EU structure role and responsibilities are so far stretched that it takes a very democratically elected representatives of member states to run its Parliament. Here the issued taken up range from education to health to environment to citizens rights to budget. There are different laws, regulations and directives that are worked upon by member states in the interest of their people. After the EU parliament there is the European commission that deals on policies laid out and those that are to be placed within the EU member states. Then there is the Council of EU that deals with the interests of the member states. Finally there is the European court of justice that handles disputes between member states and its citizens. It’s based upon community law, which is independent of the law of member states and superior to it.
As the EU has grown in size, it is increasingly ensuring that everyone of its member citizens are aware of the benefits of belonging while at the same time keeping their own individual country identity. The EU has benefited its members in areas of economic and social unity, health, education and culture, employment and single market, agriculture, fisheries and rural development, transportation and communication and the fundamental human rights. The EU works hard to establish cohesion throughout its community. There are wide ranges of commissions, bodies and institutions set-up, which deal with all of the above issues. EU was built on the idea that by living and working together and through cooperation Europe can become a better place to live.
The EURO – the single currency
The interaction of a single currency within the euro zone has enhanced European competitiveness and accelerated the emergence of a pan-European capital market.
The bold vision set down in the Treaty of Rome in 1957 and a number of historic steps taken since then, the goal of a truly unified single European market was thought to proved elusive, due to the vast barriers created by separate national currencies, as well as different languages and cultures. This picture changed through the creation of a single European currency, the euro. Although the euro existed as an electronic currency throughout the euro zone since the beginning of 1999, it was fully enrolled on January 1, 2002, with the introduction of euro notes and coins in the 12 euro-zone countries. Then on February 28, 2002, national currencies in these countries cease to be legal tender.
This event was an important psychological impact on consumers within the euro zone, most of who used the single currency for the first time. These interactions enhanced European global competitiveness and accelerated the emergence of a pan-European capital market. Not only have the European markets become more integrated as a result of these developments; they have begun to function in a more competitive way. Allied to a separate trend toward market deregulation in Europe—in the telecom sector, for example—this price
transparency has increased incentives for companies to sell across national boundaries and for consumers and businesses to find the best suppliers. Another Developments in information and communications technology have played an important role in unifying European capital markets. All European exchanges are now electronic, which means brokerages can connect to them remotely from anywhere in Europe (except where doing so is not permitted for regulatory reasons).
Enforcement of a trend towards pan European implications has arisen in the areas of sourcing, pricing, brands marketing and organizational structure. The first signs of this are apparent even within Britain, which is currently outside the euro zone. A recent survey found that almost two-thirds of businesses were on the verge of establishing a pan-European— or even global—structure. Increased competition is likely to encourage this trend toward pan-European rationalization, as well as increased outsourcing to organizations that can enjoy economies of scale by operating on a pan-European basis. In the past there was a tendency to lament the small and fragmented nature of Europe’s markets. No longer. The euro zone now encompasses 400 million consumers and is the second largest single Currency area in the world, representing almost as large a share of global GDP as the United States. But, crucially, it will provide businesses with the opportunity to achieve greater scale and competitiveness, not only in Europe but in global markets as well.
The Turkey Membership
Further on Jessica and I discussed what is the reason that EU is not keen on to have Turkey to join its union. Even though the Turks remain passionately pro-European. From Kurds in the southeast to imams in central Anatolia to U.S.-educated stockbrokers in Istanbul, nearly 70% see joining the European Union as the solution to their many problems: an economy that shrank by 9% last year and is still stalled in its worst crisis since World War II.
Turks may look to the E.U. as their savoir, but solutions are more likely to come — if they work according to the track laid out by the EU. When the European Commission declined to give Turkey a date, the main reason was not economic but political. Among the key concerns: the ongoing influence of Turkey's military on civilian affairs and the recent banning of political parties and leaders. Ongoing reports of torture, especially in the southeast, have also drawn criticism.
UK on its delay on adopting the EURO
Then we sort our opinions as to why UK is taking such a long road to adopt the Euro. Europe would be much better off with a more cooperative Britain. In the future Britain will have no alternative. Now the country thinks it has alternatives. But you can't forever have one leg on one side and one on the other side. I think Britain's long-term interests are in Europe. They basically want a free trade alliance and nothing more.
