Ted,
I think it fell apart because they had been forced to be together for a long time against their will. Had they not wanted to be seperated almost as much as being free, I think they would have adjusted and worked it out. As it is, they'll probably end up together in the EU.
There was a lot of resentment Czechs in government (the dominant nationality by all the other nationalities, which is why an outside actor (Hitler) was not so entirely unwelcome (obviously, this was before the world knew what he was about). But things settled, country became federal, resentment subsided. But the marriage still ended up in a divorce.
There are too many benies to being in the EU. Overtime, I think it will become like the US of A. The hardest part was getting the Germans to give up the Deustchmark...... I think its all downhill from there. <g>
There are definitely benefits to counties that are joining, especially the poor ones that end up net recepients from Euro budget. But the trouble I see is from within the rich countries, an anti-EU movements, as a reaction to the bureaucrats usurping more and more power, requiring more dollars (Euros) to be paid by the rich countries. I don't think there is anything serious currently underway. It's just something I think will happen in the future.
As far as being like the US of A, I don's see any resentment between Idaho and Georgia, but it may happen between European countries. The funny thing they are doing with #of votes each counry gets may be a source of resentment. For example Germany will get 29 votes vs. Poland of 27.
Also, during the ascension talks (before the field was widen so much) Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary coordinated their steps, sometimes with Slovenia as well. If in the EU, they act as a block, they outvote the feared duo of Germany and France. My rough guess of the population of these 5 insignificant countries is about 60M, less than 80M Germans alone. Their combined GDP is probably less than 10% of Germany alone (and I am ignoring France as the second partner in the duo).
I think that may cause some resentment in Paris and Berlin.
BTW, here is a link I found on the votes: europa.eu.int
Joe |
