Attitudes of Europeans regarding the EU (Survey)

Hello All

I am curious to the thoughts of my fellow Europeans regarding the EU, and how their particular nation benefits/ is harmed by being part of it.

In particular, I am curious for your opinions regarding the following:

1. Do you feel the EU is good for your country?

2. What do you base that opinion on?

3. Do you consider yourself European? (Politically, not geographically obviously)

4. Would you be for or against a Federal Europe?

5. What do you base this opinion on?

6. Even if Europe remains as Nations rather than States, would you like to see Europe have an independant Pan-European military force that is independant of NATO and of the UN?

7. Are you satisfied with the current state of Democracy regarding the EU and European Parliment?

8. If not, why?

9. As a European, do you feel polarized by extreme right-wing rhetoric aimed at Europeans as a whole by the US right?

Thanks in advance for answers. I am just trying to gauge how Europeans view these issues and questions.

Originally posted by Terran Blue
1. Do you feel the EU is good for your country?

Yes.

Originally posted by Terran Blue
2. What do you base that opinion on?

Free trade, freedom of movement, bigger is better....

Originally posted by Terran Blue
3. Do you consider yourself European? (Politically, not geographically obviously)

In a sense. Firstly, I'm Cornish (by decent), then English (de facto), then British (de facto), then European (de facto). Depending on what level the subject matter is on, I would take a different stance on my "nationality".

Originally posted by Terran Blue
4. Would you be for or against a Federal Europe?

Yes, definately for.

Originally posted by Terran Blue
5. What do you base this opinion on?

Petty nationalism holds us back, we need to unite to face the world in it's current form.

Originally posted by Terran Blue
6. Even if Europe remains as Nations rather than States, would you like to see Europe have an independant Pan-European military force that is independant of NATO and of the UN?

Yes. Scrap NATO and remove US troops. Setup our own defence organisation, be it a conglomerate of the member's or, if there is an elected President/Government, then a seperate Military.

Originally posted by Terran Blue
7. Are you satisfied with the current state of Democracy regarding the EU and European Parliment?

I am not satisfied with my own countries "democracy" and the EU needs reforming. I believe everyone should be forced into being interested in Politics, by either fine's or what not. Apathy rules and as a result, corruption and un democratic behaviour is prevalent. If everyone took an active part in the process, it would work better.

Originally posted by Terran Blue
8. If not, why?

See above.

Originally posted by Terran Blue
9. As a European, do you feel polarized by extreme right-wing rhetoric aimed at Europeans as a whole by the US right?

Not really. I actually find it funny they think we're some Pan-European Communist machine hell bent on implementing a "Police State" or "pinko-liberal scum" determined to have freedom to do what we want. They cannot even decide which we are!

I am under the impression they think we're a Liberal Communist Dictatorship whose sole aim is to be peaceful, legalise weed and produce quality porn......

And that's bad why?

Just FYI for our Euro friends, most US citizens would like to see US troops out of Europe as well. It's our government that's being arrogant and stubborn about keeping them there.

Originally posted by Terran Blue
1. Do you feel the EU is good for your country?

Yes.

Originally posted by Terran Blue
2. What do you base that opinion on?

Though I might not like what certain elements of the EU gets up to at times I do support the basic principle behind it, the world is going to start regionalising and without stronger links with our European brothers and sister we're going to get left at the side of the road or left in political limbo.

Originally posted by Terran Blue
3. Do you consider yourself European? (Politically, not geographically obviously)

No, well to be honest I don't really think about my "identity" all that much, English I guess.

Originally posted by Terran Blue
4. Would you be for or against a Federal Europe?

Against the principle of a super state.

Originally posted by Terran Blue
5. What do you base this opinion on?

I'd prefer a European Confederation rather than a Federation, though Confederation can mean a lot of things I'd like to see greater links between countries in the EU but I don't want a central Government that can order individual member nations around, though I do want a central Government.

Originally posted by Terran Blue
6. Even if Europe remains as Nations rather than States, would you like to see Europe have an independant Pan-European military force that is independant of NATO and of the UN?

