When one lands
in most European capitals today, one does not immediately
see the huge changes that have resulted from the European
Union. Of course, one sees that prices are listed in Euros
and that the airports seem more crowded than ever. However,
as one takes a closer look, one begins to realize the
huge ramifications of the European Union. Being a history
lover as well as the granddaughter of European immigrants,
I truly appreciate the monumental historical undertaking
the European Union represents. Unifying Europe has hopefully
ended the wars, destructive nationalism, rivalries, and
hostilities that shaped European history for centuries.
Joining forces has made the countries of Europe much stronger.
The European Union is able to better serve its members
in times of economic crisis. Interestingly, the European
Union is now the world’s largest economic trading
bloc. It is becoming a power to counterbalance the economic
and political might of the United States and China. A
single, strong currency, open borders, a unified trading
market, economic growth and regional development funding
have created more affordable goods and greater economic
opportunities. As one continues to look, one sees benefits
even beyond the economic advantages of a unified Europe.
One sees a European Union strongly committed to the principles
of democracy. Many countries are experiencing true freedom
for the first time in history: freedom of speech, freedom
of travel and protection of human rights. Joining forces
has enabled the European Union’s countries to better
fight terrorism. Education and employment opportunities
have multiplied. Communication networks have vastly improved.
Food controls have been implemented. Laws protecting wildlife
have been passed. The environment is on the forefront
of the European Union’s agenda. Europe is strongly
committed to cutting CO2 emissions and is challenging
the rest of the world to do the same. European Union peacekeepers
can be found around the globe, providing humanitarian
assistance and protection. Amazingly, the European Union
now provides more foreign aid assistance than the United
States. The fathers of the European Union were great visionaries.
They foresaw the staggering benefits to be gained by unity,
trust, cooperation and efficiency. They recognized the
economic and political advantages of joining forces and
the richness and diversity that each country brought to
the union. The European Union’s strong commitment
to protecting national identities, languages and cultural
traditions is impressive. Although not all countries have
yet benefited equally, as each country incorporates the
principles of the European Union, the impact of the economic,
commercial and social advantages to them is being increasingly
felt. In the words of Helen Keller, “Alone we can
do so little. Together we can do so much.” A unified
Europe means that the economic interests, rights and the
sovereignty of each individual nation will be respected.
I am hopeful that trust and collaboration will ensure
that the atrocities of World War I and World War II never
occur again. Most importantly, it is their linked future
that ensures unity, strength, prosperity and above all,
peace, among the nations of Europe.
