No.

2.) Do you see yourself as an EU-citizen?

Yes.

3.) When thinking about the EU the first thing
coming to mind is...
trade union, open borders and loads of pointless laws

4.)
During the European parliamentary elections do you take the opportunity
to vote?
Yes.

If you do: Do you see yourself taking
an influence in European politics?
No.

5.) Do you
think you benefit from the existence of the European Union?
Yes.

6.) Was introducing the currency union a good thing?
Yes.

7.)
Should Greece receive monetary help in the range of billions of Euros
from other EU member states? Do you think this is the right approach?
No.

8.) Looking into the future: Do you think the possible
admittance of Turkey into the European Union is a good idea?
Yes.

From Netherlands:

1.) Do you think the existence of the European Union (EU) is necessary for us?
Yes (as in, would perhaps not have been, but there is no real turning back)

2.) Do you see yourself as an EU-citizen?
No.

3.) When thinking about the EU the first thing coming to mind is...
- trade union

4.) During the European parliamentary elections do you take the opportunity to vote?
Yes.

If you do: Do you see yourself taking an influence in European politics?
No.

5.) Do you think you benefit from the existence of the European Union?
Yes.

6.) Was introducing the currency union a good thing?
Yes. (it's ease of use was, though the value of the coin is a tricky business all by itself)

If you think it wasn’t: Do you think returning to the individual currencies would be the right thing to do?
No. (in this state, the already doubled value would simply double again, leaving the dutch citizens with sky high prices)

7.) Should Greece receive monetary help in the range of billions of Euros from other EU member states? Do you think this is the right approach?
Yes. If only it was too ensure our own "financial safety". This is the downside of forming a pact. If all goes well, everyone benefits. If stuff goes wrong (though "just" with one country), we all suffer. Leaving the greek alone in this would benefit no-one.

8.) Looking into the future: Do you think the possible admittance of Turkey into the European Union is a good idea?
Yes. The Turkish trading mentality, and fact that they are a valuable link between parts of asia and europe means that they can be of great benefit.

I was surprised by the amount of people voting yes on question 8 and I'd be interested to learn a little more about the reasons why people think this is a good idea. Any of the 'yes' voters care to comment?

Well, first of all, I don't see a reason why they shouldn't, and letting them join the EU might help the country to stay on a more secular course instead of returning to strong religious influence.

Also, as was stated above, they are a link between Europe and Asia and thus also to the Muslim world, which in my eyes is a good thing.

OK, for the sake of argument, why Turkey shouldn't join the European Union? Maybe it's because, despite their toehold in Europe, Turkey is not a European country? Or, maybe it's because the EU cannot afford to accomodate another country that would be another net beneficiary rather than a net contributor? It might be because the Greeks, doubtless, wouldn't like it? Alternatively, you might like to argue that it's because you have to draw a line somewhere? Where would you draw the line if being a European country is no longer a qualifier and if you want a link between Europe and Asia? Israel? Algeria? India?

I think that the more internationalized the EU becoems, the greater the future benefits for all of mankind. And im not just talking about the monetary efforts here. A feeling of being together in "all of it" is something that has never really happened before (well, it has, since the start of the EU, of course), but it is still growing, and I dont see whyEurope should be the limit if other countries wishes to join.

Also, as I said, it might put some pressure on Turkey to make attempts to correct any democratic issues within the country. EU as a diplomatic arena seems like a really good way to deal with such issues. Maybe now is not the time, as the euro is weak and the world still isnt fully stabilized, but we must look into the future and see waht possibilities lies ahead.

Regarding to what the EU can afford, it should perhaps consider its financial matters anyway, now with the PIGS giving so much trouble et al...

On the question where to draw a line, I agree on what Opheliate said - the more internatonalized, the better. Of course it's currently still a European Union, but I think it should be regarded as a step towards an ever greater community and not as a bulwark against the rest of the world.

about Turkey: I admit I have to agree with some of citizen sade's arguments, but frankly Turkey is where I would draw the line (I mean after they're in). It is the most modern and most western Islamic country in the world and still is growing more and more towards the eu.
That connection with asia is very real: There are some important pipelines that go through Turkey to provide the EU with gas! they were installed during the cold war to break European dependancy on russian pipelines. that little fact aside it's propably true that Turkey joing the EU wouldn't be to ours benefit, but it would surely be benificial for the Turks and why shoudn't we do something that helps others? don't we think only about ourselves enough allready?
in short I'd say they may join, but it would propably be better for us to wait a little, which it allready will be since it will take at least 5-10 years before they can join.


Since we're now discussing anyway I want to ask: Why don't you think the EU is benificial for you?? (question 5)


ps: Scallen, you should post your results when your done. I'm very interested!

Captain Bernhardt wrote:

ps: Scallen, you should post your results when your done. I'm very interested!

