Fiction, Fact and Future: The Essence of EU Democracy (Haus Curiosities)

What this book seeks to illustrate is that there have been major changes to the way of life in our country over the past 45 years, through which we have helped create a remarkable organisation, enabling independent democratic European countries to find ways to resolve their differences together. They have done this not by being entirely nationalistic in their approach, but by realising that through sharing a limited degree of sovereignty they can increase the effectiveness of all of the EU’s members to meet the major challenges ahead.Unpredictability is a key factor in the world today. Though many trends can be identified to show how our societies are adapting at a revolutionary speed to new technologies – with connectivity and digital transformation affecting our environments – in contrast, British political attitudes have been moving at a snail’s pace in terms of adjusting to changes in European institutions. The story of Britain’s membership of the EU provides a cautionary tale of how not to make a success of the venture.I hope that the insight arising from this book, underlining the vital importance of the EU to the stability and prosperity of our environment, will give hope to those who may shortly no longer be EU citizens, so that they are empowered to act and avert what could be a real tragedy for the UK. Since its' inception, the European Union has developed to become an open and transparent system which is democratically accountable to more than five hundred million European citizens. James Elles explains how the EU functions, emphasising the emerging role of the European Parliament in the process. Elles reviews the history of Britain's relationship with the EU and illustrates how a reluctance to consult the British people on multiple Treaty changes led to a lack of understanding about Brussels. Looking to the future, Elles assesses the global long-term trends that lie ahead to 2030 and underlines that closer European cooperation, for example on environmental and digital policies, will help them to be more easily resolved. As the next decade unfurls, the EU with President Macron at the forefront of the debate will progress and the European Parliament will continue to develop as a platform for the voice of the European people. From the disinterest of political leaders to the ambitions of emerging nations, Fiction, Fact and Future is not only a guide to why Britain failed to make the most of its EU membership, but also an optimistic message to a younger generation to help shape their future in the 21st century. -- Provided by publisher Since its inception, the European Union has developed to become an open and transparent system which is democratically accountable to more than five hundred million European citizens. James Elles explains how the EU functions, emphasizing the emerging role of the European Parliament in the process. Elles reviews the history of Britain’s relationship with the EU and illustrates how a reluctance to consult the British people on multiple Treaty changes led to a lack of understanding about Brussels. Looking to the future, Elles assesses the global long-term trends that lie ahead to 2030 and underlines that closer European cooperation, for example on environmental and digital policies, will help them to be more easily resolved. As the next decade unfurls, the EU with President Macron at the forefront of the debate will progress and the European Parliament will continue to develop as a platform for the voice of the European people. From the disinterest of political leaders to the ambitions of emerging nations, Fiction, Fact and Future is not only a guide to why Britain failed to make the most of its EU membership, but also an optimistic message to a younger generation to help shape their future in the 21st century.