LOCAL CONVERSATIONS AND VIEWS

In all the conversations I had with people about the European Union the biggest benefit that the people saw about the EU was the conveniences of traveling and living in Europe. Almost every person discussed how great it was that they didn't have to stop the trains to stamp passports at every border. They also appreciated the Euro for the most part so they didn't have to continually exchange currency.

One interesting conversation I had was with a German citizen who was living and working in Switzerland. He loves Switzerland and has been living there for a number of years. Like many others he really liked the EU and the fact that it was easier to travel around, and he wished that Switzerland would join, not for the economic binding or the furthering of the cause of an integrated Europe, but so he didn't have to change money when he went out of the country.

It almost felt like I was never going to get to the heart of what the EU stands for in conversation. Number one it was hard to find those who spoke enough English, and two, it was hard to find people that would talk long enough. Those who did talk, wanted to show how much they knew about US politics, which was quite impressive. I think many Europeans would do well on Jay Leno's "Jay Walking" show on US info. It might be fun to do a US versus Europe show... Other than some local politics (which I didn't know anything about) there was seemingly very little knowledge of the EU and its institutions.

I think one of the reasons that the EU goes unnoticed is partially due to the fact that there is no permanent front person to look to, and it is perceived as a bunch of lawyers in Brussels and detached from the countries. As we traveled through Europe I saw constant updates on the Lisbon treaty. As part of the treaty the Europe would have a single president for a longer period of time and a more unified foreign policy, both of which would add more recognition and legitimacy. I think in the future many more people will be educated in European politics.

Of course, I spent quite a bit of time with Rashid, and he was extremely knowledgeable with the EU, and it was great to gain many of his insights. We were able to talk about everything from the environmental regulations on cars to the Shengen and Euro Zones and UK perspectives.