Essay - The European Union the Concept of a Unified and Less...

The European Union

***** concept of a unified and less nationalistic Europe began to gain attention in the nineteenth century, and after World War II it was seen by many as an essential goal if Europe wished ***** remain viable and intact. One of the first steps towards creating this international union came in 1951, when several major European powers signed a treaty establishing the European Coal and Steel Community, and again in 1957 with the establishment ***** he ***** Economic and Atomic Energy Communities. Denmark, Great Britain ***** Ireland refused to join ********** Communities at first, but did so in 1973, and in 1979 the first European Parliament was formed from full elections. In 1993, the European Union ***** officially established with ***** economic incentives such as free trade for member countries, and the EU continues ***** add ***** countries today.

Despite the economic and travel benefits th***** ***** EU provides, such ***** open borders, international citizenship, ***** a single currency, many Europeans feel that the European Union and their country's involvement in it is not a good thing. In fact, it is *****me of these same ***** ***** have these Europeans bothered. Some argue that it is an attempt to erase a sense ***** n*****tional ident*****y. Open borders, free *****, ***** a single-currency do serve ***** blur the distinction between different countries, *****d the reduction of nationalism was in fact a part of the intention of ***** EU. It was hoped that diplomatic relations, which necessitate a better understanding of each other's culture, would replace the destructive warfare ***** was *****ten ***** result of nationalism.

***** objections to the ***** are more pragmatic. The financial redistri*****ion that makes the single-currency and free trade systems fair for everyone also mean that some ***** the wealthier nations are providing ***** assistance and receiving less of the benefits. This argument, to, has some merits, although the benefits are supposed ***** remain invisible--peace is not as tangible as