Quote Originally Posted by davidbfpo View Post
I know this is a sub-issue in this thread, mainly for our USA members and a few who live this side of the Atlantic - the perception that Europe is not paying it's way in European security and the USA is frustrated at this.
With tongue firmly planted in cheek, I am willing to extend the benefit of the doubt provided that the FT, Economist Intelligence Unit, The Economist, Ducati Motorcycles, BMW Motorcycles, Triumph Motorcycles, Guinness Beer, Hefe Weizen Beer, Polish Vodka, Senf, Swiss dark chocolate, and Dr. Who continue to make it across the pond on a very regular basis. Otherwise all bets are off

Heading back to the serious side of things the economics, energy, and politics of the EU appear to be firmly linked to the events in Libya (...and MENA = Middle East North Africa), and via globalization, firmly linked to those of us across the Atlantic and beyond.

Some of the EU themes/meta-narratives (the kids are referencing GIS influences with that meta-narrative phrase) of concern include the coherence and financial viability of of the EU (core vs periphery - defaults & transfer union concerns which strengthen EU skeptics - True Finns, etc), stability of energy producers supplying the EU (Russia, MENA, etc.), increased energy needs (Germany's shut down of Nuclear Power Stations) increased ascendency of the far right (Gert Wilders, Jean-Marie Le Pen, and even the NPD), probable ruling party changes/weakening (France, Germany, Italy, etc) xenophobia, the demographics of aging and immigration, and changes to social contracts (UK, etc.). Europe certainly appears to have it's hands full, but then security concerns are merciless and never rest, nor sleep

In order to get through this particular reorganization of the geopolitical landscape fresh folks will need to break trail, while we all continue to prioritize, effectively allocate scarce resources, and continue to pull together.