Which Type of “Union” We Want?

Czech Republic.
Europe Arena 1: “European Union: Should it be an union of Nations or an union of People?”

Which Type of “Union” We Want?

When we say the word “union” most of us imagine something which is connected in harmony. It brings some benefit, and it is advantageous for all sites. It can be a union of companies sharing their products and supporting within themselves... a union of states to allow an easy way to do business within themselves... or a union within twenty-eight states- the European Union. However, is it a union of states only or something “more”? It depends on your point of view.

The first point of view is, in my opinion, the historical one. The EU was formed to eliminate a further occasion of war between the integrated states. It is obvious why... It was just after the end of the Second World War. In 1948, Hague congress as the case may be, in 1949 College of Europe were considered to be the first indications of a formation of a union, and after that in 1952 the European Coal and Steel Community was established. It is universally considered to be the first direct step of the federation of Europe. From this emerges that it definitely was not a union of people. It had to destroy a competition, mainly between Germany and France, over coal and some other natural resources.

The second point of view may be from nowadays- a view of today’s society. If a state joins the EU, it naturally concerns its population. We can never say that it is the will of the whole society because when a serious issue is taking action, in every case, it has some dissenters. In my opinion, more than half of the population in my country (Czech Republic) is still for the union. Of this I deduce that in this case it is a union of people. The attitude toward the EU is different from opinion to opinion. Some say that the EU commands nations, some appreciate the membership and they are proud of it. In contrast with the already described historical point of view, I see tremendous increase in consideration of people. The EU does countless amounts of benefits for its members. For example, members can travel through the Schengen Area without checking at borders, which saves time and also money; they are free to reside in every member state etc.

To answer the question properly, I think the EU should definitely be a union of people, even more than it is now. The political purpose is really important, but even more significant is the humane purpose.

By Patrik P., Czech Republic
19 years old