The Logical Conclusion Politics and progress

Reforming the EU: Is It Possible?

Update: Whether you are for the EU or against the EU, if you believe in the people being heard, you will agree that when up to 75% of people want a referendum on it, it is right to hear them. When three quarters of the British public want a chance to be heard, and none of the three major parties are willing to listen, there comes a time for action. Join The People's Pledge and tell them that if they won't hear our voice and offer a referendum, we won't vote for them.

One of the common arguments which I hear from supporters of more integration with the EU goes something like this:

"The EU is in serious need of some reorganisation. It has to work more efficiently. We should get more involved and push for it. Our external policy leaning towards the US has not helped with this as we lost influence on EU affairs which is precious as they should be our main allies (because of historical and cultural reasons). By getting more involved we should be able to tackle this, as opposed to carry on pretending we live in a country in limboland, neither Europeans nor Americans... and calling the people who live in Europe, continentals..."

OK, I admit it, that's a direct quote from two Lib Dems who I've debated the subject with from an online discussion group (most of the party is far from sceptical of the EU).

Essentially, the Reformist argument is that although the EU isn't perfect, we stand to gain a lot more from reforming and integrating with our allies in Europe, than from raising the draw-bridge and completely backing away. As I have long stood in the opposite camp, I figured that I'll give their approach some scrutiny and see what I can come up with.