Europe is currently the sick man on the world stage.  Yet, hidden in the current European crisis is a fantastic opportunity for future growth and stability that will extend not only to Europe but to the entire democratic world.  It is time for the European Union to become a single, united and democratic country instead of a collection of loosely connected independent states.  Slowly but surely, the leaders of the independent countries of Europe are beginning to move towards this realization but Europeans, Americans and democracy supporters everywhere should be clear that acting swiftly will be in our interest.

The problem in Europe is political as well as economic because the debt problems countries are currently facing are manageable if the continent is united.  Taken together, the countries of the E.U. actually have far less debt than the United States with a population nearly twice the size at 700 million.  The economy of the combined E.U. is unrivaled in size and is coupled with a historical experience of science and modernity.  Latent strengths make the E.U. a potential democratic giant during a time where democratic rights are at threat worldwide.

A Country Called Europe

A strong E.U. could be a force for democratic progress on the international stage.  The countries of Europe experienced the 20th century’s conflicts of ideologies and the ferocity of the World Wars yet emerged democratic and peaceful.  Since WWII, they have consistently and successfully supported democracy within European countries and could amplify that honorable feat across the world.  A working union in Europe could peacefully encourage democracy struggles across the world and deter troublemakers.

From human trafficking to terrorism and the environment, the threats of the future will be too big for any of the 27 E.U. states to face individually, including its biggest member, Germany.  The people of the E.U. have an unparalleled opportunity to ensure worldwide economic growth and international stability. In the interest of democratic strength and security, a strong Europe should be welcomed with open arms.