mike nickeas

I thought that as I was new to the site I should ask a profound question, therefore, what do other user of the forum think is the biggest threat to european countries at the moment and why? many thanks

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Parihaka

I'll vote for tariffs and subsidies. Economic isolationism and anti-trade policies are long-term suicide.

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In the realm of spirit, seek clarity; in the material world, seek utility.
Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz

ArmchairGeneral

I'm torn between the bad economic policies Parihaka mentioned, and two other options: the incredibly bloated social welfare programs and their associated tax burden, and the social problems related to immigrant assimilation and slow birthrates.

Welcome, btw.

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"Apocalyptic thought is curiously pleasurable."
-Theodore Dalrymple

manunited

I'm a newbie, so my post might not satisfy your question. I read a Newsweek article some time ago. It noted that for the past decade, especially in the lead-up to the Iraq war, Europe has consistently distanced itself from the US. While this may promote Europe as a peace seeker when America's world status is strong, it creates a rift in their relationship. Right now, the US is faced with many problems, inside and outside and many even talk about the American decline. In the face of a rising China and a resurgent and ambitious Russia, if Europe does not recognize its so-called inter-dependence on US, it risks creating a weakened West, which for so many years have been a pro-democratic force. However, the situation has somewhat improved with the election of Nicholas Sarkozy and Angela Merkel, pro-American French and German leaders. Now it is left for Europe to decide