What Are The Benefits of The UK’s European Union Membership?

Source: What Are The Benefits of The UK’s European Union Membership? from the Young Europeans Network.

Reading the British press one could easily be forgiven for thinking the European Union (EU) was nothing more than a terrible nightmare. However, with a referendum on whether the United Kingdom (UK) should stay or leave the EU only months away, this is worrying. Indeed, by forgetting to highlight, or worse by ignoring, the many perks and benefits of the UK’s European Union membership, the danger of a looming exit, or ‘Brexit’, is greater than ever. To overcome this discrepancy, here are a few of the key advantages of our EU membership.

Economic benefits:

  1. Single Market: Being part of the EU gives the UK unlimited access to a single market of over 500 million inhabitants along with free trade barriers. This brings obvious economic benefits. It has been estimated that between 1992 and 2000 more than two million jobs were created in Europe, whilst the GDP of most European Member States experienced a boost. Furthermore, the EU’s single market has constantly been expanding as demonstrated by the plans for a Digital Single Market Strategy (DSMS) and an Energy Union. The EU’s success in abolishing all roaming fees from 2017 onwards is also a perfect example of this. Leaving the EU would hinder us from making use of these benefits.
  1. IMG_3469
    Nowadays, more people travel with Easyjet than with British Airways – by Louis VIS

    Competition: A larger market means more competition. This forces business to innovate in order to stay competitive, whilst also helping to bring prices down and increasing choice for consumers. By opening up the airline market, the EU’s actions have allowed new low cost firms such as EasyJet, Ryanair, Monarch and WizzAir to compete with huge multinationals such as Air France, British Airways and Iberia, who previously held monopoly of the market. With companies such as EasyJet being based in the UK, the benefits have been enormous to the country’s economy thanks to rising employment levels and increasing investment in local businesses.

  1. Consumer Protection: The EU works relentlessly in order to improve living standards for all European citizens. One way in which it has done so has been to protect consumers from the negative impact of multinational (MNCs) and transnational (TNCs) companies. By forcing such companies to comply with detailed common product standards such as food labelling, the EU has given us access to more information and protected us from the abusive behaviour of some MNCs and TNCs.
  1. Funds for Development: Finally, the EU budget – to which all Member States contribute according to their wealth and population – is used to minimise inequalities in the Union. The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) was set up to provide support for employment and infrastructure in all parts of the EU. Similarly, the European Social Fund (ESF) helps disadvantaged or unemployed people reintegrate into the labour market. Without such funds rural or industrial areas in the UK such as Yorkshire, Cornwall, South Wales and the Scottish Highlands would be much worse off economically. Indeed Cornwall receives up to £750m per year from the EU.

Social benefits: 

  1. Study Abroad: Students in the EU have never been better off. Not only do they have access to some of the best universities in the world but they may also benefit from schemes such as ERASMUS, which facilitates study in another European Member State. This scheme has been a resounding success, improving diversity and allowing students to find new opportunities in different areas of Europe.
  1. Peace: The devastating impact World War I and World War II (37m and 60m casualties respectively) highlighted the pressing need for international alliances to reduce the potential for warfare – specifically between France and Germany. Sixty years on and the EU’s success is striking: the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to the EU.
  1. Travelling: Travelling across the EU has never been easier. Once on the continent, British citizens are able to travel wherever they wish within the EU without any trouble thanks to the Schengen agreements. Furthermore, EU regulations have made traveling much safer, most notably by air.
  1. Working and Living in other Member States: Last but not least, being part of the EU means that Britons may live in any other Member State whilst still benefiting from local healthcare and various other social benefits. Figures show that there are as many EU nationals living in the UK as there are UK nationals living elsewhere in the EU. However, a recent research by the Guardian found that the number of Britons claiming unemployment benefits in other EU Member States outweighed its opposite.

Environmental benefits:

  1.  Climate Change & Environment: The EU has always been the leading forces behind the fight against climate change. In 2007 EU leaders signed the ‘20/20/20’ climate and energy strategy which planned to: cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20% compared to 1990 levels; cut energy consumption by 20%; and increase the use of renewables to cover for 20% of the energy industry. Doing so will help enhance living standards whilst helping European economies lead the way for innovation in renewables. The EU was also a key actor during the Paris 2015 Climate Change conference.
  1. Beaches: The EU has helped set up the European Environmental Agency, which introduced minimum standards for up to 96% of beaches and 90% lakes and rivers. This allows us to enjoy holidays in healthier and more protected natural environments. 
  1. Waste: Special targets for recycling have been introduced by the EU in order to decrease landfill and avoid waste, which harms the environment. Similar targets have been set for the use of chemicals.

