Airstrip One

Cato's take on Prodi's Plan for the EU - 8th January 2003, 21.17

With irreverent American optimism, the Cato Institute argues that even apathetic Euros will not wish to see their democratic power taken away and replaced by unelected bureaucrats.

On the one hand, they will be faced with Prodi's vision of the EU growing more bureaucratized, unaccountable, and detached from people's concerns. On the other hand, they will have an opportunity to undo, as Penelope did, the fabric of the European behemoth. As Penelope, who defended what was precious to her, the people of Europe will be able to re-assert their sovereign will and reject further European integration. In so doing, they may succeed in transforming the Union into what it might have been: a free trade area, where people enjoy the fruits of prosperity, while at the same time maintaining their right to determine their own destinies.

I certainly hope so.