I'm similar in my views to stumason concerning this, I'd like to see an end to NATO as its time has passed and the threat of a communist war machine has gone.

The setting up of a European Defence Force (membership of the EU to be a member) to replace NATO, the troops being provided by individual countries and rotated with troops from the individual nations so a soldier wouldn't spend their career forever in the EDF but may serve in it several times throughout their career.

Originally posted by Terran Blue
7. Are you satisfied with the current state of Democracy regarding the EU and European Parliment?

No!

Originally posted by Terran Blue
8. If not, why?

Concerning my own country I think we need to do away with large cash sums being donated to political parties, so simple yet would do the world of difference.

I think we need to include all European countries to create a fair EU, Norway for example currently sits outside of the EU though they adopt many of its laws, including every country would break up the stuffy old blocks and move the EU away from the protectionist ideals of France.

Originally posted by Terran Blue
9. As a European, do you feel polarized by extreme right-wing rhetoric aimed at Europeans as a whole by the US right?

I don't feel polarized, if anything I feel a little sorry for their ignorance of the continent, I bet most of them have never set foot out of their expensive hotels when they do dare to visit Europe.

Thanks for the replies guys. As I said, I am curious to see how other Europeans feel about the coming together of the EU. Personally, I am pretty much in line with Stumason's thoughts and feelings on all the questions.

I feel if we can seriously address the flaws in Europe's national democracies (in particualr the joke that is the UK's democratic state right now), then Europe has a real chance.

Much to the dismay of Daily Mail readers, no doubt...

1. Do you feel the EU is good for your country?

Yes

2. What do you base that opinion on?

Bigger and better, same currency, a goal for europe

3. Do you consider yourself European? (Politically, not geographically obviously)

Yes

4. Would you be for or against a Federal Europe?

For

5. What do you base this opinion on?

I think it's required for europe to be a strong independant political bloc.

6. Even if Europe remains as Nations rather than States, would you like to see Europe have an independant Pan-European military force that is independant of NATO and of the UN?

Only if it's a defensive/peace keeping force.

7. Are you satisfied with the current state of Democracy regarding the EU and European Parliment?

Yes, but it needs improvement. There should be a real leadership with a permanent president etc.

9. As a European, do you feel polarized by extreme right-wing rhetoric aimed at Europeans as a whole by the US right?

Unsure about what you meen about that, but I don't want the EU to be the US's pet. And we need to stop going to war with them.

[edit on 13-4-2007 by DarkSide]

Originally posted by Terran Blue
1. Do you feel the EU is good for your country?

Yes

2. What do you base that opinion on?

Because we are stronger together than seperate.

3. Do you consider yourself European? (Politically, not geographically obviously)

Scottish first, then european.

4. Would you be for or against a Federal Europe?

For.

5. What do you base this opinion on?

Would bring us together and would allow us to finally be able to better our living conditions.

6. Even if Europe remains as Nations rather than States, would you like to see Europe have an independant Pan-European military force that is independant of NATO and of the UN?

Yes it would give europe a better fighting capability and stop us depending on the US and NATO for support, its time to move on from WW1 and 2 and defend our selves.

7. Are you satisfied with the current state of Democracy regarding the EU and European Parliment?

No its a joke.

8. If not, why?

We refuse to work together under the most stupid of reasons.

9. As a European, do you feel polarized by extreme right-wing rhetoric aimed at Europeans as a whole by the US right?

No, europe is not the US and I dont want us to become it.

Mods, please delete this post.
[edit on 2-5-2007 by INeedHelp]

[edit on 2-5-2007 by INeedHelp]

Fully agree with Stu, but have some additions.

Originally posted by stumason

Originally posted by Terran Blue
1. Do you feel the EU is good for your country?

Yes.

Originally posted by Terran Blue
2. What do you base that opinion on?

Free trade, freedom of movement, bigger is better....

No wars within the borders of the European Union for over 60 years.No exchange rates for the majority of European Union states. Equal chances for new member states, economical support for the poor states.

