The lack of mobility within the EU is rooted, IMHO, in several issues:
- Language barriers. This is a problem mainly with people from the larger countries (Germany, Spain, France, Italy), but is certainly getting better with younger generations. The "European" language is English, whether or not the French will admit it.
fyo,
Fermez votre bouche!! <g>
There is no way the French would even consider the concept. A big fight has broken out because the authorities want the Parisian air controllers to speak English when talking to the pilots since more know English than French. The concern is that there will be a crash due to a misunderstanding. As of 6 mos ago the change was still being fought. However, I think the internet may be changing some of that attitude. I am finding french sites that are in both French and English now.
- "Unwillingness to move" as you put it. This is quite strange to me (but then I've moved very often, and very far, all through my life), but many Europeans really don't want to move - the most they'll ever do is to a large city in their own country for college. You wouldn't believe the problems there are trying to convince students to take a semester / year abroad. And, mind you, these trips are almost always accomplished at zero cost to the student.
My Swiss friends were like that...couldn't imagine moving 60 kilo., let alone 600. But my German can't stop moving...they just moved from Chicago to Mexico City.
Is AMD still making inroads on European sales? As of three mos ago, Bert from Belgium said he's still finding that AMD is selling better than Intel. He has a PC shop in Brussels.
ted |
