Should the European Union, especially France, Germany and Britain, invest more in armed forces?
959351
depends more on whether u think its an investment, if u cannot support that kind of spending in long run it will become a burden in time
1187022
Yes.  The euro has inexplicably grown stronger with the last addition of nations even though all of the economic indicators have fallen.  France has record unemployment, the rest of western europe isn't too far behind and the attraction for businesses to put new plants in eastern europe where wages and cost of living are dramatically lower will not improve the situation.\n\nBritain still uses its own currency because they don't have faith in the fake economy established by the EU.
922446
I would like to see a larger army as well. But our troops are the best\nthere are any where.
858263
I'm not bothered either way really. It's about even.\n\nThe main argument for not joining is that the UK loses control of its own interest rates, about the only 'lever' that the government has to control the economy.\n\nAn interest rate set to suit the whole EU might not suit the UK. At the moment, unemployment rates are low. The government needs to consider how they would pull out of another early-80s style unemployment crisis. Dropping interest rates might be the only way to stimulate business. If the EU doesn't let you do that, you can get 'stag-flation', a combination of stagnation (lack of economic growth) and inflation, which  France and Germany haven't fully got out of.\n\nYou can't stimulate business any more using government subsidies, because they aren't allowed by the EU or the WTO (World Trade Organisation).\n\nInterest rates obviously have a strong effect on house prices and also affect business profitability and whether international companies see more or less profit from setting up in the UK or somewhere else.\n\nIts all a question of the supply and demand for money, as far as borrowers are concerned. When it comes to mortgages and things, higher interest rates means less demand for loans, but a higher cost if you do actually take one out.\n\nArguments in favour of joining the euro are that there would be no more foreign exchange transaction fees, both for businesses and when you jet off to Spain, accountancy would be simpler for multi-national firms and for firms that import/export goods or services to/from the present EU zone.
393321
I think it's a good idea.  It would probably cause more peace in the world.  I mean, take a look at Switzerland--they have a huge army, and they are known for peace. \nAnd also, it's important to remember: THE BEST OFFENSE IS TO HAVE A GREAT DEFENSE.\nIf we have a huge army, who in their right mind will pick on us or any of our friends?
471066
I think England has the strongest most powerful military, but France also has a nuclear weapon.\n\nGerman economy has a stronger GDP.\n\nSo there isn't a real definate answer. But if you had to tie me to one Id say Germany cause of their economy and the fact that they have allies enough where if they were attacked again by Russia they'd fight em off.
397104
Every country to join the EU has benefitted immensely from it.  Ireland, Spain, Portugal improved their economy and their standard of living and caught up with the rest of the EU when they joined, and Poland, Czech, and the other new members should catch up soon.  I don't see any reason why Bulgaria and Romania won't do the same.  However if they don't join the EU then they could get left behind.
732631
I believe an economic calculation has been made. Unfortunately the investment made by us the Brits would not be supported by the US nor the UN. Therefore for us to send in a land force and police the country would just not be viable financially (and yes you are correct this is probably because they do not have oil).\nI believe the only reason that the US and UK went to Kosovo was because Albania was the last bastion of communism in Europe. With Zimbabwe it is just another despotic leader threatening only his people. Our specialist forces are also heavily deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan and we just do not have the man-power to uphold something that would probably be seen as an ongoing problem.
467999
Favorites like Germany, ENgland, Netherland, Italy, Chek Rep., Croatia. France,Spain and Portugal will have a chance with  Switzerland and too. Less posibilities to Poland Sweden, Serbia and Ukraine
37752
I think through time, moving to the Euro is a possibility. It may be an ego blow to red blooded Americans, but not particularly damaging to the economy.\n\nWith regard to invade, I not sure that is a practical necessity, more likely they will attempt to destroy facilities perceived to be active in nuclear work, while applying external pressure through sanctions.
283622
Most European nations were over run by the Nazis in WW2 and the French were at the front line on Hitler's plans to invade England. Some nations stayed nuetral, however Hitler was intent on not only conquering these nations, but plundering them as well.
365483
IMO the UK also knows that the only nation that they can truly count on if they need military help is the US.
1158134
How what works, the world? I doubt it although they may have united to become the EU there is no sense of common history or common cause. I don't see too much cooperation in the EU.
1146653
european nations are just too strong
415170
By letting more Latin-Americans across the boarder.  \n\nBut in all truth there are some special protections that Western European Countries negotiated when joining the EU.  One of these includes excluding workers from certain eastern countries from working in Western countries for a given number of years.  \n\nAlso, many western European countries have huge low paid labor forces.  France for example has 10% unemployment rates and 40% of their population works for minimum wage.    That could be why there are factories all over France, and I am desperate to find factories in America.\n\nMany people in America cry about China being the next big threat, but the real competition is back in Europe.  The 25 member states of the EU already have a higher GDP then the US.  Not only that, but they also have a way nicer life style.\n\nHow are they able to do it?  They don't spend exorbitant quantities of money on their military.
760347
i think they should stay there and get more allied soldeirs from defferent countrys
1002580
Germany would be the one.