Originally posted by Terran Blue
3. Do you consider yourself European? (Politically, not geographically obviously)

In a sense. Firstly, I'm Cornish (by decent), then English (de facto), then British (de facto), then European (de facto). Depending on what level the subject matter is on, I would take a different stance on my "nationality".

Yes, and proud to be European, but also proud of my nationality.

Originally posted by Terran Blue
6. Even if Europe remains as Nations rather than States, would you like to see Europe have an independant Pan-European military force that is independant of NATO and of the UN?

This should be a European priority. One war industry, one strong European force with capable commanders from different European countries. Additionally, an European coast guard to limit illegal immigration.

Originally posted by Terran Blue
7. Are you satisfied with the current state of Democracy regarding the EU and European Parliment?

I am not satisfied with my own countries "democracy" and the EU needs reforming. I believe everyone should be forced into being interested in Politics, by either fine's or what not. Apathy rules and as a result, corruption and un democratic behaviour is prevalent. If everyone took an active part in the process, it would work better.

I am satisfied, but as Stu says, we need reforming. Less bureaucracy, more action.

Originally posted by Terran Blue
9. As a European, do you feel polarized by extreme right-wing rhetoric aimed at Europeans as a whole by the US right?

Not really. I actually find it funny they think we're some Pan-European Communist machine hell bent on implementing a "Police State" or "pinko-liberal scum" determined to have freedom to do what we want. They cannot even decide which we are!

I am under the impression they think we're a Liberal Communist Dictatorship whose sole aim is to be peaceful, legalise weed and produce quality porn......

Europe is progressive whereas the US is conservative. Abortion is still a taboo in the US and instead of weed they still allow their citizens to own weapons. Grow up, we're not living in the 19th century anymore.


[edit on 7-5-2007 by Mdv2]

1. Yes and No;

2. Free trade, freedom of movement to seek jobs (supposedly) but far too many people meddling with our laws;

3. No. I am a Londoner first and foremost. I am therefore English and proud of it. I live in the United Kingdom of Great Britain;

4. I am afraid so.;

5. We Brits are fond of our Monarchy and the majority would like to keep her;

6. In the long term yes. However, member states MUST rewrite their constitutions to enable their armed forces to conduct combat operations on foreign soil and not rely on we Brits;

7. No;

8. There is far too much fraud and waste of tax payer's money. There should be one European Parliamentary building and one only. No more of this stupidity of moving everything every 6 months;

9. Not too sure that I've ever heard of any talk like that. If the bloody yanks dislike us that much, why do they always ask our help when they know the brown stuff is going to hit the fan?

Originally posted by Terran Blue
1. Do you feel the EU is good for your country?

Yes and no. Mostly no, though.

Originally posted by Terran Blue
2. What do you base that opinion on?

Well I guess the EU has some positive aspects.

Like for instance free trade for member states ... however that was already accomplished with the European Economic Community back in 1957.

And "freer" travel is also nice, though that was also accomplished without the EU in 1985 with the Schengen agreement.

Norway and Switzerland utilize both of these even today, and are able to "trade freely" with other European nations and their citizens are also able to move "freely" in European countries. And as relatively rich countries, they enjoy almost all of the perks and none of the limitations of the European Union.

Our common currency, the euro, is also kind of a good thing, I guess. At least if you travel alot in the EU.


Those are the only positive things that I have personally experienced from the EU (most not really even originally from the EU).


In my country the EU has been mostly bad news.

The EU has issued much more directives (probably over 50,000 by now) than the Soviet Union did during it's existence. Most of which, when applied to different European countries become counter-productive.
And then there are all these ridiculous directives, like only a specific sort of cheese manufactured in Greece can be labeled fetacheese, and what not. What a waste of time.

The EU is also somewhat of a financial drain, since my country, like the United Kingdom, is one of the richer European countries, we have to give much more money to the poorer countries and don't really get that much in return.

Originally posted by Terran Blue
3. Do you consider yourself European? (Politically, not geographically obviously)

No, I'm Finnish. It feels weird when some Americans call me a European. There's just something that doesn't feel right about it.

