Hardly the EU's fault that southern Europe has been run to shits. They have notoriously corrupt politicians. The writer should know since he's based in Italy they had Berlusconi for x amount of years, as well as ridiculous political system. No one in Europe reads less newspapers than the Italians. They have given up.
It's however true the EU is extremely unsexy, with it's distant, boring and slow bureaucrats, having nearly no real power at all. They are basically negotiators. It's very easy for for politicians to blame whatever on the EU. Still, it does make sense that Europe should have equal standards, that Europeans can move to where there is work. And before an equilibrium arises, there will be movement of people.
I see it as a great freedom, to be able to go anywhere and work anywhere. I do realize it results in increased competition too, but having seen what too much protection leads to I think I prefer the latter. It factually is more efficient for Europe as a whole, and I think that benefits us all in X number of ways. For example, it's better to have a competent German engineer construct this highway cheaper, faster, better, than to have someone local make something that lasts 2 winters. Then perhaps someone local can code some brilliant code for a German company. It's about having the best man for the job.
Now I sound like an extreme capitalist, but I'm also for taxing the rich hard, especially when they die. Money is power and it is best used in competent and accomplished hands, not in inherited hands.
