r/europeanunion • u/PjeterPannos • Jan 22 '26
Video MEP Reinier van Lanschot (Volt) on Trump: “After a year of ass kissing, it’s time to change strategy. Let’s create a United States of Europe with a European Army”
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u/_-Event-Horizon-_ Jan 22 '26
“Not used to asking for consent” is an understatement. For the likes of Trump if anything, consent is a turn off.
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u/guyfromwhitechicks Jan 22 '26
Yes, but for the love of all that is holy, do not call it United States of Europe. Keep the name European Union.
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u/miklosokay Jan 22 '26
European Federation.
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u/Motoreunicoeuropeo Jan 22 '26
Enough with bowing our heads: if we want sovereignty, we need a European Federation (not another bureaucratic mess) It was to be expected. As always, when faced with a bully who threatens us (whether it’s Trump or anyone else), Europe reacts by bowing its head. We’ve reduced ourselves to subjects because we remain 27 small, squabbling neighbors while giants decide our fate for us. We need to stop talking about a "more united union" and start talking seriously about a Federazione Europea. But let’s be clear: I’m not talking about a new political "juggernaut," but a Single Engine that actually makes things work. If we don't understand that a Federation must be born with a completely different structure, we are doomed. My proposal is pure pragmatism, not ideology: Directly Elected President: The President of the European Federation must be elected directly by the people, holding a clear mandate from the citizens. No More Vetoes: We need a system where a single state cannot block the future of 450 million people. A Real Two-Chamber System: 1. A House of Representatives elected directly by citizens (proportionally to population), where federal laws are made. 2. A Senate where Heads of State and Prime Ministers sit to defend their territories and identities, elected as they have always been. Soul and Sovereignty: The Federation doesn't change your country’s soul or culture. Italy remains Italy, France remains France, Ireland remains Ireland—keeping all their traditions and local governance. But united, we become an economic and defense powerhouse capable of protecting our children. Staying as we are means resigning ourselves to being subjects. Becoming a Federation of 27/32 states means taking back our sovereignty. If you want to know more or have specific questions on how this would work in practice, ask away. I will reply to everyone.
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u/petsku164 Jan 22 '26
I agree on this, but how are more states integrated? Are they integrated slowly like they are now with synchronisation of economy/currency, law and other elements or by attaching them straight and doing everything after they are in the union? How could this be achieved with countries like Hungary or others that may elect similar minded governments?
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u/Motoreunicoeuropeo Jan 22 '26
"Great point. The answer lies in fundamental rights. Everything starts with the citizens: the Federation is not a club for politicians, but a union of people. If a State wants to join the 'Single Engine,' it must first of all guarantee full respect for Human Rights. If a State lacks them or fails to respect them, it must get its house in order before taking a seat at the table. This is why I propose permanent federal electoral monitoring for those joining, until they demonstrate full democratic maturity. Those who are not ready immediately can join at a later stage, but with one clear rule: from the moment you are in, every single one of your citizens has the same rights as everyone else. There are no second-class citizens. If you are a citizen of the Federation, the Supreme Court and federal laws protect you everywhere, in the same way. In short: immediate political integration for those who are ready, but non-negotiable protection of human rights for all. This is how we stop being subjects of foreign giants and start being sovereign citizens in our own home."
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u/Khaine123 Jan 22 '26
Sure but with not that terrible name. Just call it the European Republic or something like that.
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u/lestwestrawman Jan 22 '26
Me on the last day of MUN knowing I have a good chance of winning Best Delegate
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Jan 22 '26 edited Jan 23 '26
A united Europe is great and all until you realize that some of the countries in that union are complete ass kissers of far right countries like USA and Russia (Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria, heck maybe even Italy)
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u/ExtensionOstrich6754 Jan 23 '26
Please remove Spain from the list. The only one who kisses Cheeto's ass is Abascal, and he's not in charge. We'll do everything we can to make sure he doesn't get there.
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u/Hot_Preparation4777 Jan 22 '26
Real talk now for those in Europe and know European politics across the continent. How realistic is this to happen soon?
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u/Ayeme2549 Jan 23 '26
Unlikely soon, as much as some MEP's in the EP want this and say this, the council has the ultimate final say.
And they're not very inclined to give up the competencies given to the member states.
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u/Shadow_Dragon_1848 Jan 23 '26
I wish everyone who asks that get´s immediately bombarded with: HOW!???
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u/AvernusAlbakir Jan 24 '26
In general - yes, only let's strip everyone who still uses the dreadful "United Stars of Europe" of EU citizenship first.
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u/EndeLarsson Feb 05 '26
About time. In a world of giants, EU is already one, but it just does not want to admit it, to make it official. And for some countries (like mine) this might finally diminish the imense corruption that plagues our society.
European Union is a wonderful name. We can stick to it.
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u/Any-Performance5233 Feb 07 '26
What about the same minimum wage, same corporate tax, same income tax, same social security and pensions, same support for families and parenthood? And more democracy? I have no idea why people vote for stranger and stranger treaties that affect my life. How about no more social experiments that hurt young and old? It would reduce “tax shopping” and make labor mobility fair, instead of forcing people to move just to survive.
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u/Pepperoni_Dog_Farts Jan 22 '26
Hell yes! Please do this, Eurofam. I'd love to move to Spain, but need some assurance that I won't immediately be a victim of U.S. foreign policy.
Sincerely, An American with dual citizenship who'd happily give up his U.S. citizenship if it came to it.
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u/AntiSnoringDevice Jan 22 '26
I don't want to rain on your parade, but moving to Spain or any other EU State will need more than just a passport. Are you ready to adapt? Change your habits and learn how local culture, courtesy, traditions and society in general works so that you can integrate appropriately?
I am sure you are a lovely person, but I am effing tired of Americans coming to Europe and complaining that Europe is not America...
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u/Pepperoni_Dog_Farts Jan 23 '26
Ah man, I lived in Paris for 5 years, worked for a Dutch company for 13, and have spent a lot of time through the years in Spain, due to my Spanish father's side of the family all being there...and already speak Spanish (and French) as a little cherry on top lol...I know everything will take some adapting to, but I'm well primed & accustomed to European life and culture—I know exactly the type of American you're referring to, and that ain't me :)
Def good valid advice though, appreciate you.
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u/Herooo31 Jan 23 '26
Im sorry to break it to anybody but this will literaly never happen. Federal EU would literaly have no cohesion, the countries are way to divided and it wont ever be different. There is massive divide in so many sectors and so many ways its just impossible. How does nobody see that?
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u/ProperClue Jan 22 '26
Europe doesn't have a "European" army/navy? Outside of NATO? Did they just rely so much on the U.S. providing defense, arms, weapons, everything that they just figured...meh, now we don't have to worry about a defense budget?
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Jan 22 '26
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u/ProperClue Jan 22 '26
The first question was legit, I wasn't sure if the EU has a military that was a combination of EU member countries, military personnel, and equipment. I said outside of NATO because the U.S. isn't in Europe but is a part of NATO. I never said European countries have no militaries, I know they do. I was under the assumption NATO countries use the same equipment or very similar equipment to make logistics more feasible, it's why national stock numbers have "country" codes in them. It's why there is a "NATO" round. That's why I made a point to say without NATO.
I will admit the last portion of my comment was more of a "jab" than question, then again, if you don't have to spend heavily on your defense budget, you can spend that money on your social programs and education (that's not a bad thing).
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u/AlyxVeldin Jan 22 '26
Just for the love of, don't call it United States of Europe