Quote:
Originally Posted by JJ_BPK
My post is am attempt to generate a open discussion based on current events. And you are correct in stating that the post was simplistic. That is exactly what I was aiming for.
The problem(s) are very simple.
The idea that a nation like Germany can browbeat most, if not all of Europe into their vision of a banking system run by their vision of a political system, seems less than optimal, unless they have a vision.
The idea that a small country like Greece can spend wealth that it has no way of generating via it's own economic system is also ludicrous.
Thus, one can argue that the problems of Europe globally fall into the two buckets.
If you want to macro analyze the differences between Spain, Italy, and Greece, so be it. But they are still countries that can not or will not attempt to fix their financial problems.
Instead they have become dependent on the other EU parties to bail them out.
And Germany seems to be very willing to take the lead...
Why?????
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For starters, please believe me when I say that I meant no insult when I replied to your first post. I mean it.
Switching focus, Germany has proven as one of the lead economies in Europe. characterized by financial and political rigour. Their vision, in my opinion, is to bring the rest of Europe to exercise the same political and financial rigour or to drop the EU, plain and simple.
To be honest with you, a more german approach to politics and finance would be more than welcome, as some of EU's endemic problems are red tape, inefficiency and waste of financial resources. As per Italy, I'd be lying if I said that we're one of the most virtuous european countries. 20 years of berlusconism have left us with devastating effects. He only pursued his courthouse free agenda, leaving the rest behind. But at the same time, Italy's on the giving end of the cash flow as far as EU goes. Yes, we've received money from the EU, but all within the framework or regular european project financing schemes. Our main problems are fundamentally three: corruption, waste of financial resources ( which is directly related to corruption) and tax evasion but especially with the latest budget law we've definitely acknowledged the situation and started dealing with it. But I don't want to focus on Italy alone. We can discuss it further at a later or separate stage.
So, I said that I agree with your vision of Germany's conduct. And I do not see a problem with it as long as we get only the best of their approach.
The main flaw of the EU, as I said in another thread, is its imposition from above. It is basically a political Frankenstein, the result of a partial integration that is only technical. European states decided to relinquish part of their sovereignty in return to pretty much nothing. Because if on one end we have the EU with all of its treaties, politicians and red tape, on the other hand we lack the instruments for a true governance. And the common history and development. Each member has its own agenda and the current structure of european institutions made up of nothing more than consulting bodies with little to no power has done the rest.
I believe you nailed two issues, but I disagree with saying that it all comes down to germany's strive for leading and greece's indolence. There's more to it.
Looking forward to hearing more opinions.