There are still hot debates in Estonia on EU and euro.
We sayd yes to EU, and it seems that, being tiny country like Estonia, we haven't got much choice. It is funny though, that our politicians say, that after 700-800 years, this was first volunteery decision to join some larger union (or empire).
As for euro, it will take years before we can start thinking of it, as there are some conditions for economy that should be met first.
As for being non EU country benefiting from EU and at the same time EU country suffering from euro, I will make small example:
After Finland adopted euro, finnish economy lacked about 2 billion euros first year (correct me if I am wrong). With euro prices went up in Finland, i.e. beer, cigarettes. Finns started to make small 1-2 day shopping trips into Estonia and later into St. Petersburg. That was, and still is strong blow on finnish economy, imagine lots of small businesses like bars and pubs having no customers, as finns staying at home having their refrigerators full of estonian beer. Sure, that was serious boost to estonian economy.
There is an idea of staying small country between Russia and EU, there are serious cons. and pros., cons more feared. Like staying without EU dotations and having limited quotas on export to EU.
As for Russia, some time ago, after Estonia announced that it is looking forward to join EU and NATO, Russia implemented double taxation against Estonia. It is still that way.
As for EU can you make some short term predictions on it's structure and development?
For example, will it have the president, will the countries having majority votes have the privileges on being elected into Presidency of the Council by having more members in European comission? Then small countries like us will have less options in influenting things in EU.
How do you see the future of EU? I am very interested in hearing western point of view. What do our canadian, australian, malaysian, US friends think on future of Europe? It looks like it is going towards integration (is it to be able to resist US expansion even?) Look at US measures against France! Thats discusting.
And thanks to changes started in Russia with Putin, Russia may and will become strong and influential again, it may take years though.
Actually, if there is interest, we could start similar discussions on NATO or UN. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" />