International benefits:

  1. Stronger Say in the World: In the words of Paul-Henri Spaak, one of Europe’s founding fathers, ‘Europe consists only of small countries – some of which know it and some of which don’t yet’. Indeed, whatever British people may think, the country’s imperial past has long gone and in an increasingly globalised world, being part of the EU gives the UK much more clout than if it was left to its own devices. Isn’t it for the same reason Great Britain decided to join NATO? Furthermore, the EU accounts for nearly 20% of world imports and export. Being part of such an organisation obviously gives the UK a much stronger stay in trade negotiations with other partners such as the US or China.

All in all, the UK is much better inside the EU than outside of it. Furthermore, all possible alternatives to its current EU membership, such as those enjoyed by Switzerland and Norway, are far worse than the status quo. Whilst the EU may not be perfect, it is far better to fight for change from the inside than to capitulate now and be left as nothing more than a small island in an increasingly globalised world.

Posted in pro-EU campaign, Young Europeans Network | Tagged ,

Why I believe in Europe (the EU) – time for pro European moderates to speak out.

I worry enormously that the UK will leave Europe. Here are my reasons, from a left and right perspective, why I passionately believe in Europe. I accept it isn’t perfect, but isolationism would be catastrophic

1) How do you stand up to global multinationals and their excesses as a single nation. It is just too easy for them to bypass you.

2) How, in a global economy, do you tackle tax evasion/avoidance? The EU has a far better chance of blocking loopholes.

3) The environment is the biggest single issue of our time, but going alone on any environmental issue will kill a local economy( you cannot tax aeroplane travel alone for example). The world needs collective responsibility, starting with Europe.

4) Free trade and freedom of movement are the central reason why war becomes less likely. The single biggest reason to be in Europe is to stop war and conflict.

5) Putin is a silent partner to nationalists of the left and right in Europe. He would love to see Europe fall apart and recreate a new kind of iron curtain. The momentous events of 1989 were the most positive in recent European history. Why do we want to go back to a Europe of walls?

6) International companies see Europe as one place now. They really don’t want to see the UK as separate. It is a huge disincentive for them to do business here or see the Uk as a base for a European Headquarters. You don’t want 25 or more complex business laws to get round. You want one.

7) A richer and stronger Southern and Eastern Europe( net benefactors of eu funding) means a bigger trading area and a richer Northern Europe.

8) Cyber crime, large scale drugs crime, trafficking and most of the big problems of our time are international. How on earth do you tackle these things as a single sovereign country?

9) The UK is now the 6/7th biggest economy in the world. By the year 2025 it will be about 12th at best. We need a big economy to take on Asia and the Americas. Why are America rich? Mainly because they have a huge single market. We need the same.

10) “Switzerland and Norway stay out and are OK” is an argument always given. Yes, but although they are very rich they have much smaller economies. They also have to live under much EU law, without having a say in it. We are one of the three biggest European states.

11) “We should do more trade outside EU”…. we increasingly are, but as always is the way we will always do more trading with our partners. And also large companies are increasingly centralised and are structured by geographical region. Continents now deal with continents.

12) “too much bureaucracy”…..standardisation is complex and fiddly and without question all large bodies have inefficiency and red tape. The red tape of doing business abroad by not being in Europe would be ten times worse. It is better to be in the EU, influencing than outside

13) “We are culturally different”………yes, but we are also culturally the same. I haver far more in common with a liberal/social democrat pro European from Poland than i do with a UKIP voting next door neighbour. The digital world and social networks are surefire proof that your community is everywhere.

14) “There is a democratic deficit”….. globalisation, for good or bad, is inevitable. Devolution of power, where possible, should be encouraged but you cannot tackle the biggest issues of our time locally( defence, environment, economy, tax evasion)

15) Immigration. Immigration and multiculturalism is one of the reasons why the Uk is great. It takes huge courage to move country. Thos who do are naturally pioneering and hard working. They are not dolites. You should meet some of the people I meet on Wizzair flights from Budapest to London. They desperately want to work with English people, but the English just will not do these jobs. The Eastern Europeans don’t squeeze wages, governments do.

