European Spring

I am endlessly puzzled by some people's belief in the potential threat of an EU army. As the article I'm about to post a link to says, there is much misunderstanding about what such an army might be created for and much discussion and many agreements before the army was created.

The EU is already part of armed action around the world with forces put together by member countries on a case by case basis. The US is withdrawing from NATO and with Trump in charge it is being made clear that we can no longer rely on the US for support.

As for EU troops on our streets! The other European countries are our allies. Every agreement we have with them has been agreed to by our government and all EU members have the right of veto. It is an absurd idea, worry about the Russians by all means, worry about British troops back on the streets of Northern Ireland but EU troops on UK streets? The world has moved on from 1945.

Here is the article - www.forces.net/news/what-european-army-and-could-it-become-reality

I think like most people who voted to leave I was reasonable happy with the relationship we had with the eu.
But Maarstrict changed all that. That's when I could see which way the wind was blowing so I started reading everything I could on the eu.
Sometimes I wish I hadn't because once you know what's going on you can't un- know it

It is a very complex situation - which is why I hate the polarised stereotypes and labelling of Leavers and Remainers. It is far more subtle than that.

I researched the pros and cons of being in the EU by reading articles online from people with opposing views - economists in the main. It was a fine balance. That, coupled with my political concerns about the direction of the EU, and the flaws in its cumbersome administration resulted in my voting to leave - but it was a hair's breadth decision. And I knew the sort of labels that I would risk descending on me.

I have said many times that the referendum was conducted in a disgraceful fashion - the campaigning was crass and did not invite a thoughtful approach.

My feelings exactly, Luckygirl. I dithered and dithered over which way to vote in the referendum and eventually voted Leave for the simple reason that our relationship with the EU was becoming anything but cordial and unrest within other member countries made me feel we could end up as Billy No Mates in a situation where the far right might be gaining ground.

It is certainly a possibility.

I have always had major doubts about the EU - no, I am not anti-immigrants or a racist, blah, blah, blah. I should not have to say this, but it is necessary in the current climate.

Right at the beginning when we voted on the Common Market, I was concerned about what the future held. About creating a "playground clique". About the inevitable tortuous nature of decision-making in such a large organisation. About how we might come to think about those who were not "in" - if some are "in" then some will be "out" by definition. About the danger of creating another block of countries vying for power in the world. About the possibility of expansionist aims creeping in. About the inevitability of a few countries within the group taking precedence and their wishes being foisted on others. About it becoming a focus for general discontent (as it has) and how this might play out.

I could go on. None of my concerns were about not wanting to get on with our European neighbours; but about the fact that the worst violence and discord happens within families rather than with neighbours.

It only takes one thing - a global recession and its ensuing discontent in this case - to start a backlash, and the EU officials are giving us a hard time because they can see that we might not be alone in our concerns.

There has not been a major European war since the 2nd WW and there are those who conclude that the EU is the reason for that. But it is always wrong to assume a causal relationship without proof.

My concern is that countries who wish to extricate themselves will lean towards the far right - we have seen this at home. The EU needs to think how it operates if it wishes to keep its members on board and not find countries leaving and being cut loose to sink under some far right intolerant regime.

easybee I also worry about being tethered to Brussels with no say in the matter.

They are assembling an EU army, if we do not “tow the line” in a few years will we see the EU army on UK streets?

Macron dropped teargas from helicopters on the gillet jaunes at the weekend.

I feel some people are blind to the EU
faults.

Yes I do.
And we are attempting to tether ourselves even more closely, with no representation.

I do indeed. The vast majority of people in all countries are, post recession of 10 years ago, fed up of austerity measures when the crash wasn’t of their making. The reckless bankers got off with a mere slap on the wrists. The 1% elites are so removed from the realities of life the rest of many people endure. Populist movements are gathering momentum. The storm clouds are gathering ...