How Europe Became a Country.

A Country?

There are those who will stubbornly protest that Europe isn't a country. That is, frankly, hilarious.

Europe is a beautiful big bunch of countries joined together. It is a place of eternal joy for all it’s inhabitants.

You can say what you like about the status of the European Union, but EU Law is a thing… and it is superior to the national laws of each EU-listed country. Not even the US is more Federal than the EU.

So.... How did we pull off this stunning result? Well, naturally we asked the people to vote; And whenever they gave the wrong answer we simply asked them again- That is, after we explained a few things.

The road to Brussels

Uniting Europe wasn't an easy task. It took a lot of blood sweat and tears. Napoleon tried it; So did Hitler, but in the end we had the right approach. Who needs armies when you can print money? Of course we had to come as friends and collaborators, in a spirit of Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité. We just love that phrase.

---

No one personifies dignity, gravitas and brilliance more than Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission 2014 - 2018

Here’s Jean Claude at a NATO get-together on 12th July 2018. He is known for being a bit of a character who likes to let off some steam every now and again. What better way to calm the nerves before a big occasion than a half litre of cognac ?

---

How it all went down: A timeline of the EU

1945-59

• The creation of the European Coal and Steel Community.

• The Treaties of Rome signed.

• The European Parliament established.

1970-79

• Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom join.

• European elections.

• A regional policy to boost poorer areas.

1980-89

• The collapse of communism.

• The Erasmus programme.

• The single market.

1990-99

• Austria Finland & Sweden conquered.

• Border-free travel and the euro.

2000-09

• 12 new countries conquered: Cyprus, Malta, Czechia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Romania.

• EU constitution rejected by France and the Netherlands.

• Euro becomes legal tender.

• Treaty of Nice signed.

• Ireland rejects the Lisbon Treaty (2008)

• Ireland gets the Lisbon Treaty right. (2009).

• The Presidency is established.

2010-19

• The financial crisis.

• Croatia conquered.

• The UK jumps ship.

• EU awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace (2012)

2020-today

• COVID-19 pandemic.

• Russia’s evil war of aggression against Ukraine,

• Fighting climate change.

---

Relationships are complicated..

Why do Europeans occasionally reject the EU’s advances?

There are times when local politicians don't explain things clearly to their electorates. That's disappointing for us. It requires that we call around to sit down for a frank discussion; Once we impress upon them the urgency of a yes vote we find that they are more than obliging. But of course we are thoughtful leaders who are always ready to give people a second chance. But not a third one.

EU Referenda History

Source: Derek Beach Oxford Research Establishment

Let us not be in any doubt

The EU has achieved what many great leaders have only dreamed about. The Romans, The Persians, and The Macedonians all had a go at establishing a Forever Empire in Europe. They made so many valiant efforts but ultimately failed. However, we have strong characters such as Ursula von der Leyen at the helm; She is a woman amongst women; A fearless warrior for the cause of EU integration and statesmanship. Despite all our shared trials and tribulations; Despite the rejection, dismissal and vitriol, the EU is here to stay.

EUrope has a bright future ahead.

Ursula von der Leyen: A master tactician. She may have mislaid some important text messages to Pfizer’s CEO, but such mishaps are only to be expected in such a high-powered position as Ursula’s