Agreed, it would be nice to see. That is, not only what we on the forum think, but the whole thing

Captain Bernhardt wrote:

Why don't you think the EU is benificial for you?? (question 5)

Without writing an essay in reply, it's because I believe the advantages of membership, such as they are, are far outweighed by the disadvantages involved. While some benefits are welcome, such as the trade union mentioned by many in this thread, I think that the costs in terms of things like sovereignty means that, overall, membership is not in our best interests.

Why do you think it's beneficial to you?

it's true that national sovereignity suffers under the Eu but it's replaced by European so what's the difference?
I think you just don't know ALL the advantages you get by joining the EU. Trade Union is just a very small part of it
you should browse through http://europa.eu or pick up a book: you'll see that there's much more involved than just the trade union

Captain Bernhardt wrote:

it's true that national sovereignity suffers under the Eu but it's replaced by European so what's the difference?

That EU and national interests are not necessarily aligned and that loss of sovereignty means that nation states are less free to act in their own interests. Some will doubtless say that this is a good thing.

Captain Bernhardt wrote:

I think you just don't know ALL the advantages you get by joining the EU. Trade Union is just a very small part of it
you should browse through http://europa.eu or pick up a book: you'll see that there's much more involved than just the trade union

Firstly, thanks for suggesting that I'm ill-informed. Secondly, an EU funded website is hardly the place to get a fair and balanced view of what the pros and cons of membership are. Still, there are independent websites out there for those interested in other opinions e.g. http://www.brugesgroup.com/

I checked that the EU is good for me, but that's more from a personal point of view. Generally, I think it cannot achieve what it might once aimed for and thus costs more than it gives in return...

The problem with the EU is that instead of taking over some functions national governments are doing to decrease bureaucracy, they just create hundreds of laws in addition to national law, which in my eyes is not exactly the point. Plus loads of ridiculous ones, like my all time favourite law abound the angle a banana has to be bend.

Also the sheer size of the EU government alone costs way to much. Then there is this completely pointless week where whole departments are completely (i.e. with trucks of documents and equipment) from Brussels to Strasbourgh (sp?) to do some task (forgot which one exactly) and afterwards the move back which most likely costs thousands of euros. And that is just looking at the surface for a second.

So, while the idea is quite good and could succeed, the EU is currently yet another victim of bureaucrats and politicians.

it is true what you said but the EU is mostly victim of the national states. Every six months the entire government moves between Brussels and Strassbourgh and it's damned ridiculus! but that's because the national states can't cope with the EU government being in one place all the time! no country wants the others to house the eu in their country because they fear that that country would have to much influence thus this compromise was made: when in Brussels the UK knows that France and germany won't be meddling and when in Strassbourg France and germany feel they have some control.

it's that same nationalisme that forced to EU to make all those ridiculus rules: Everyone knows about the law which angle a banana has to be, or how much noise a lawn mower may make but do they also know why these rules are in places? It's for the protection of the liberal market. Any lawnmower factury anywhere in europe can sell his lawn mower to anywhere in the eu. But during the eigthies and nineties what most countries did was this: if for example Spain has a factory of lawn mowers which make less noise than a german lawn mower company they will want to help their factory by making a law that lawn mowers that make to much noise are'nt allowed in Spain. and all these kind of little things happend all over the EU. To stop this unfair competition the EU had to make these silly laws

It's because national governments are selfish that the EU can't function like it was intended to. Even now the most important decisions are still made by the national representatives and because most vote for their own interests instead of the general interests the EU has grown into a stalemate. That's to bad.

I'm not against Nationalisme, I am proud of my own country, just like anyone should be of theirs, but to often nationalisme is combined with stupidity! it's nationalisme that made people become unrational and started WWI!

@ citizen sade: I did not mean my remark as an insult on your part, please excuse me if you feel insulted. Still if I were you I would be a little more critical about those so called "independent" sites. you can't honestly believe that a site with the following heading is fair and balanced:

"The Bruges
Group spearheads the intellectual battle
against the notion of "ever-closer Union" in Europe
and,
above all, against British involvement in a single European state"

Ok thank you all for giving answere.
Wish us luck für our presentation on Friday....

And now, have fun ans discuss.

The BEST OF GOOD LUCK on your presentation!

Good luck with your presentation, Scallen.

Captain Bernhardt wrote:

@ citizen sade: I did not mean my remark as an insult on your part, please excuse me if you feel insulted. Still if I were you I would be a little more critical about those so called "independent" sites.

No offence taken, thanks. Of course, you spoil it a bit by going on to suggest that I should be more critical

Moving on, The Bruges Group, while openly anti-integrationist, aren't a bunch of crackpots. Let's remember that different people wan't different things from Europe. Some would be happy to settle for a deregulated and decentralised trade union among nation states. That doesn't seem to be what we're heading for ...