Anyway if you have got this far. Thanks for reading. It is time for pro European moderates to counter the extremist noise.

With thanks to Rupert Slade a member of on of the groups in the “say Yes 2 Europe – Remain in the EU” alliance.

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Brexit – The World (Le Monde) acknowledges UK expatriates’ concerns why doesn’t the UK?

This week more than usual, Nick is searching the newspapers, on the lookout for any information on the referendum on the European Union (EU) promised by David Cameron: “Until now, I thought it would never happen. But the more I read, the more I start to worry about my business …“. The English owner of a chateau in the Gers, where he launched a business venture with two friends, observes bitterly the “No” camp’s progress in the polls. Nick, a British expatriate in France, can only watch and worry about the laborious negotiations between European leaders to meet the requirements of the British Prime Minister in defence of a “Yes.”

We don’t know how this is going to affect us” exclaims Christopher Chantry, president of the British Community Committee, an association which advises expats in France. Recently, a question has been recurring at their quarterly meetings:  what if the UK left Europe?  “Some ask what will happen to them, others ask about the conditions for obtaining French nationality …” Meanwhile, despite being, like many, caught up in European decisions, he does not hesitate to warn about the possible consequences of an exit, particularly for the more vulnerable groups.

Concerns about pensions

Of the estimated 200,000 Britons living in France, a large proportion (some 69 000), is composed of retirees, mainly established in the Southwest. One is Brian Cave, a former teacher from Gloucestershire. Having lived in the Lot for 17 years, he regularly shares his experience on his blog Pensioners Debout! For some time, he has also worried about his future in France. “Our health bills here are sent to London and are covered by the UK. If we leave Europe, there is unfortunately a risk that this cooperation may cease. It would be a disaster for all pensioners living abroad, ” explains the octogenarian. Currently, British pensioners are covered by the National Health Service, which pays all their medical expenses in the countries of the European Economic Area (EEA). If a Brexit were to happen, they could be subjected to the same treatment as British expatriate workers. Brian Cave fears  “France could impose any law on us. We will not be protected by the EU treaties.

An EU withdrawal could also have implications for Britons wishing to move abroad. Living in France could be subject to obtaining a residence card (carte de séjour/carte de résidence) or a work permit (carte de travail). “The first time I wanted to move to France, I was told that I did not have enough income to get my residence card,” recalls Mr. Cave. The “expats” could also no longer be entitled to freedom of movement within the European Union. And the restoration of the old customs barriers could be an obstacle to future entrepreneurs:  “Before the EU, there was a law in France that taxed the capital from abroad.

The majority will vote for Europe

The concerns are real, but many still have trouble imagining leaving the EU. “In fact,” says Jeremy Stubbs, of Conservatives Abroad in Paris, representing members of the Conservative party living abroad “there is little chance of seeing things change. Even if we vote to leave, it will not come into effect for years. Simply leaving is not at all realistic … ” In the case of a “No” vote, the British Parliament will decide whether or not on leaving.

“I am confident that we are going to win!” Living near Carcassonne for almost twenty years, Grahame PIGNEY is behind the pro-Europe group Say Yes 2 Europe – Remain in the EU. He is confident of a “Yes” result:  “The Eurosceptics talk the loudest, but I think that on the day of the referendum, the majority of Britons will vote for Europe.” His group tries to reassure UK citizens: “Not everything is black or white. Yes, leaving Europe will change things, but for the most part, the British will remain in the host country under the same conditions as today.”

It is possible that even if out of the European Union, the United Kingdom will remain a member of the EEA, with a status similar to that of Norway or Iceland. Both countries benefit, just the same as EU members, from freedom of movement of persons, as well as agreements on social rights.

But months before a decisive vote, many expatriates are thinking about contingencies in case of a “Brexit”. For Christopher Chantry, it is simple: “I will become French. My life is here now.

Brits excluded from the vote

We are the most affected and are prevented from voting,” notes Christopher Chantry. While the idea of allowing 16- or 17-year olds to vote in the referendum on membership of the European Union was finally blocked by the government, expatriates based outside the UK for over 15 years will also be excluded. Despite its being a promise of David Cameron’s:  the Queen’s Speech in May 2015 had announced plans to lift this restriction.

