March 1, 2005

AN EBB TIDE LOWERS ALL BOATS:

Confidence in EU economy plunges (Lucia Kubosova, 3/01/05, EUOBSERVER)

Brussels has reported a significant fall in business and consumer confidence in the EU economy, with a better picture in the UK and new member states. [...]

The gloomy picture is mainly due to the pessimism shared among businesses and consumers over the present and forthcoming economic situation in Europe. Consumers also have pessimistic expectations about their savings and future unemployment situation.

The figures are bleaker for the eurozone - the 12 countries that share the euro currency - than for the rest of the EU, mainly due to a stronger performance by the UK and several new member states.


Remind us again why the Brits would join?

Posted by Orrin Judd at March 1, 2005 8:51 AM
Comments

1. Because it is inevitable that the EU is going to grow, grow, grow into something amazingly rich, peaceful and just.

2. Because Britain would be "left out" if she didn't.

3. Wouldn't you want to go on a comfy business trip to Brussels or Strasbourg to negotiate approved strawberries and sausages?

4. Because the future is all about big, big things and Britain alone would be a little, little thing.

5. Who can take British legal, political and cultural traditions seriously after Monty Python?

6. The European Court can dictate wildly unpopular rules and there is nobody to blame.

7. Writing constitutions is fun--the bigger the better.

8. If they let themselves be completely taken over by Germany, Germany will never attack. Pretty clever, no?

9. Cheap wine.

10. Keeps the Yanks guessing.

Posted by: Peter B at March 1, 2005 9:27 AM

ohhh, the UK had better enjoy it while it can, they want 1 year maternity bennies. Did I read that here? I peruse so much.

--Writing constitutions is fun--the bigger the better.--

And more of them cos they're never perfect. This is just a draft. There's more changes to come.

Posted by: Sandy P at March 1, 2005 10:47 AM

But, but a euro costs $1.32 today. The Eurozone economy must be stronger.............

Posted by: ed at March 1, 2005 11:44 AM

It's a classic example of the disconnect between the EUlite in the UK and their subjects. It may not be good for the UK, but it's certainly good for the ruling class.

Posted by: Annoying Old Guy at March 1, 2005 5:33 PM

AOG,

Exactly.

Who cares about the working class? I'm off to my villa in Tuscany.

Posted by: Bart at March 2, 2005 7:30 AM
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