United States of Europe
On if EU will ever become anything like the USA, as in United States of Europe. I reckon not. You’re right; Europe is a union of nations and peoples. We will never have a European nation. Language alone will prevent that, even if the institutions change. As the political life and passion in Europe still resides on the national level. I think it may be due to the fact that there is no feel to becoming part of EU. Like one need to have sense of relationship, and that's more than interest. We can't build a society purely on interests; you need a sense of belonging. This exists among the young people of Europe. But they're not in power. People in power in the world today aren't interested in the long-term achievements, because they're only in power for a short time. Take countries like Poland, who made statements in favour of a
future expression of Europe, even in foreign policy, it's a demand for the future. Jessica felt that how the approach was made for the euro, a process that got started in 1979 should be continued here for future development of EU. It takes whole lot of enormous scepticism but it would succeed.
Common Foreign Policy
The common foreign policy issue after the Iraq war was required for a national constitution/referendum. I think the idea isn't new. It's not something for next year or two years, but what is require is a road map, to use a common phrase these days. The question of how we vote on a common foreign policy has to be adjusted in steps. We start with an instrument for coordination, but eventually majority voting must become more and more the rule of the game. We need to preserve the ultimate national right to dissent, not to block common action, but to not participate. Due to our history, we place an emphasis on peace, legality, and the ability to compromise. We had horrible wars in the 20th century and we don't want to go back down that path. We, Europeans aren't calling for the same means as Americans; for Europeans the question is how to contribute to a peaceful approach. That doesn't mean being meek, and it doesn't mean we should be confrontational. In fundamental matters of democracy and free markets, our values are absolutely similar to American values. The demographic situation can change; the trend is shifting in France and enlargement will create a new dynamic process.
Intellect Advancement
On the scientific areas advancement I thought the EU was doing pretty good but it wasn’t. Jessica claims Europe lacks behind the US in technical and scientific advances.
Complex EU
On trying to get what EU is all about without losing the sight it's hard to keep this big picture in mind amidst the blizzard of clauses tinkering with qualified majority voting and rebalancing the powers of the Commission and the Council. One of the new constitution aims is precisely to make Europe more transparent and comprehensible. We young people have very high expectations of the Union, and these must be taken into account when preparing the next generation of European programmes.
Our Lifestyle
On the subject of lifestyles and personal aspirations of young people in London and Dublin it is relatively similar. Most of the activities include keen mobile phone usage, some involvement in clubs and societies, main leisure activities in common include: watching television, listening to music and meeting up with friends, help with work around the house and slightly some enjoy reading.
While I agree with Jessica in EU that in order to encourage our participation there should be more information campaigns specifically targeted at us (young people), that they should be consulted before decisions are taken as that of citizenship programmes. Even though most of us are fairly well travelled, but are more proficient in foreign languages. While the main reason for visiting a foreign country is the same for everyone –holidays – the destinations differ. Language proficiency is also cited as an essential skill for finding a good job.
On various issues affecting society; I think our generation favours compulsory AIDS testing, compulsory jail or capital punishment, birth control for the poor and no war. In contrast, Jessica thinks that their generation favours euthanasia, homosexual marriages and child adoption by homosexual couples.
Cosmopolitan EU
On our opinions regarding the presence of foreigners in our countries. I think that London is buzzing with foreigners, Jessica does not mind about foreigners as she find it interesting to meet people of so many nationalities, and think that foreigners should have the same rights as her own country's nationals, and is happy to have foreigners in her country.
Independent
On the talk of support from family was seen has a dependent on parents. I think it we should live together in the family home. While she differed on this option mainly due to the social setting of a western lifestyle. As they prefer to afford a place of their own when they are 18/21 and want to be independent.
Conclusion
Overall we have much higher expectations of the European Union. For us the European Union chiefly signifies a better future, and this for three main reasons: more job opportunities, freedom to move wherever we want within the EU, and a better quality of life thanks to a better economic situation currently. Which signifies as to be the concept of European citizenship. the right to work anywhere in the EU, the right to settle anywhere in the EU and the right to study anywhere in the EU. And we believed that we should be informed about our rights and responsibilities as citizens, either in school or at university. The EU's priorities should be, put education and training in first place, and the freedom to travel and study, to live and work wherever they want in the EU in second place.
References
Frederic Vincent & Mona Lund, Brussels, October 2003
Vernon Ellis, Outlook Journal, January 2002
Mark Wise & Richard Gibbs, Single Market to Social Europe, 1993, Longman publication
Citizen’s guide to European Union, Douglas Willoughby, 2002 Reed publication
Europe, The Single Market and Tomorrow’s Europe, Mario Monti, 1996, Kogan Publication
Stephan Faris, Istanbul & the EU, Times Europe Magazine, June 23rd 2002
James Graff, Europe's future development, June 23rd 2003, Times Europe magazine
