Euroskepticism — A Matter of Opportunity
By Simon Schmid
I was fortunate enough to grow up within a family and social context where the exploration of ones surroundings was valued highly and prioritized. The most tangible benefits of the EU — free movement or labor, capital and people, a common currency and, I would argue, generally more cross-cultural understanding — are imperceptible to those who cannot enjoy the benefits of travel as well as studying and living abroad.
The difficulties posed by a currency union, the financial crisis and austerity are likely the main cause for blowback against the Euro and the EU. It is noteworthy however, that the groups most gripped by the specter of right and left wing extremism are also those least likely to have experienced the opportunities that come with a continent moving closer together. This is not merely a problem of willingness, but one of opportunity. Until now, the benefits of the EU have produced an in and out-group effect between those who have shared in traveling without exchanging money or being held up at borders and those who could not afford such opportunities. Those are the fault lines along which approval for the EU has been split. So why not invest in providing those groups most likely to be skeptic of the Euro and the EU with experiences that show them its merits?
Imposed austerity is a questionable policy, both in its economic and political effect. The alternatives of quantitative easing and fiscal expansion pose the question where the investment should go. I would argue that the available money should be used to provide those lacking the means with intercultural experiences to foster a more conductive political climate. Intercultural exchange programs already exist under Erasmus+ but are most suited to well-educated participants. In order to have an effect on those most likely to fall victim to Euroskepticism, it has to do more than focus on those who stayed within the education system the longest. I had the opportunity to go abroad and interact with other students on the EU dime multiple times during Secondary School and University. While I loved the experiences, they were somewhat wasted on me; I had those opportunity regardless of these programs. It should be those whose social environment may not necessarily emphasize the importance of travel and education who receive these opportunities.
Investing in showing the non-financial benefits of the EU and giving European youths the opportunity to travel and revel in the freedom the EU entails may contribute to stemming the tide of Euroskepticism and, at the same time, present a financial investment in those that may need it the most. I believe the EU is more than an economic union; it is time to show others that this is indeed the case. Seems like a no-brainer to me.
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Simon Schmid is an International Relations and Economics specialist with a background in sustainability and social entrepreneurship. Currently, he is consulting for Ernst and Young, after working as a Researcher for the Center for Transatlantic Relations, while completing his Masters at Johns Hopkins’ School of Advanced International Studies. Simon grew up in Germany, did his undergraduate work in the Netherlands, completed his Masters in Italy and the US and is thankful for the international experiences that were afforded to him.
This essay is part of StoryEurope, a project of Purpose and the Catalyst FP7 Collective Intelligence Consortium.