This reform, much awaited by British expatriates around the continent, will now only be made after the referendum. “This is a political issue,” says Grahame PIGNEY. “Labour supports the 15 year limit, and some  of the Conservatives do not want expatriates to vote in the referendum. Cameron does not want to take on a fight he’ll lose in Parliament”. In case of a “Brexit”, these British citizens would be completely devoid of voting rights. They could not vote in France in local elections, reserved for European citizens, and could not vote in their home country either.

The original article in Le Monde by Maxime Turck on 19/2/2016 – English version by Lyn Pigney

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We need ideals and eloquence to save Europe

Source: We need ideals and eloquence to save Europe

In the frenzied battle of words over the future of Britain’s membership of the European Union, the real values that inspired the foundation and development of this European Movement seem to have been entirely lost. After the Second World War Churchill declared that Europe could not afford to drag forward the hatred and revenge which sprung from the injuries of the past, and that the first step was to create a “European family of justice, mercy and freedom”.

In 1950 Robert Schumann urged European countries to work together towards a merger of their economic interests. He was convinced that when these were tied together, it would render war “not merely unthinkable, but materially impossible”. Jean Monnet and others were equally eloquent – they did not propose greater European unity and co-operation in the interests of creating more jobs, but to change something that had been the cause of untold misery and injustice for the whole of recorded history: conflict between the peoples of Europe. There had been no period in history when wars of some sort were not taking place in Europe.

Churchill, Schumann, Monnet and the others were not the first to recognise that greater European unity was the only way to prevent further wars and to give peace and the opportunity decent lives to the peoples of Europe. As far back as 1693 William Penn wrote his proposals entitled ‘Towards the Present and Future Peace of Europe by the Establishment of a European Parliament’. How much unnecessary suffering could have been prevented had his ideas been taken up at that time. Even the ‘War to End Wars’ that started in 1914 did nothing to end anything – and seemingly served only to make things worse.

Doing things together is not easy – mistakes are made, there have to be re-thinks about the best way forward and adjustments have to be made. But with thousands of years of wars, cruelty, enmity and destruction behind us, a few decades is a very short time in which to get everything right. Those who talk about a ‘failed’ European project, and who wish Britain to get out now when in reality we have hardly started, seem to have no understanding of history, nor any interest in the ideals that led to the founding of what deserves to be trumpeted as one of the noblest of projects in human history.

Do we in Britain have nobody with the belief and eloquence to inspire the nation with the ideals of the founding fathers of European co-operation and unity?

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Lord Lawson’s detailed plan: simply repeal 1972 EC Act – how is that BETTER than EU membership

In the Telegraph today Nigel Lawson sets out his “detailed” plan for a post-Brexit UK.

The bottom line of the article is what he envisages as a detailed plan for a post-Brexit UK.

I have been asked “what, then, is your alternative to being in the European Union?” A more foolish question is hard to imagine. The alternative to being in the European Union is not being in the European Union. Most of the world is not in the European Union – and most of the world is doing better than the European Union.

So far as the detail is concerned, we would repeal the 1972 European Communities Act, which establishes the primacy of EU law over our own UK law. The morass of EU regulation, much of which is costly, unnecessary and undesirable, would become UK regulation, which we would then be free to accept, repeal or amend as our national interest requires. And we would continue to trade with the EU, as the rest of the world does today, almost certainly assisted by a bilateral free trade agreement, which they need far more than we do.

Above all, we would become once again a self-governing democracy, with a genuinely global rather than a little European perspective. We would prosper, we would be free, and we would stand tall. That is what this referendum is all about.

Such a superficial plan does not set a an alternative to the EU, it just repeats the idea that the UK leaves the EU and does something (anything) else.

Posted in brexit, post-Brexit, referendum | Tagged , ,

EUphobes to reject UK/EU deal – What do they propose that is BETTER than EU membership?

According to the Financial Times the EUphobes (Leavers/Outers whatever you wish to call them) are set to reject the deal (whatever it might be) that David Cameron brings back from the EU Council meeting.

They don’t know what the deal will be or even whether it will be concluded on Thursday, but they are ready to reject it.