Originally posted by Terran Blue
4. Would you be for or against a Federal Europe?

Against.

Originally posted by Terran Blue
5. What do you base this opinion on?

The way the European Union looks right now ... the European Parliament (what a mess), the European Commission (corrupt to the core) ... I think it could end up being worse than the Soviet Union, eventually.

I also think power should be divided, and not centralized. A massive amount of centralized power can be very dangerous, especially if it falls into the wrong hands. And nobody can guarantee that it won't.
I believe it is possible to preserve peace in Europe without further centralization, via various treaties and agreements.

Plus, our (the Finnish peoples) forefathers fought hard and gave their lives for our independence, and I think it's a shame that we gave it all away just for some minor conveniences like the euro.

Originally posted by Terran Blue
6. Even if Europe remains as Nations rather than States, would you like to see Europe have an independant Pan-European military force that is independant of NATO and of the UN?

Scrap NATO and the UN. I'd like to see Europe have a military force a bit like NATO, but controlled by European countries only, which would only be a defensive and peacekeeping force.

Originally posted by Terran Blue
7. Are you satisfied with the current state of Democracy regarding the EU and European Parliment?

A definate no.

Originally posted by Terran Blue
8. If not, why?

I don't even know where to start.

Originally posted by Terran Blue
9. As a European, do you feel polarized by extreme right-wing rhetoric aimed at Europeans as a whole by the US right?

No.

I actually like answering surveys!

1. Do you feel the EU is good for your country?
Yes

2. What do you base that opinion on?
The Irish economy has a lot to thank the EU for in terms of infrastructure development, free movement of trade and travel etc. I want to live a while in Italy, and maybe someday in Berlin. I love the continental culture, especially the lazy Greek mountainous one, where I hope to buy a cottage someday.

3. Do you consider yourself European? (Politically, not geographically obviously)

Yes, I feel a certain solidarity with Europeans despite the language barrier.

4. Would you be for or against a Federal Europe?
Very much in favour.

5. What do you base this opinion on?
Economies of Scale, also it would be important to us as a diplomatic power. I feel a European voice is needed on the geopolitical stage.

6. Even if Europe remains as Nations rather than States, would you like to see Europe have an independant Pan-European military force that is independant of NATO and of the UN?
Yes.

7. Are you satisfied with the current state of Democracy regarding the EU and European Parliment?
Absolutely not.

8. If not, why?
Its something called the 'democratic deficit'. The Parliament should have far more power than it currently has. Any attempts to overcome the deficit is met with derision by skeptics, as they see this as a move towards federalism.

9. As a European, do you feel polarized by extreme right-wing rhetoric aimed at Europeans as a whole by the US right?
Of course. Europeans have a social conscience, something the American right lacks.

BUT I must also mention that I would likely have a lot more in common with Liberal Democrats in certain Blue states, particularly around New England in terms of culture, personality etc.

Do you know the truth about the EU

drjn.co.uk...

The real face of the EU

video.google.com...

The abolition of Britain
by The Reform Treaty in 2008
eutruth.org.uk...

The new battle of britain
video.google.co.uk...

EU/US "single market" next stage in Bilderberg/Trilateral plan for world government
oldthinkernews.com...

Conspiracy behind the EU, what every christian should know
www.ianpaisley.org...

Defrauding the Taxpayer and embezzling our money
www.ianpaisley.org...

EU treaty: the double deception
www.telegraph.co.uk...;jsessionid=PJ2SUCQVVCUSTQFIQMGCFFWAVCBQUIV0?xml=/news/2007/07/08/nbook108.xml

Gordon "Bilderberg" Brown backs EU Treaty without Rerferendum
www.bloomberg.com...
news.independent.co.uk...

The EU constitution is back and more dangerous than ever! Do you remember the Euro constitution that was rejected by the French and the Dutch and which the Labour Gov promised there would be a referendum...
www.dailymail.co.uk...

EU fascism
www.youtube.com...

Each country should control their own destiny and not submit power to a superstate that is a stepping stone to a one-world government

[edit on 31-7-2007 by golddragnet]

1. Do you feel the EU is good for your country?
Well, the whole idea behind the Eu is a good one.
But that doesn't say that i support this undemocratic bunch of beaurocrat's that lives in brussel.

