EU sanctions US

[KoreBolteR]

Neither have Sweden or Denmark. Those along with the UK are the only countries in the EU that doesn't got, or plan to get the Euro.
Norway and Switzerland aren't even in the EU, so they can't have its currency. You got no respect at all? How's that? You hold 78 seats in parliament (compared to Sweden's 19...), so you got much more influence and respect that you think.

There is a lot of tension between UK and EU, because of the UK's 'friendship' with the US.

were in the middle of all this. lol.

 

[The Monkey]

There is a lot of tension between UK and EU, because of the UK's 'friendship' with the US.

were in the middle of all this. lol.

Yes, that have divided the EU into two camps, but do you deny that you are a part of the EU?

 

[KoreBolteR]

Yes, that have divided the EU into two camps, but do you deny that you are a part of the EU?

u can say we are, but technically we aint.. most of the other countries probably wouldnt want us there anyway. Do you remember the Eurovision Song contest about 2 years ago When the UK had No points, i couldnt stop laughing

but you know why they had no points right? because they went to iraq with the US.
Eurovision SC, isnt about the music, its all about showing who your friends with, and who you hate.

 

[Mith']

Um.. yeah. See here. No we don't really rely on you. And anyway, it would hurt you alot more than it would hurt Europe so. BTW I guess the whole EU are now terrorists since we 'aren't with the states'.

Yes, most European nations acutally trade with eachother... And China of course!
We do trade with the US, but not so much that it can't be covered by other nations...

And Eurovision is tragic...

 

[CptStern]

yeah, but north america isnt one, or has no intentions of uniting.

I would say the UK are in the European Union at the moment, we might be in the future.. after a few referendums.

but the UK is in the continent Europe of course.

que? :O

 

[KoreBolteR]

que? :O

i can actually say the European people are really friendly, fun, great people.

ive been on holiday abroad every year, either to Spain or Greece.. and the people couldnt have been more nice.

i wouldnt mind joining to the EU really. but i'd miss the Independancy if you get me.

 

[CptStern]

but ...you are part of the EU

 

[Mith']

Why do they think that the EU is an evil empire, trying to expand and conquer through Europe? You know, it is mostly a trading union...

 

[KoreBolteR]

but ...you are part of the EU

but we dont have any Euros as money, have a Euro army or anything?!?!

saying the UK is part of EU is just trading wise. other than that things are still the same, what is the EU trying to achieve? do they want a EU army? do they want to make europe a Stateside continent?

 

[CptStern]

what does an army have to do with trade agreements? north america doesnt have a NAFTA army or NAFTA currency but canada is still part of it

 

[KoreBolteR]

what does an army have to do with trade agreements? north america doesnt have a NAFTA army or NAFTA currency but canada is still part of it

lol.

thats a free trade agreement, thats just a sign of friendly gesture.

not a sign to unite.

 

[The Monkey]

Nobody is part of a EU army, since there are none. Can you explain why you aren't in the EU, save for the euro thing, that you share with 13 other member states?

 

[Sprafa]

There is an European Task Force where Brits can join.

Also, Euros don't mean shit. You still comply to the same economical rules as everyone else. The EU wasn't made as an organization destined to "remove" independency out of the congregating nationstates, it is solely destined to help the development of European nations, and most of all, keep PEACE for as long as it is possible within it's boundaries (remember the Paris-Berlin-London triangle was responsible for basically the worst wars recorded in Human History).

 

[KoreBolteR]

Nobody is part of a EU army, since there are none. Can you explain why you aren't in the EU, save for the euro thing, that you share with 13 other member states?

we are, but wheres all the action?

i see rarely anything major done since the EU was formed.

its just a group of nations coming together and agreeing to be the best of friends.. when they might be the best of enemies.

There is an European Task Force where Brits can join.

Also, Euros don't mean shit. You still comply to the same economical rules as everyone else. The EU wasn't made as an organization destined to "remove" independency out of the congregating nationstates, it is solely destined to help the development of European nations, and most of all, keep PEACE for as long as it is possible within it's boundaries (remember the Paris-Berlin-London triangle was responsible for basically the worst wars recorded in Human History).

it was created to keep the peace, yes.

would you want the EU to "remove" independancy?
strip all the governments of thier powers and implant thiers?

well since you al made it clear we are in the EU, we dont act like a EU country. its only written down that we are in the EU.

but like i said above, i would rather be in the EU than excluded altogether.

 

[Bodacious]

Is it safe to say that the UK is to the EU as Zel Miller is to the Democratic Party?

 

[Septih]

off-topic:

European union = customs union = nothing to do with armies, simply free trade within the union and external tariffs, the EU is simply a deepened customs union with linked policies.

