The European Union is in disarray after
a new Constitution has been developed that changes Europe from a trade
union to an integrated country. Member states would not always
have a vote in the European Council. The small countries would
rotate voting rights, such that 50% of the small countries would not be
able to vote at any given time. In addition, the Euro currency is
being pushed very hard on England, Denmark, and Sweden. This is
occurring despite public opinion being against adopting the Euro in
these countries. As of late a controversy has erupted over the UK
subsidies from the EU as well as the EU farm policies. I propose
a complete revision to the European Union.
The New European Union
The new European Union would consist of the 25 nation states as does
today's EU. The new EU would preserve the open borders philosophy
of the current EU. Nationals of any country would have rights of
passage to other member countries. Working in other EU countries
would also be facilitated, as long as it was not detrimental to their
society. The new European Union would not have a budget, a
central bank, or a court. The EU would facilitate Europeans
trade. It would receive revenue to carry out its mission through
a small membership fee based on national population and GDP. The
formula would be adjusted so that per capita the average wealthy
country's membership fee would be approx 10 British pounds per person
each year. Countries with lower GDP would pay less per person
each year. Violations to EU trade regulations would be tried in
national and international forums (the Hague, WTO, NATO, and UN).
Monetary System
The Euro would be phased out gradually to give members of the European
Union greater rights of sovereignty. Each country would convert
the Euro back to what it had used prior to Euro adoption. The
currencies would be have a horizontal band regime. This would
allow for example the Pound and the Franc to vary slightly in value
from day to day, but would not allow for large scale movements in
currency value. Large changes in currency value can increase
risks of conducting business transactions. The horizontal bands
would be 2%. In the event of a balance of payments deficit, the
bands will be adjusted. The bands will not be adjusted without 90
days advance notice. The bands have to be flexible in the event
one member country lacks financial discipline and runs large deficits
relative to the other countries. Electronic conversion of
currencies shall be available such that non-cash transactions are not
hindered by large exchange commissions. These currency conversion
fees should be limited to the cost of providing the service. This
would be inexpensive as the transactions would be all electronic.
These fees would be covered by the EFT, debit, or credit cards vendors.
Languages and Culture
Each country has a unique mother
tongue. Most of the countries in Europe conduct international
business in English. However, there are exceptions to this
rule. Each country would have total control of its educational
and business policies regarding languages used. For example,
France may choose to require that all domestic firms and employees
conduct themselves exclusively in French. Many countries may
choose a bilingual route, especially smaller countries that have
languages that are not widely known by foreigners. Each country
is entitled to protect its culture from outside influences through
educational, social, and media policies.
Migration
The only difference from today's EU laws
on migration would be that migrants have the responsibility
of avoiding cultural conflict in their new country of residence.
Migrants who are in conflict may be required to participate in
integration activities such including formal education. Failure
to participate is grounds for deportation back to their country of
origin.
Population Profile/Fees
EU-25 population: 455 million residents as of 2004 according to EU
statistics figures.
Luxembourg has the highest per capita GDP which would mean it would pay
exactly 10 pounds a year per person.
Ireland would pay 6.20 pounds a year per person.
UK would pay 5.50 pounds a year per person.
France would pay 5.10 pounds a year per person.
Spain would pay 4.50 pounds a year per person.
Latvia has the lowest per capita GDP which mean it would pay 2.00
pounds a year per person.
Each year the contributions would be rescaled to take into account
economic growth and inflation. Nation states would have the
opportunity to provide Europe grants to the poorer EU members.
However this would not be a mandatory requirement of EU
membership. Contribution grants could be as small as a million
pounds.