Originally posted by shavixmirWhy don't you want the EU to form? Or do you have a problem with this particular constitution?
63% NO vote on the EU constitution in Holland.
Obviously taking the Liverpool debacle of a thread into consideration, I am only moderately positive...
But...this is very promising!!
Originally posted by shavixmirThat's a big NO if true.
63% NO vote on the EU constitution in Holland.
Obviously taking the Liverpool debacle of a thread into consideration, I am only moderately positive...
But...this is very promising!!
For a while I was worried that the UK would be the black sheep of Europe (again), but it appears we would not be alone.
Originally posted by AThousandYoungI have particular problems (plural) with this constitution.
Why don't you want the EU to form? Or do you have a problem with this particular constitution?
Basically the most important policy makers in the EU would remain the EU commission (unelected), but power would shift to Brussels from the individual member states (making everything less democratic).
Another problem I have with it is the fact that multi-nationals get a better deal on fair trade. Meaning that they can challenge governments in court over unfair competition. This means that things like nationalised water (Scotland) would be forced on to the market.
A government could also have to pay damages to, for example, nuclear power plants that are leaking radiation when they force them to clean up their act. "Compensation for loss of income."
These are the two major reasons, I have some petty peeves as well though...
Is it possible the Dutch people are letting their government know how upset they still are about having to adopt the Euro as their currency without being consulted? Also, I've heard that the cost of EU membership per head of population is higher in the Netherlands than anywhere else. It really is time this should be addressed. Every European should pay the same. If this means that less wealthy countries are unable to afford membership, then so be it. Several years ago, Britain negotiated a rebate on its EU expenditure. This is wrong. Britain should either meet the true cost of EU membership or leave. But that's a whole other debate.
Personally, I think a treaty (constitution is a poor choice of name) between EU member states is essential. It's essential so all states are playing by the same set of rules when it comes to European matters. I don't think the treaty should infringe on purely domestic matters though. Another bone of contention, not just in the Netherlands, but also here in Britain, is the way some member states, most notably France, creatively interpret some international trade rules, and flagrantly ignore others. Until all countries can agree to uphold the spirit of the Union, a treaty, constitution or any other formalization of the rules is pointless.
Originally posted by martin williamsWell, after 2 bottles of wine, I can but say:
Is it possible the Dutch people are letting their government know how upset they still are about having to adopt the Euro as their currency without being consulted? Also, I've heard that the cost of EU membership per head of population is higher in the Netherlands than anywhere else. It really is time this should be addressed. Every European should ...[text shortened]... pirit of the Union, a treaty, constitution or any other formalization of the rules is pointless.
The European constitution would have closed down the coffee shops here in Holland....
That could not have been a good thing.