September 5, 2019 Writing in English

“Bridging the gap”

EU as a decisive party, balancing the scales of the global market.

 

We’re heading for a future with an increased amount of globalization, and it’s time for the EU to embrace the role of the pupil in terms of our global standing, starting with a nuanced discussion on the topic of its role in relation to its current members.

 

It’s time for us to trust our current leaders to take the necessary steps to create what can only be described as a much needed equipoise on the scene of world trade, that of the EU as a state, similar in size and population to those of the U.S and China.

 

That the EU in its core is functioning as desired can be proven by visiting the near past, and acknowledging the fact that one of its first missions was a success: peace on our continent. 

 

“Today, hundreds of millions dwell in freedom, from the Baltic to the Adriatic, from the Western Approaches to the Aegean. And while we must never take this for granted, the first purpose of the European Union – to secure peace – has been achieved and we should pay tribute to all those in the EU, alongside Nato, who made that happen.”

 

• David Cameron, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

 

The above quote puts another fact in deserving light, that while controversial due to its vague form, is a critical function of the EU: the strategic partnerships between EU-members and the military alliance NATO. 

 

Working towards unity between the members of the EU ensures that no one state is being subdued into acting in conflict with its population’s interest. A powerful party like NATO is vital for the continous work for peace throughout our own region and beyond. In addition to being a successful form of military cooperation, its influence also extends to the politics of trade and commerce. Enabling an EU state would greatly decrease NATO’s impact on the trade-politics of our unions members and would ensure that its purpose is limited to and focused on being a military alliance with all that it embraces.

 

History tells us to learn from the past, and the point in doing so has been proven repeatedly. During the creation of the current U.S., inspiration was gathered by studying the French Revolution. By learning from the revolutioneers of that time, the U.S managed to create a state that today holds a key position on the global scene, whether we are looking at trade, military power or other areas of interest.

 

Now it’s our time (read. EU) to gather inspiration and know-how from these giants in terms of state and global influence. The shape of the future is created in the present, and right now, our greatest challenge is not to let the great inherent power of the EU slip out of our hands. At this point, I turned to the U.K.

 

Though a great achievement of democratic processes and getting people of a nation to rally around common ground, Brexit is the very opposite of what Neil Armstrong’s steps on the Moon symbolized for mankind. The U.K. is taking a great leap in the wrong direction, pointing to flawed immigration policies and issues with trusting it’s politicians as the main reasons for retracting its vital channels to the remaining members of the EU. These problems are handled best internally (and no one is stating otherwise), but not at the cost of cutting ties with the future of the European continent and its nations.

 

The questions arising from Brexit are many, and few easily dealt with. One of the major questions relates to the free movement of people included in the trade-union where populations of different national heritages are allowed to embark on work-related journeys within the borders of the EU. This creates new areas of commerce and allows for urbanization and higher quality of life for previously unemployed parts of a nation’s populace.

 

In the long-term perspective, the EU must and most likely will develop into a full-grown state embracing the future with a strong heritage shaped from many past high-cost lessons. We’ve been scarred from great wars and political turmoil, many of which have led to great humility among the people of the involved nations. The European countries and many of its leaders have learned from the past, and it’s now time for our politicians to entrust us the responsibility of being a part of a developed European Union, thus generating a path towards a sustainable future for both the environment and its people.

 

Regarding development, our global gaze must be directed towards the great continent of Africa and the future it beholds in terms of industrialization, urbanization and of course, commercialization. Using the tools developed within the EU, our power lies in that of generating a sustainable path of trade and partnership with one of the richest continents most rich in natural resources on earth.

 

Sharing our knowledge throughout the continent of Africa will help its nations and people to develop into another major party on the global scene. Our technology will help their industries and populations to move closer to the future where the people of Africa can enjoy the same freedom and quality of life as the populations in the U.S. and EU. A common misunderstanding that causes many to shy away from the great promises of lending a hand to those in need of our advanced help is that in order to lift others out of poverty, we must sacrifice great chunks of our own welfare.

 

However, there is no need to sacrifice any parts of our hard-earned welfare if we take the steps necessary to enable a fundamental way of trading without exploiting. That one must give to receive is a fundamental truth in the world of trade and commerce. It applies to the topic at hand, and at the core of the solution for this win-win situation is the balancing of the world-market. No one country can lead the way in granting this freedom to an entire continent and those in need, but a strong global marketplace with equal partners just might.

 

Having the full sway of the EU behind the trade-agreement makes it harder for foul play to take place. Furthermore, it creates incentive for the opposing party to handle the treaty with respect, as doing so will generate the possibility for further partnerships down the line. Where a single nation is fragile in its endeavours, a union is not.

 

The EU today is described in terms applicable to the current global market, a neutral party. We have been unable to show our strengths and strategies, as that requires a higher level of unity within the union itself. Instead our neutrality is the result of divided perspectives on the role that the EU should have, leading to a poor starting point for negotiations. Powerful states such as the U.S. and China have no problems with setting unequal terms in treaties relating to trade when dealing with the EU, thus resulting in an even more insignificant position in the global marketplace.

 

If we are to embark on the journey towards a greater future with benefits for all continents involved, we must first embark on the path to creating a balanced marketplace for the global scene. This involves making the EU a party that can play on the same field as the U.S., China, and other major players such as rising India.

 

Making a U-turn in terms of Brexit would be a fortunate beginning, as well as understanding the root-cause for such an endeavour in the first place. If we can manage this, then the world might be heading towards a utopia, in spite of it all.

Highlights:

 

“The shape of the future is created in the present, and as of right now, our greatest challenge is not to let the great inherent power of the EU slip out of our hands.”

 

“Where a single nation is fragile in its endeavours, a union is not”

 

“There is no need to sacrifice any parts of our hard-earned welfare if we take the steps necessary to enable a fundamental way of trading without exploiting.”

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This article was written by Fredrik Stig Gustav Christofferson, a law student at The University of Gothenburg. He is currently heading into the 7th term of lawstudies.

This article was proofread by Writesaver