Can the EU keep peace in Europe

[Emac44]

I have been pondering this for some time. And I am wondering given European History what is it keeping Europeans from having another war? I suspect the EU is trying to balance out an economic safe place for Europeans to do business etc. But one sees riots in France, Increase numbers joining ultra right wing political parties and those same party re-emergences. Problems that had occured in the Balkans. And just general mistrust between nations inside the EU. The unexceptance by some member countries of the Euro . One nation being England for example. If you believe the political correct all is rosey inside the EU membership. I just don't happen to believe that ideology. Perhaps some one could expand this debate a bit more

[timshatz]

I think you're right. There is no central foriegn policy, no strong federal govt, it's more of an economic club. Almost a cartel. Without somebody who rules over all the facticious groups, a central authority, it is only a matter of time or money.

But the US was similar in the first 100 years. It took a civil war to really establish the power of the Federal Govt. Not saying the parrallels are exact, they are not. But it is a point to consider.

[DerAdlerIstGelandet]

I dont think Europe has ever been quiet. That was a pretty nasty war in the Balkans in the mid and late 90's.

I too think that is just a matter of time till something happens but I really dont think it will happen against the 4 major players in Europe (atleast not against each other), England, Germany, France, and Italy....

....At least not in the near future.

[Matt308]

Ukraine. Bulgaria, Khazikstan, etc.

[the lancaster kicks ass]

There is no way the EU can keep peace, Britain make the biggest contribution to the EU's armed forces but we couldn't care less about the EU, and have little involvement in the Balkans, Europe is a hotspot for conflict, and some smelly Frenchman insisting we all speak French will not change this, the EU will one day collapse, taking all members with it- get out whilst we still can!........

[plan_D]

We'd all be foolish and naive to believe that Europe wouldn't be a battlefield again. Europe will collapse to war someday; but the EU won't be the cause. Even now all the nations of Europe keep stepping on each others toes and looking through history shows us that it won't be long before sparks flie and Europe ignites into flame again.

[the lancaster kicks ass]

how sweet it would be if the world got so pissed off with France all the major powers decided to walk in... i mean invade

[plan_D]

That would be pretty awesome. But I think France is going to become right wing pretty soon; and all the foreigners there will be expelled a little bit at a time. France might be Europe's leader in making Europe safe again, as stupid as that may sound.

[Emac44]

Methinks groups like the Islamic Brotherhood in parts of Europe will be the match to the powder keg in another European war. Join this with extreme ultra right wing political groups such as like the National Front in England and other similar groups found in Germany France Italy and Eastern European Countries its just a matter of time. I also believe if a down turn in economics occurs like a world wide depression which occur every 40 to 50 years on average the collapse of the EU economic power base would occur and wide splits in the partnerships with nation in the EU would occur. Which in itself would lead to high and unusal levels of unemployment and devaluation of the Euro on world money market, in my opinion former partners in the EU would begin blaming each other and mass unemployment and inflation would occur. Where have we seen this before. Answer Germany from 1929 to 1933. Would another ultra right dictator come to the fore. Maybe not another Hitler but I think another or several Ultra Right Politicans would emerge from the wood work causing division hatred and suspicion amongst European neighbours

[FLYBOYJ]

I actually think Europe was the safest during the height of the cold war when there were hundreds of nukes pointing at each other.

[plan_D]

Right wing parties are already on the rise in Europe, that last round of general elections in Europe had all the liberals shaking in their boots. It was obvious to all but the stupidest of people that the real Europeans want their old Europe back; not one infested with terrorism and Islamic free-loaders.

The BNP are gaining more and more power each year here. And while they can do nought at the moment; with each new seat it sends a message to the government that the British are getting fed-up.

[Maestro]

Originally Posted by plan_D

France might be Europe's leader in making Europe safe again, as stupid as that may sound.

You are right, as you may know, it's currently impossible for foreigners to become a French citizen unless you serve in the Foreign Legion... Or get married with a French. But then, who wants to become French to that point ?

That's why UK gets all of the Algerian, Iranian and what ever as immigrants... Their immigration process is too easy, anyone can ask for the British citizenship.

However, some countries are working "upside-down". For example (and that's one of the very few weak points of the US politics), in the US, a citizen from a "civilized" country can only get a Green Card if he has a Universitary diploma. While, for citizens from other countries like North Korea, Iran, Afganisthan and many others, there is an annual "lottery" in which they can participate to get a Green Card for free. But I already explained that point in an other thread.

Originally Posted by timshatz

But the US was similar in the first 100 years. It took a civil war to really establish the power of the Federal Govt. Not saying the parrallels are exact, they are not. But it is a point to consider.

If there is a civil war in Europe we already know the outcome : France will lose.

[Emac44]

Maestro England has already had her civil war and considering most of Europe has had some sort of civil war or another as well. Also 2 World Wars one might consider both of them were very civil war like in its nature and form. Especially World War 1 where Crown Heads of Europe plus a few politicans decided to have a 4 year blood bath which only ended 27 years later in another War with a lull of some 21 years in between conflicts. My question is Maestro is there a possibility of another European War and how the hell is the EU stopping it or will they be abled to stop it? And yes Plan I have already seen by reports of the rise of right wing parties but also the rise of left wing ones as well. I believe like most forum contributors its just a matter of time and is Europe doomed to make and repeat history again. My thoughts are yes they will commit same historical events over and over again. But I am unsure which country will kick it off. My best Guess and I am only Guessing here conflict will begin in Eastern Europe and spread like a wild fire

[plan_D]

The left wing parties have already risen; the Labour party is becoming more and more left. It's time for the right wing to rise up; and this country is leading itself into civil war.

It's all shrouded by the government controlled media, but you can see the country collapsing as each day goes by. It's not a matter of if, but a matter of when Britain throws itself into civil war. And the government will panick when they realise that its puppets; the military, mostly turn on them. As the police does and every other hard working Brit on this God foresaken island.

[Emac44]

I saw on BBC World News last week Plan George Gallaway. I am sure you know him. he was being interviewed on BBC. Little george with big ideas. and former Labour Party member who got tossed out of the party. shortly after his interview i watch George Bush on Tv giving his address to the Senate and Congress so gives you the time of last week when little georgey was being interviewed. That man doesn't impress me one bit did a bit of research on him as crooked as a snake crawling through 4ft grass clusters