Euromania
Uncovering the European Union
Euromania is a film produced by Peter Vlemmix in which he voices his personal concerns over losing his beloved Holland to the European Union and investigates what being part of the E.U. really means for it’s citizens.
The European Union was one of the most brilliant ideas of modern society. It meant freedom, the end of wars, 28 countries joined together, one single coin, and no borders. But there is a down side to all of this: countries are losing their individuality as the EU becomes more and more involved in their trivial domestic issues. The EU is calling the shots about when and how to get pregnant, how much energy to consume, and agricultural habits. The big question is, where is the line drawn?
According to Wim Van De Camp, a member of the European Parliament, “To understand the European Union in a proper way you need some knowledge and some experience because it’s quite complicated… it’s a corporation of 28 sovereign states.” Van De Camp states that the economic framework is laid out in Brussels, but the details are managed in each country. Considering that a sovereign country is supposed to be boss over its money and laws, the definition offered by this Member of Parliament seems a bit twisted. He does admit, however that the countries are required to function according to national priorities.
Another Member of Parliament states that Brussels is involved in about 80% of each country’s law making. This is quite a shock because what it means is that The EU is handing down what might be ‘one size fits all’ laws that completely ignore each country’s specific needs.
Brussels has become a Mecca for lobbyists. There are anywhere between 15,000 and 30,000 lobbyists and special interest groups there. Unfortunately it’s voluntary and even if they are required to register, there’s very little transparency so the numbers might not be quite accurate. The consequences of this touch the most intimate details of everyday life. For instance, foods that have been rejected in other parts of the world due to the known threat of producing cancer cells in the human body are deemed fit for consumption by the EU.
Is it possible for a country to take back some of its power from Brussels? Experts think it might be close to impossible because for some issues there’s not a clear line that separates EU interests from National interests. Nevertheless some countries have been able to retain some of their independence. What’s next? Is it worth trying to change? Watch this documentary now.
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