What's the EU ever done for us? is clearly a topical question, if not always an easy one to answer. Here's an answer of sorts that I recently received from 'the continent' ...
"Not much, apart from:
- providing 57% of our trade;
- structural funding to areas hit by industrial decline;
- clean beaches and rivers;
- cleaner air;
- lead free petrol;
- restrictions on landfill dumping;
- a recycling culture;
- cheaper mobile charges;
- cheaper air travel;
- improved consumer protection and food labelling;
- a ban on growth hormones and other harmful food additives;
- better product safety;
- single market competition bringing quality improvements and better industrial performance;
- break up of monopolies;
- Europe-wide patent and copyright protection;
- no paperwork or customs for exports throughout the single market;
- price transparency and removal of commission on currency exchanges across the eurozone;
- freedom to travel, live and work across Europe;
- funded opportunities for young people to undertake study or work placements abroad;
- access to European health services;
- labour protection and enhanced social welfare;
- smoke-free workplaces;
- equal pay legislation;
- holiday entitlement;
- the right not to work more than a 48-hour week without overtime; strongest wildlife protection in the world;
- improved animal welfare in food production;
- EU-funded research and industrial collaboration;
- EU representation in international forums;
- bloc EEA negotiation at the WTO;
- EU diplomatic efforts to uphold the nuclear non-proliferation treaty;
- European arrest warrant;
- cross border policing to combat human trafficking, arms and drug smuggling;
- counter terrorism intelligence;
- European civil and military co-operation in post-conflict zones in Europe and Africa;
- support for democracy and human rights across Europe and beyond;
- investment across Europe contributing to better living standards and educational, social and cultural capital.
All of this is nothing compared with its greatest achievements: the EU has for 60 years been the foundation of peace between European neighbours after centuries of bloodshed. It furthermore assisted the extraordinary political, social and economic transformation of 13 former dictatorships, now EU members, since 1980. Now the union faces major challenges brought on by neoliberal economic globalisation, and worsened by its own systemic weaknesses. It is taking measures to overcome these. We in the UK should reflect on whether our net contribution of £7bn out of total government expenditure of £695bn is good value. We must play a full part in enabling the union to be a force for good in a multipolar global future."
I'm told that the source of this is a lecturer in international political economy in the UK. It's unbalanced, of course, by its nature, and it is difficult to convey the subtleties involved here in a short sentence.
There's nothing on litter, I note – but what would you say? That this sceptre isle, this other Eden, demi-paradise, this fortress built by Nature for herself, this precious stone set in the silver sea, would be even more litter-strewn if it hadn't been for the EU? Knee-deep as opposed to merely up to the ankles, say?
It's also surprisingly light on the benefits of pro-wildlife legislation emanating from the Commission which, I am told by those who know, has made a significant difference to slowing its wildlife decline in the UK.
In terms of where we would be without the EU, it is noteworthy, also to recall that the UK recently opposed EU restrictions on the use of 'neonic' pesticides that are doing so much damage to bee populations. Just what would happen if environmental protection were left to Defra and their friends in the NFU, is worth a thought as we ponder Brexodus through the Brexit.
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