I note that Latvia appears set on joining the European Union, but not every European country seems quite so eager to do so. I ask three questions:
1.) Do you think the EU will eventually include all of Europe?
2.) Do you think the EU will eventually function as a nation, similar to the U.S.?
3.) If 1. and 2. should happen, would that be Good, Bad, or Indifferent for the U.S.?
My belief is Yes they'll eventually get the whole continent. Those who remain outside, possibly because they see an advantage in being the sole nation(s) on the continent able to avoid certain laws and economic policies (so that they might attract banking business from EU countries due to having rules that aren't acceptable under the EU), will be forced by economic pressure to join the rest.
I also say Yes to the second point. They already have what amounts to a legislative and a judicial system for the EU. The executive is very weak but soon there will be pressure for a truly joint military. Those growing up in this system will see themselves as Europeans as much as Italians, French, etc. This will happen, at least de facto. True integration in the style of the U.S. will be held up by language differences, differences in the educational systems (and other incompatibilities), and of ocurse national pride.
I believe it'll be Good for the U.S. to have a strong Europe. I see no big threat to us from there. They aren't really changing their abilities to meet one anothers' needs. Tariffs are an issue but my guess is that that issue will be resolved.
1.) Do you think the EU will eventually include all of Europe?
2.) Do you think the EU will eventually function as a nation, similar to the U.S.?
3.) If 1. and 2. should happen, would that be Good, Bad, or Indifferent for the U.S.?
My belief is Yes they'll eventually get the whole continent. Those who remain outside, possibly because they see an advantage in being the sole nation(s) on the continent able to avoid certain laws and economic policies (so that they might attract banking business from EU countries due to having rules that aren't acceptable under the EU), will be forced by economic pressure to join the rest.
I also say Yes to the second point. They already have what amounts to a legislative and a judicial system for the EU. The executive is very weak but soon there will be pressure for a truly joint military. Those growing up in this system will see themselves as Europeans as much as Italians, French, etc. This will happen, at least de facto. True integration in the style of the U.S. will be held up by language differences, differences in the educational systems (and other incompatibilities), and of ocurse national pride.
I believe it'll be Good for the U.S. to have a strong Europe. I see no big threat to us from there. They aren't really changing their abilities to meet one anothers' needs. Tariffs are an issue but my guess is that that issue will be resolved.