2. What do you base that opinion on?
Because the Eu parliament has less power then the ministers.

3. Do you consider yourself European? (Politically, not geographically obviously)
I consider myself to be human.

4. Would you be for or against a Federal Europe?
For, but not whith the bunch of idiot's at the rudder that we have now.

5. What do you base this opinion on?
There incompetence to make dicisions that benifit the people.

6. Even if Europe remains as Nations rather than States, would you like to see Europe have an independant Pan-European military force that is independant of NATO and of the UN?
Ofcourse the world is getting more dangerous as i type this.

7. Are you satisfied with the current state of Democracy regarding the EU and European Parliment?
Nop

8. If not, why?
As is sad before they are a bunch of bureaucrats.

9. As a European, do you feel polarized by extreme right-wing rhetoric aimed at Europeans as a whole by the US right?
No

1. Do you feel the EU is good for your country?

- Yes, without question.

2. What do you base that opinion on?

- A realistic (and hopefully well informed) view of the UK's political & economic situation from the start of the 20th century to the present day.

3. Do you consider yourself European? (Politically, not geographically obviously)

- Yes, personally I have to only go back 3 generations to see that I am a mixture of English, Scot, Irish & continental European
(tho we are of course 'European' whether we care to admit it or not).

4. Would you be for or against a Federal Europe?

- That would depend on what you mean by the term.

Do you mean 'federal' in it's true sense or do you mean 'federal' in the sense the British right-wing press have perverted the meaning?

If by 'federal' you mean Sovereign Nation states freely choosing to agree & act as a collective as and where we decide to whilst retaining the option of independence as and when we see fit (which is the true situation right now) then yes, that's perfectly fine by me.

In fact it's the only sensible course of action to take IMO.

5. What do you base this opinion on?

- The present day economic reality.
The fact that if we act alone in today's global market we have little or no actual 'sovereignty' at all and that we must act collectively if we are to retain any genuine 'sovereignty' at all.

The present day political reality.
The fact that the EU is all about ensuring that Europe never again engages in another ruinous general conflict.
It is essential that the 'ordinary man' in Germany or France or Britain or Spain or Greece etc etc can enjoy similar minimum standards of living in secure societies free from the threat of general civil unrest or another disastrous European war.

6. Even if Europe remains as Nations rather than States, would you like to see Europe have an in dependant Pan-European military force that is independent of NATO and of the UN?

- Well we are 'Sovereign Nation States'. That's not going to change.

I prefer a world of free cooperation and equitable relationships so I would prefer to see the USA keep the same kind of military presence in Europe as Europe has in the USA.

I do now want to see alliances broken especially, just a realignment of the balance to recognise that WW2 ended over 60yrs ago and it probably isn't healthy for either of us to just leave things as they are now.

7. Are you satisfied with the current state of Democracy regarding the EU and European Parliment?

Pretty much.

The EU is run by the Presidents, Prime Ministers, Ministers and their nominees in the Commission from the sovereign nation states within a framework of agreed law and international law.

The EU Parliament is pragmatically & deliberately (& IMO sensibly) kept at a level of power so as to reduce it's 'primacy' to avoid conflict with the sovereign nation state's Parliaments.

8. If not, why?

- See above.

9. As a European, do you feel polarized by extreme right-wing rhetoric aimed at Europeans as a whole by the US right?

- I find it sad more than anything......and sadly with some commentators there's an 'edge' of venom that I find distasteful.

Given the level of sheer misinformation, myth and false information masquerading as fact it isn't really much of a surprise.
But then living in the UK and seeing the casual propaganda we are are subjected to on the subject regularly and repeatedly it's not that different here I guess.

You're welcome.

Do you feel the EU is good for your country?

