The Pros And Cons Of The European Union

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Even though the European Union was originally created with economic and political goals in mind, to promote peace and free trade, ever since the beginning of the European Union, social rights have played a vital role in the international cooperation of all member states. The EU is built up on common values, supported by all 28 member states, endorsing “inclusion, tolerance, justice, solidarity, and non-discrimination”. Throughout decades, the European Institutions have worked towards a more equal and unified Europe, where every person is protected the same, regardless of his or her background, competences, and beliefs. I agree with the above mentioned statement “The European Union is not only an economic and political union, but also a social one”, however I do believe that the social dimension of the…show more content…
However, as the Union’s goals have always been mainly focused on the economy, the forerunners of the Union tend tom at times of hardship, forget that social rights should always, in any situation, be put above economic freedoms. The Pillar of Social Rights is a good example of the European Union giving its best to improve the social dimension of the Union, however still in a sense prioritizing the economy by focusing on rights that first and foremost affect the economy. Maybe it is the unfortunate timing of this recommendation, following the Euro crisis, or maybe it is a reminder of the original goals that the EU was built upon. I still share the opinion that the European Union is a social union, as it has, over decades, guaranteed social rights and freedoms and still continues to fight for a more equal and unified Union. Although the EPSR has many shortcomings, I consider it a great example to show that the European Union is actively working on progressing the social aspects of the Union – it might not be a perfect social union, but it is one
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