Pros and Cons of Joining the European Union

PROS:

• Free trade and no tariffs between the membered countries.
• They offer a common currency.  The use of the euro is mandatory as seen in countries such as   Great Britain.
•    EMU sets a common currency exchange rate.
• European citizenship allows for free movement between membered countries. 
• This opens up more job opprotunities, therefore more potential to earn money. (Chartered Rights)
• The broad range of membered countries opens up the access to a lot more resources.
• There is no conflict between membered countries.  The solution to squabbles must be found according to regulations set out by the EU committee? Parliament?
•  Can create a sense of belongingness, and unity amongst EU members
• Multiple EU capitals so access to government members is readily assessable to citizens.
• Members work together to support other members’ sustainability.
•  Regional development funding
• The EU has scholarships that promote education of citizens.
• National identity of members is not compromised.
• No official languages
•  Regulations have been put in place so larger countries, like France and Germany cannot dominate the smaller countries.
• Provide many public agencies to citizens
• There are subsidies for farmers
• The European central bank monitors interest rates.

CONS:

• There’s no common language between the countries, therefore communication is to all citizens at once is difficult.
• The extra level of government can remove some of the power and responsibility of the country.
• The regulations set up to protect the smaller membered countries can take from the larger countries.
• Threatens the national identity of membered states, like in Sweden.
•  Meeting the requirements to join is hard.
• The border of Europe is undefined, but you have to be apart of Europe to join the EU (ex: Morocco)
• Governmental criteria and economic standards are important.
• The executive, the European Commission serves the EU’s interest not the individual country.
• Member states have less control over what is made or sold in their borders.
• Loss of sovereinity as many individuals in Greece have suggested.
• The wealthier countries like Germany have share their wealth with other membered countries
• Bailing out Greece
•  All members are bound by the same rules; therefore outside countries are capable of influencing your country.
•  Hard to withdraw from the EU once you have joined.
• The EU can kick out leader of government if they feel it is necessary
• In Greece they removed the democratically elected leader and appointed an alternative.