Economic & Monetary Union = Euro, single currency

the UK is in the EU, but not the EMU, simply because the Uk economy isn't inline with the EMU, public opinion also plays a role. for the most part its only the extremists who want the UK out of the EU, but a large majority seem to oppose the euro at the moment.

on-topic:

i don't see why the US are so arrogant in compling with international bodies such as the WTO. the WTO ruled that the antidumping practices were unfair and ordered to stop, yet the US refuses and it comes to tariffs which ultimatly look like they'd effect the US more then repealing the antidumping law

 

[The Monkey]

I think the Italians are proposing to create an army of Europe, but nothing is decided yet.

 

[Mith']

Everything (much) the EU countrys import must be of this and this standard.. There are also special regulations on cars and stuff...

 

[kirovman]

We have a strong currency, yes. But eventually we are going to have to be a part of something or we're going to vanish. We've passed our Glorious Empire days.

So it's either the EU we're going to be a part of, or the 51st state of the USA.

I guess the former. Let Germany fix their economy and employment up, let France fix their problems they have with us. Let ourselves fix our arrogant attitude with them. We need to be part of the EU. As 60 million, we can't have much say in the world for much longer. As a major component of 350 million, or more soon, we can do a lot more.

Although I am frustrated with countries with like Germany refusing to accept their economy is knackered, due to accumulating problems, mostly to do with pride: they don't accept jobs can be outsourced, and refusing to accept cars can't be built better than anyone than themselves...well Japan and S. Korea showed them. In fact Ford, US showed them pretty much. That and also the merging of East and West Germany of course. They are a highly conservative country, despite socialism's influence. Detrimentally so.

 

[mortiz]

I kind of like the idea of the EU, on paper it looks pretty good, a group of nations held together by common interests and not through military or political occupancy. Each country maintains its independence yet has a commonality and understanding between them, a binding force if you will.

Of course that's how it looks on paper; in reality it's sometimes quite different. Though if I think people in this country would give it a chance I see no reason as to why it would be a bad thing? Joining the EU constitution would almost undoubtedly raise our standard of living in this country to that of what they enjoy in Europe.

 

[oldagerocker]

The UK is in the EU and we're one of the (if not the) largest, most powerful countries within the group.

I'm undecided wether we should be part of the EU or the US... they seem both (at the moment) to be pretty extreme. The EU being more socialist, while the US becoming more and more republican... I dont want either.

The Euro was a flop, if we joined it, it'd kill the wonderful economy we have atm

 

[Combine Elite]

Sharing a geographic location does not mean you are symbiotic with your neighbor nation.

Actually over here it does. We are each others largest trading partners. As well we have the Largest undefended border in the world. Most Canadians would stand toe to toe WITH the US , dont let the Liberal media fool you. I drive too Seattle twice a week and I am sure lots of the Americans are right here right now. We just did not support the War in Iraq , however we have troops in Afghanistan. Dont get heady , we have more in common with our brothers to the South than we do with the Commonwealth we supposedly belong too. Europe has no clue.

 

[The Monkey]

This constitution can be helpful to bring the EU back on its feet, but I'm afraid that it will lead to more power being transferred to Brussels, which would be bad for the small countries but quite good for the large ones, for they have almost all the power.

 

[RakuraiTenjin]

Actually over here it does. We are each others largest trading partners. As well we have the Largest undefended border in the world. Most Canadians would stand toe to toe WITH the US , dont let the Liberal media fool you. I drive too Seattle twice a week and I am sure lots of the Americans are right here right now. We just did not support the War in Iraq , however we have troops in Afghanistan. Dont get heady , we have more in common with our brothers to the South than we do with the Commonwealth we supposedly belong too. Europe has no clue.

Amen brother :d. Political differences aside our continent will always stay strong together.

 

[Calanen]

Actually over here it does. We are each others largest trading partners. As well we have the Largest undefended border in the world.e.

If the USA decided to boycott Canadian trade - it would smash the Canadian economy.

 

[mortiz]

This constitution can be helpful to bring the EU back on its feet, but I'm afraid that it will lead to more power being transferred to Brussels, which would be bad for the small countries but quite good for the large ones, for they have almost all the power.

Perhaps, but remember the smaller countries would also benefit from the extra money and trade that would almost certainly be brought to the table.

 

[The Monkey]

Perhaps, but remember the smaller countries would also benefit from the extra money and trade that would almost certainly be brought to the table.

Sweden loose on beng meber in the EU, at least in the short term. We give 26 802 000 000 SEK ($3,807,000,00) to the EU each year. Of that we get 11 771 000 000 SEK ($1,672,017,000) back. That's a loss of 15 031 000 000 SEK ($2,135,085,200) each year. I doubt that the constitution can change that.

