Ukraine & The E.U.

[Stephen_Bailey]

It seems to me that with every passing day the E.U. is moving closer to becomming the United States Of Europe. Personally, I think it's wonderful. Imperfect, but wonderful. It's about time 'we' Europeans united. We've got (potentially) the most powerful nation in the world.
However, my "dream" of a united Europe includes Ukraine. I'd love to see all Ukrainian people have exactly the same life-chances and rewards as people in England or Germany.
My question is, would Ukrainian people welcome the idea, or do they think of the E.U. as a new USSR? I'm really interested, if anyone has any thoughts on the subject?

[Irena]

Stephen,
thank you for your warm words, but I wonder why do you want Ukraine to be in the E.U.?
I think we can't to be in the E.U but we can't: a poor relative would feels comfortless among rich ones.
Do you remember how Pope (or Pop, spy) said when he left Russia: "I'm glad that I returned in the real world". You couldn't to live here. So why do you want to pull Ukraine with all problems to your comfortable, satisfied world? I think exept for you no one wants it.

[StasUA]

Stephen Bailey,

I think that most of the Ukrainians would welcome the idea of United Europe. But with its limits of course.

However, as Irena tried to say, most of the Western Europeans, wouldn't want to help poor Ukraine with all its problems and espacially include them in their new and surely most powerful state.

With time, I hope that Ukraine will join EU.

Good luck to all of Europe!
Stas

[Stephen_Bailey]

Hello, everyone.
I've been reading through all the 'political' boards here. I respect what people say, but, I'm a little saddened that not many people are able to share my optimism. Yes. I really do think everything will turn out for the best - and soon!
I visited East Germany in 1988 and, oh, was that country in a mess! It still has difficulties, but it's a part of Western Europe.
I think Ukraine would NOT be a "poor relation" in the E.U. It would be an asset. There are so many talented people there.
Here's an example of what I mean. my friend works in a factory in England. They recently took on some "temporary" Ukrainian workers. Everyone was amazed at how hard these people worked.The majority felt they had to 'compete' and soon the whole factory was working more productively.
I'm really sure that in a few years Ukraine will be invited to join the E.U. You'll still be Ukrainian and I'll still be British; but we'll all be Europeans, "on the same team".
So, I'm optimistic about the future and I hope I can share that feeling.

[Nonson]

You EEC stalwarts are about to face certain harsh realities as regarding your dreams of a United States of Europe. _____________________________________________ Your selling of your birthright will produce devastating consequences in a short while. _____________________________________________ Fortunately, Ukraine is not facing that sordid fate.

[StasUA]

I'm very optimistic too, however nobody else shares it here with us.

Good luck,
Stas

[Stephen_Bailey]

Nonson. That's an interesting point of view, but, do you really think we Europeans are selling our birth-right?
I understand the "harsh realities" you mention and I'm not a starry-eyed idealist. Not at all.
Look. When I visited the USA for the first time I was amazed at how proud people were, not just of being American, but also of being Irish-American or Chinese-American or Afro-American etc - and also of being a New Yorker or a Texan etc.
I don't know if you'll agree with me, but I think the biggest problem that's haunted Europe for so long is Nationalism. I'm proud to be British, but I don't think that makes me any "better" than someone who's German or Albanian or Spanish. Also, a person doesn't have to be 'white' or 'christian' to be 100% British.
I think the same applies to Europe too.
By the way; there are MANY people in Britain who disagree with me. They'd be happy for us to leave the E.U. and spend their days dreaming of the past, when Britain had its empire.
I used to be rather a 'nationalist', but I gradually realised how negative it is.
Best Wishes. S.B.