Europe's Growing Pains

by Madeleine Kando

There is a lot of talk lately warning about the impending downfall of 'Europe'. Forbes Magazine has an article: The End Of Europe: A Civilization Built On Sand, basically saying that, since there is no unifying force to hold Europe together, it has no army, no common language and no common religion, Europe is bound to end soon.

But how can a continent disappear? Short of the earth's crust splitting open and swallowing it whole, Europe is here to stay. What they are really talking about is the European Union, of course.

The European Union was set up after the Second World War to prevent further bloodshed between neighboring countries. It was officially established in 1993 with the Treaty of Maastricht. So, when these writers talk about 'Europe' they are talking about something that is only eighteen years old!

In her article 'The Decline and Fall of Europe', Rana Foroohar explains how Europe is going to disappear because the political will to stick up for each other in hard times is not there. The big brothers (Germany and France) are not looking out for the little sisters (Spain and Greece). As proof of selfishness and lack of unity she points to the rejection of a European Constitution when it was put to a vote by referendum. I believe if it had been given more time in a less 'top down' approach, it would have succeeded.

Naturally there is great resistance to sacrifice part of your own welfare for the common good. If New Mexico defaulted on its debt and if Massachusetts and New York were asked to bail it out, would they willingly do so, no questions asked?

Yes, 'old' Europe, as we like to call it is in its infancy. Everyone is desperately trying to make it grow up much too fast, including Europeans themselves.

But I admire Europeans' sensible, patient approach to the process. The riots and protests amongst the young are shocking to watch, but casualties are rare and it's not like America doesn't have its share of violence on the streets.

No European country, in their right mind, would want to see the EU disappear. It has made many things possible: excellent infrastructure, good education and an affordable health care. I am sure that Europe will not throw out the baby with the bath water.

There was a time when every European country thought they were superior to their neighbor. And although there is an increase in nationalism in some European countries, others have grown closer. I believe we should give credit where credit is due and not expect miracles from a 'country' that has barely had time to realize that it exists. leave comment here