Turkey warns EU becoming 'Christian club'

[joegrundman]

I have my solution. That bit of Turkey which is in Europe can join. The rest cannot.

Welcome back Constantinople!

[goldorak]

Originally Posted by joegrundman

I have my solution. That bit of Turkey which is in Europe can join. The rest cannot.

Welcome back Constantinople!

Nice, do we then accept in the EU the bit of Russia that extends to the Urals, and discard the rest ?

[CaptainHaplo]

EU exit agreement:

The Treaties would cease to be applicable to that State from the date of the agreement or, failing that, within two years of the notification unless the State and the Council both agree to extend this period.

In plain speak: Someone says they want out. They formally notify the EU body politik. The EU drags their feet for whatever reason. 2 years and its done. Kaput. Finished. Fin. Over and done with. The exiting member need only refuse to extend negotiations.

[goldorak]

Originally Posted by CaptainHaplo

EU exit agreement:

The Treaties would cease to be applicable to that State from the date of the agreement or, failing that, within two years of the notification unless the State and the Council both agree to extend this period.

In plain speak: Someone says they want out. They formally notify the EU body politik. The EU drags their feet for whatever reason. 2 years and its done. Kaput. Finished. Fin. Over and done with. The exiting member need only refuse to extend negotiations.

Please, getting into the EU is not something that you can at a later date just retract from. Although it is a possibility, the EU is not just an economic zone. Its a vastly more ambitious project, a political one. Thats why it is just preposterous to admit entry to countries that yes could benefit form trade and common security, but that don't have and never will have the same political endgame as that of the founding fathers of modern post ww 2 europe. This is something that has been lost on the current generation of political leaders, and its one of the reasons why the european construction is at a standstill.

Even in the US, some states are granted the possiblity of leaving the union. Texas among them. Can you realistically see Texas getting out of the US ? And would the federal government stay put as they see Texas secede ? Food for thought.

[Gammelpreusse]

Originally Posted by goldorak

Please, getting into the EU is not something that you can at a later date just retract from. Although it is a possibility, the EU is not just an economic zone. Its a vastly more ambitious project, a political one. Thats why it is just preposterous to admit entry to countries that yes could benefit form trade and common security, but that don't have and never will have the same political endgame as that of the founding fathers of modern post ww 2 europe. This is something that has been lost on the current generation of political leaders, and its one of the reasons why the european construction is at a standstill.

Even in the US, some states are granted the possiblity of leaving the union. Texas among them. Can you realistically see Texas getting out of the US ? And would the federal government stay put as they see Texas secede ? Food for thought.

Big difference here,

on a practical basis:
Washington commands federal forces. Brussels does not.

on a theoretical basis:
Even IF the EU someday commands an army and granted, talks are under way in this regard, but if she ever tried to use it to prevent another country to exit, she would lead herself ad absurdum, as the EU was founded, above everything else, to prevent further war in Europe. That tidbit is at the core of her very existence and too many people within the EU would run Amok if she would ever go to arms over a secession.

The rest of your post is spot on, however

[joegrundman]

Originally Posted by goldorak

Nice, do we then accept in the EU the bit of Russia that extends to the Urals, and discard the rest ?

ok, if they want

[goldorak]

Originally Posted by joegrundman

ok, if they want

Whooosh.