 

[Maxi]

Afaik Finland got very few things in the new constitution that we wanted, almost all the small countries were ignored when they made this new constitution.

Imo most of the EU is shite, but the idea of free trade is a very good one.

And It's the European Monetary Union that's the EMU not the Economic & monetary union.

 

[mortiz]

Sweden loose on beng meber in the EU, at least in the short term. We give 26 802 000 000 SEK ($3,807,000,00) to the EU each year. Of that we get 11 771 000 000 SEK ($1,672,017,000) back. That's a loss of 15 031 000 000 SEK ($2,135,085,200) each year. I doubt that the constitution can change that.

You'd be surprised, there's already talk on capping input from each country at 1% of GDP, a unified constitution would almost certainly help this get pushed through. The E.U. is a long term solution, those expecting benefits straight away are kidding themselves, but the only way the E.U. will amount to anything in the future is if its members put trust in it.

Surprisingly it's Germany, the country most think to be at the centre of the E.U. that's the biggest money loser in all of this, so it's obvious they have faith in it. The U.K. loses as well at the moment.

 

[The Monkey]

You'd be surprised, there's already talk on capping input from each country at 1% of GDP, a unified constitution would almost certainly help this get pushed through. The E.U. is a long term solution, those expecting benefits straight away are kidding themselves, but the only way the E.U. will amount to anything in the future is if its members put trust in it.

Surprisingly it's Germany, the country most think to be at the centre of the E.U. that's the biggest money loser in all of this, so it's obvious they have faith in it. The U.K. loses as well at the moment.

Yes, I think that the EU will pay off for everybody in the long run. And at the moment, if those 15 billion dollar that we lose can be used to help people in eastern europe, then so be it. They would probably have been spend on our prime minister's donuts anyway, so it's not a great loss.

 

[jimbo118]

I'm undecided wether we should be part of the EU or the US...

part of the us?what do you mean? :hmph:

 

[Combine Elite]

If the USA decided to boycott Canadian trade - it would smash the Canadian economy.

Would not happen. And you would have to do quite a bit of reading on Macro-economics to know why. Also the Geopolitical situation here would not allow it. GW maybe mad at us for not going to Iraq with him, so they were already presented with a reason to do exactly what you suggest. Did it happen ? Ans : No. And in the same breath he thanks us for all the hospitality and room and board we supplied American's flights that were grounded in Canada on 9/11 , and for the over 2000 Canadian volunteers at the WTC after the tragedy. So it is nice to say things like that. But unless you live here or have any clue of the symbiotic nature of the US/Canada relationship then you cannot possibly judge or make suppositions.

The slogan on the Peace Arch which sits on the West Coast US/Canadian border reads " Children of a common mother ".... it is so true as to be scarey. I like the fact they are right here and we can access them and they us. If the US came under direct attack you bet your booty Canada would be right there side by side. Most Canadians although silent support the US ( verified in many UNBIASED polls ) , do not let the vocal Liberal Minority fool you.

 

[gh0st]

Um.. yeah. See here. No we don't really rely on you. And anyway, it would hurt you alot more than it would hurt Europe so. BTW I guess the whole EU are now terrorists since we 'aren't with the states'.

No, you are wrong. The EU and US are the world's largest two economies. Each is the other’s largest market. Two-way trade amounts to over £300 billion a year. Either of us without the other would be devastating for our economies.

 

[jimbo118]

No, you are wrong. The EU and US are the world's largest two economies. Each is the other’s largest market. Two-way trade amounts to over £300 billion a year. Either of us without the other would be devastating for our economies.

isnt china kicking major economic ass at the moment?

 

[gh0st]

isnt china kicking major economic ass at the moment?

They are getting better, but they cant replace the EU or the US at the moment. The more trade that goes on the better.

 

[The Monkey]

No, you are wrong. The EU and US are the world's largest two economies. Each is the other’s largest market. Two-way trade amounts to over £300 billion a year. Either of us without the other would be devastating for our economies.

True, europe relies a lot on the US, but I think that the biggest export countries to the countries of europe are the other european countries.

 

[gh0st]

True, europe relies a lot on the US, but I think that the biggest export countries to the countries of europe are the other european countries.

Ok. If you rely a lot upon us your last point is... pointless.

 

[Calanen]

So it is nice to say things like that. But unless you live here or have any clue of the symbiotic nature of the US/Canada relationship then you cannot possibly judge or make supposition

I did live in the US. I do no longer. But that does not mean that I would be any less or more qualified to give an opinion.

I don't think America toook overt sanctions against any1 for not supporting it during the war. The only thing I was saying was if the USA said, for whatever reason, economic boycott on Canada - that would eb the end of their economy. If you say, it would never happen no way no how. Thats Ok. Im just saying if it did, Canada would be finished.

