Denmark's EU Opt-Outs And Why We Need to Get Rid of Them
Denmark is in the EU. But on certain restrictions. We do not use the Euro (what a load) and we are not in the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP), Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) and the citizenship of the European Union. Note: The last thing doesn't really matter any more. More info.
This of course means that we cannot participate in discussions about the Euro, but since our currency is pegged to the Euro, we have to follow whatever they say. Keeping our currency (the krone) is only sensible in some sort of nationalistic value. Which is just stupid. But of course, every country has their nationalists and wishes to abandon reason for what is old fashioned and makes us us.
We have our own language damnit, aren't you happy enough? And if you need a currency to make you feel you, you need to get out more (and that is coming from me — me!).
As for the defence and justice opt-outs, people are not so tacky. They are more willing to give in to those, especially the defence part. But people are not that in favour of abandoning the justice opt-out.
Now here is the real thing about it. Cause so far it has just been me ranting like a crazy person (I am crazy, so obviously I rant like crazy!). They are now considering elections to get rid of them. Which of course is good, but it probably won't be until 2009. So another year of doing nothing.
But the debate has turned into how to do it. Some suggest that we get to vote for them all at once. Some suggest that you can vote specifically for each on the same ballot. And some even suggest separated elections for each!
But hold on to that last thought right there, now it may seem expensive setting up three different elections (remember, the fourth opt-out is of no concern now), but it is merely for having more debate about each opt-out. I cannot disagree with that, but personally, I'd like to get rid of them as soon as possible.
This is typical about Danes though, they are too scared to try new things. But I am still sort of pissed at the Brits and Swedes as well. You think you are smart not using the Euro as well, and as far as I remember, some Swedes only picked not to because we did! Stupid Swedes, cannot make up their own minds. And the Brits, the British pound is not such a fashionable currency as it used to be.
I'll let you know if something happens on this subject... in a year or so apparently.
by berkz at 08-02-2008 23:26
normal
by Michael at 11-06-2008 14:44
Just stumbled on your blog from a slashdot entry. I'm from germany, but I spend one year in denmark in the second grade of a gymnasium. Wile I do speak danish, I feel that I should respong to you in the original language of your post.
I think that the european union is a good thing. It's one step closer to uniting all countries in this world and bring peace to earth. While we do have arguments, we have them in civilised ways and this union has been at peace with it's members for over 60 years. Let's face it, we are all human, all the same and war is unnecessary, so why not unite?