1. Trade wise, yes Europe is.
2. I base that on free market thinking and history in the world which dictates the movement of goods, people and competition is in the long run always better than isolationism and protectionism.
3. No I don’t consider myself European. I think that people that do often lack much identity with the country I was born to, and are in this way rather like born-again foreigners. And like foreigners they often seem to hold a (to me) rather alien set of political views.
4. I'm so against a Federal Europe I'm not sure even if I would inform the police if an act of Resistance was being planned against it.
5. The reason for this is that I believe democracy works best politicians are elected as close, and with as strong a numerical bond with their electorate as possible. A single democracy for 25 former nations, is to me 25 times less a democracy than 25 entirely self governing nations (but with common trade agreements of course). I think a politically united Europe will reduce the individuality of individual nations, by taking away the people of those right to elect a politically individualistic government. I find the whole idea of a United Europe very murky and am sure it will lead to greater voter apathy, and if circumstances are right enough, then even the breeding ground for an authoritarian state.
6. I see no existing reason why Europe has to have a military machine that is independent of Nato and therefore the United States. I believe nations are militarily stronger when they work together and so would like to see the United States as well as the EU as both friends and partners.
Maybe in the future Europe will be militarily hostile-indifferent to the United States and so Nato will be redundant? But till then an EU exclusive military block is the redundant idea. If one happened today I'm sure it would just sit their ideal till reasons emerged-where found to oppose the United States.
But make no mistake, an independent military force, for independence sake slams the United States since mankind’s history has a strong track record of power blocks colliding, and their friendships being short lived; especially when they require the same earthly resources and have different approaches (or worse strategies) towards different nations.
Saying yes to a new independent military super power is to me like saying yes to new conflict; and I can't agree to it when there doesn't seem to be any need for it. The whole idea is absurd, and its popularity seems to come out of little more than a desire appease the psychological problems that come with rejecting you're own nation identity first, in place of another’s (Europe’s), a something that doesn't even have a military. A European military may solve the problem Europe doesn't have its military; but I think less would support it if they new the can of worms mankind’s intercontinental history almost promises it will bring (tension, and war even, (though no doubt hopefully by proxy).

7. Are you satisfied with the current state of Democracy regarding the EU and European Parliment?

7. No.
I’ll never vote it unless they take away almost all my British democracy, and even then I’ll do so angrily. I want to see them leave our countries independent politics alone, and I plan to do this through our own public, parliamentary system. I see no reason for political unity over things like trade union rights, prison conditions ect, other than the “power happy” feeling certain politicians might get when they’re beliefs are enacted against the will of others. In short I don’t want to give the EU parliamentary system democratic legitimacy as long as it’s struggling to obtain that with such a poor EU vote turnout.

9. As a European, do you feel polarized by extreme right-wing rhetoric aimed at Europeans as a whole by the US right?

9. No; I haven’t heard them yet. But if I do I'm sure I’ll laugh it off.

Ooops typo.

In my answer to question 6 it should have read
"I do not want to see alliances broken....etc etc".

1. Do you feel the EU is good for your country?

Yes definitely (I’m from Ireland)

2. What do you base that opinion on?

The growth, the economy, the freedom of movement to work and live in any member state, having the Euro.

3. Do you consider yourself European? (Politically, not geographically obviously)

Yes, I have 3 passports, 2 of them are from different EU countries, so I usually consider myself “European”.

4. Would you be for or against a Federal Europe?

For.

5. What do you base this opinion on?

Think it would be stronger more united, better as one than as 27... or how many more join the club.

6. Even if Europe remains as Nations rather than States, would you like to see Europe have an independent Pan-European military force that is independent of NATO and of the UN?

Yes, get rid of NATO and the UN out of Europe and have our own European Military.

7. Are you satisfied with the current state of Democracy regarding the EU and European Parliment?

No, it needs to be across the EU and on the same level, sometimes it seems other countries are more democratic and have more freedoms than others, look at Denmark publishing the cartoon compared to the UK who was afraid to. Why if a girl in Ireland wants to have an abortion does she have to go to the UK as Ireland does not provide her with that right?

8. If not, why?

See Above

9. As a European, do you feel polarized by extreme right-wing rhetoric aimed at Europeans as a whole by the US right?

No.


Mikey