 

[Voodoo_Chile]

Surprisingly it's Germany, the country most think to be at the centre of the E.U. that's the biggest money loser in all of this, so it's obvious they have faith in it. The U.K. loses as well at the moment.

Yeah most of the Origonal 15 Member states are having to up the money they put into it to help the new 10 member states in infrastruture.Ireland benefited greatly when we needed it and now they are.

But on Germany,Currently its in a recession.Which means that the EU manipulates interest rates to assist the German Recovery.
However when the german economy recovers the rates will change again and Hit the other Member States badly sending them into a small recession,Sadly there is nothnig that can be done and really this is what'll happen every few years anyway,The prosperity in the EU rises and falls with the german economy as it is the biggest in Europe.

Also Im suprised by the lack of knowledge about the EU.If I may clear up some stuff:
1.The Founding Members were Italy,France,Germany,Luxemburg,Holland,Belgium
The British tried to create seperate one however it was never as successful.
2.In 1953 Britain,Denmark and Ireland applied to join,Britain was Veteoed entry by France under De Gaul as he felt they were too close to America and Ireland and Denmark withdrew as Britain was their Biggest exporter.
3.In 1973 Britain,Ireland and Denmark reapplied and were Accepted.

It was initially a Solely Economic Arrangment however it progressed and at one point was about to become the SupraNational Organisation Some Sepratists fear however it didnt come to pass(Cant Remember who complained that time)

Also anyone who says that small nations have no power need only look at the Treaty Of Nice for reassurement.Not in its text but in that the Referendum in Ireland led to it not being passed and it was held up for 6 months.Finally the main object of contention The European Rapid Reaction Force was removed.This was felt by some in Ireland to be an Infringment of Neutrality.The next time it passed with a health majority(Though that might also have somethnig to do with the fact that the leader of the Anti Nice Group was filmed at a Neo-Nazi Rally giving a speech)

Any other questions Ill see what I can do to answer them,Though Im more knowledgeable in the 1947-1970 period as Im learning that for the Leaving Cert.

On Topic-I knew Id get to this eventually:

I think this is a good thing,Admitidly it hurts trade however what are the goods tariffed? Anyone want to take a bet none of them come from any major Producer in the EU.
Its a political gesture at most,not a meaning full Economic sanction so its nothing to get worked up over.Its just with the Constitution Coming up for Member State Ratification they may be attempting to flex the EU's foreign Policy muscles to see how far they can get before member states start complaining.

 

[jimbo118]

Yeah most of the Origonal 15 Member states are having to up the money they put into it to help the new 10 member states in infrastruture.Ireland benefited greatly when we needed it and now they are.

But on Germany,Currently its in a recession.Which means that the EU manipulates interest rates to assist the German Recovery.
However when the german economy recovers the rates will change again and Hit the other Member States badly sending them into a small recession,Sadly there is nothnig that can be done and really this is what'll happen every few years anyway,The prosperity in the EU rises and falls with the german economy as it is the biggest in Europe.

Also Im suprised by the lack of knowledge about the EU.If I may clear up some stuff:
1.The Founding Members were Italy,France,Germany,Luxemburg,Holland,Belgium
The British tried to create seperate one however it was never as successful.
2.In 1953 Britain,Denmark and Ireland applied to join,Britain was Veteoed entry by France under De Gaul as he felt they were too close to America and Ireland and Denmark withdrew as Britain was their Biggest exporter.
3.In 1973 Britain,Ireland and Denmark reapplied and were Accepted.

It was initially a Solely Economic Arrangment however it progressed and at one point was about to become the SupraNational Organisation Some Sepratists fear however it didnt come to pass(Cant Remember who complained that time)

Also anyone who says that small nations have no power need only look at the Treaty Of Nice for reassurement.Not in its text but in that the Referendum in Ireland led to it not being passed and it was held up for 6 months.Finally the main object of contention The European Rapid Reaction Force was removed.This was felt by some in Ireland to be an Infringment of Neutrality.The next time it passed with a health majority(Though that might also have somethnig to do with the fact that the leader of the Anti Nice Group was filmed at a Neo-Nazi Rally giving a speech)

Any other questions Ill see what I can do to answer them,Though Im more knowledgeable in the 1947-1970 period as Im learning that for the Leaving Cert.

On Topic-I knew Id get to this eventually:

I think this is a good thing,Admitidly it hurts trade however what are the goods tariffed? Anyone want to take a bet none of them come from any major Producer in the EU.
Its a political gesture at most,not a meaning full Economic sanction so its nothing to get worked up over.Its just with the Constitution Coming up for Member State Ratification they may be attempting to flex the EU's foreign Policy muscles to see how far they can get before member states start complaining.

so theres more than 1 irish person here than riomhaire and myself ,good post too