Airstrip One

Wider still and wider

Expansion is a delicate subject at this time of year, with all that Christmas Turkey and such, however the European Union's hair brained scheme should also be examined. The Holy Blog makes the point that this is going to cost an awful lot of money that will in the medium term mean that the bill for them to store away our sovereignty will rise further. An old point but one that bears more repitition.

Another interesting point that needs to be driven home is that it will make Euro convergence all but impossible if they don't get the vote soon. We will not be converging with the twelve countries in the Euro zone but also with the likes of Poland and Hungary which will be expected to adopt the Euro almost when they joint the EU (no opt outs for the new boys). Now even the very mention of convergence with Poland should scare away the more moderate Federasts. However the idea of lasting convergence is unlikely to say the least.

If a referendum is called in the next year of course the Treasury will not be obliged to carry out the five tests with the new members in the equation, however it would be useful leaflet material to remind the waverers that they will be entrusting the Euro to such economic
paradises as Latvia and Slovenia. As we are talking about the future we could even bang on about Bulgaria and Turkey (with no offence intended to our Bulgar and Turkish readership). The idea of the Euro will suddenly look less and less respectable.