Even more worrying is that the Leavers/Outers will be attempting to turn the Remain/Leave debate on the results of the current negotiation. Much easier than concentrating on the Real issue.

The Real issue – the referendum isn’t about whether to accept or reject the results of the current negotiation, it is about whether the UK Remains in the EU or Leaves the EU.

If we Leave the EU it has to be for something BETTER.

But the Leavers/Outers can’t even agree among themselves what their alternative to EU membership is, much less explain, in detail, how their proposal is BETTER than Remaining in the EU.

Time for the Leavers/Outers to step up and answer the question “How is Leaving the EU BETTER than Staying in?”.

Or are we just supposed to Leave and sort out what happens later?

Posted in pro-EU campaign, referendum, reflections | Tagged ,

Club membership – My Resignation, but I still want to use the facilities.

Dear Mr Gym Owner
I am sick and tired of the following:

* being asked to not hog certain machines
* being expected to clear up litter after myself
* being expected to put back weights when finished
* being expected to dress appropriately in the sauna
* being expected to wipe down the multigym machines after use

In fact, I never signed up for you providing multigym equipment in the first place. When I joined in 1973 I was only ever told about free weights, and I’m sick to death of my membership fees being spent on equipment that others can use. Also, I see no financial return from my membership fee, because I continually have to buy gym kit with a smaller waistline.

Therefore, I want to leave and not have to pay for gym membership any longer. HOWEVER, I still expect to use all your facilities for nothing – because clearly you need me more than I need you. I used to run my own club (Empire Gym) many years ago, don’t you know? The fact that all the members left is neither here nor there, and anyone who doesn’t think that they wouldn’t come running back to me is clearly some sort of pinko Leftie.

Signed,

 

With thanks to an unknown contributor on a newspaper blog.

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How You can help shape the Remain campaign

With the Referendum perhaps less than 5 months away it is time to step up the work that “SY2E – Remain in the EU” is doing.

SY2E is a volunteer, cross party/apolitical grassroots organisation; nobody is employed, nobody is on a salary – such money as has been contributed has been spent on those things needed to advance the campaign. We will continue this philosophy and only spend the money we raise on those things that the members, organisers and activists cannot provide themselves.

We believe that the best way to defeat the arguments for leaving the EU is to make a positive case based on the benefits of the EU while being realistic about the areas where the EU needs reforming and improving.

We are recruiting volunteers to help the campaign in a number of areas/roles:

Researchers

To research background material for articles, blog posts, briefing documents. Revising and adding information to a pro-EU Wikipedia which will be available to campaigners, writers & organisers working with SY2E.

Writers

To write positively-themed blog pieces, analysis articles and briefing documents.

Editors/Administrators for Web site, Blog & Facebook

To organise and co-ordinate our presence on the Internet to maintain the momentum and effectiveness of our campaign and to ensure what we publish conforms to our campaign philosophy and editorial guidelines.

Local Organisers

To organise local events and co-operation with other pro-EU campaign groups

Fund Raisers

To help raise funds via a numbers of means.

These volunteer roles do not have fixed hours nor do they require attendance at a particular place of work and they are unpaid, although where possible essential expenses may be reimbursed: the essentials are commitment, drive, good internet access and a reliable phone connection.

For all these roles we are looking for people who can provide differing perspectives from across the age and political spectrums, as this reflects an important part of the SY2E philosophy. Whatever your age/politics, if you are pro-EU you have something to contribute.

Whether you can work a couple of hours a month or full-time, it is the commitment that matters.

In all cases, enthusiasm and commitment are more important than previous experience, as is an ability to self-start, make suggestions and discuss what the group can do – these are the essentials of a grassroots organisation.

To volunteer email us here and tell us something about yourself and how you would like to help.

 

Posted in grassroots, pro-EU campaign, referendum, Uncategorized | Tagged ,

Do the Leavers have a plan for something BETTER than the EU – if so how about telling us all?

The problem is that different groups want to leave the EU for different reasons.

So long as these reasons are kept vague there is no problem but the moment people try to describe, which they rarely do, how they see the future out of the EU all hell breaks loose.

We know how things stand inside the EU but outside ?

Surely the onus is on those who want to leave to explain, in detail, how they see the future ?

Once again thanks to John Blackmore from one of our SY2E groups.

Posted in post-Brexit, reflections | Tagged , ,