Recently, there’s been the idea about Canada joining the EU catching on. While this might seem far-fetched, I think it’s a brilliant idea – and just the beginning. Why stop at Europe? Let’s think bigger: World Union.
The EU is more than just a free trade agreement; it’s a commitment to shared values like democracy, rule of law, and human rights. If these are the foundations, why not open the doors to any country that meets these criteria? Welcoming nations like New Zealand, South Korea, Thailand, Argentina or Libya – if they fulfill the criterias and rules (which they might do already or take many years but can happen eventually).
Also, EU’s has a multi-layered structure. Membership isn’t all-or-nothing; countries can opt into different levels of integration. There’s the EU itself, but also the Schengen with its free movement of people that is separate from the EU. And the Euro, with a central currency. But one country needs not be in all of these. This creates a flexibility for accommodating diverse needs and could be a model for global expansion.
Of course, scaling up would require some reforms. Likely more than I can see. And probably needs a mechanisms to ensure compliance and address rule-breakers (as we are seeing recently with Hungary for example). But the potential benefits are immense. A grander union committed to democratic values and free trade could be a force for stability and prosperity worldwide.
For me Europe does not have a unique set of values. Europe has changed a lot over thousand of years. But shared values between a lot of countries exist: democracy, rule of law, free trade. Let’s not limit these ideals to one continent. These are times to think globally and act boldly.
…but of course, World Union is a hard name to pronounce (and how would you appreviate it, “double-u-u”?). So maybe better to go with Global Union or something like that…
What are your thoughts on this? Would love to hear perspectives.