[Morgan in Denver]

The biggest problem is one of political philosophies. Refusing to either eliminate or reduce the welfare state is the main problem with the EU. Someone has to pay for it and continued excessive socialism is killing growth and productivity. Many people in the EU damn capitalism, a market economy and the US, but it's exactly these things that help keep America out producing what the EU is capable of doing. It's like a yo-yo. The EU sanctions more capitalistic process until it's big enough to tax, and then the governments start taking the profits for social programs and the industry starts suffering.

[snugs]

Partly true but then on the other hand most countries in Europe are capitalist in as much as they are ruled by big business and the banking system and are dependant upon worldwide market economies not just their own.

The biggest problem is that the 2 do not mix Europe wants the benefit of a Capitalist system for prosperity but also for comfort and to be seen as caring societies etc wants extensive welfare systems its a bit like oil and water they don't mix.