As
any geographer will tell you, it is almost impossible
to clearly define what exactly European Union should be.
This is a debate that goes hand in hand with the delimitation
of Europe. Where does it start and where does it end?
Who can we consider European enough to be part of the
EU? These are questions we constantly try to answer; yet
because of conflict and disagreement, we have not come
to a clear conclusion. However, despite the confusion
of bordering Europe, I feel that the best way to define
the EU is as a fluctuating entity.
As of right now, I feel that the EU could take many directions
in its current state. In essence, the current governments
of Europe would like to head in the direction of a United
States of Europe. However, I feel that contrarily to the
United States, Europe is not an amalgamation of people
that speak the same language and who share the same values.
Instead, the EU is formed of a very large variety of countries,
many that speak different languages and have different
cultures and values. Unlike the US, Europe is an ancient
territory where many societies have existed and fought
against each other, so it is only natural for countries’
values to differ so greatly.
Despite the fact that this diversity is viewed as a hindrance,
I feel that the wide range of cultures is a positive element
that makes Europe special. As the saying goes, we can
always learn from others, and I feel that, for now at
least, the EU has embraced this idea. Another interesting
element of the EU is its diversity of economies. Currently,
poorer countries have been admitted into the EU recently,
creating new challenges that must be dealt with. Some
might say that this is a counteractive in the EU’s
effort to grow politically and economically. However,
I think it shows the will to unify the veritable jigsaw
puzzle that is Europe. Instead of abandoning the poorer
countries, the EU seems to want to ensure the growth of
Europe as a whole.
