• plyth@feddit.org
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    2 days ago

    That’s what happened. Countries had to join. Of course it’s normal to expect people to fulfill the obligations for the benefits. But to rely on this to keep the EU together allows for corruption that will become a detriment for everybody.

    No need to give all benefits. It just shouldn’t be necessary to join.

    • Zedstrian@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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      2 days ago

      None of the benefits existed before the EU existed. Countries economically benefit from joining the EU due to those novel benefits, but in absence of them, countries otherwise don’t lose anything they had already by not joining.

      • plyth@feddit.org
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        2 days ago

        None of the disadvantages of not joining existed either. If neighboring countries stop doing business because transaction costs with countries within the EU are becoming cheaper for them then a country can shrink, or join the EU. In democracies that will inevitably lead to pro EU parties winning.

          • plyth@feddit.org
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            2 days ago

            Yes. Yet is it wise to use the power to force other countries to support it?

            • Eheran@lemmy.world
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              1 day ago

              It sounds like complaining that a shared flat is allowing the people living there to have lower cost of living?

              • plyth@feddit.org
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                1 day ago

                When Walmart comes to a town, everything is cheaper there, until the other shops have closed.

                The EU can be all good, like a shared flat. But it could also be like Walmart. It’s difficult to know.

                By making fair deals the EU makes sure that it stays good. If the EU is willing to force the hand of countries it’s likely that it will force the hand of its workers.

                Of course, Britain can’t quit and expect to keep all advantages.