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Western european integration

Posted on 04 Jun 2011 by admin | Filled under: national-state-local

The term European Integration denotes the process of legal, military, economic, social, and political integration of European states either completely or partially. The Western European Integration is the process of integrating the western states of Europe in order to work as one group. The aspect of Western European integration is rooted during the end of the World War 11 where the continental political structure and climate favored Western Europe's unity among countries. This process was viewed by many people as a form of escape from the tremendous forms of patriotism that had overwhelmed the whole continent. The importance of Western European Integrations is realized in terms of military, political, social and economic dimensions. It is of importance to note that, this union comprises of Western countries Europe like; Sweden, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Germany, and France among others. This study will describe concept of Western European Integration in three dimensions.

Military dimension

The Western European Integration works in harmony with the European Union. In this case, since this is not a country on its own, it does not have its own military forces but there are various multinational military and peacekeeping forces that are eventually commanded by the European Union. On this basis, this military force is usually viewed as the main future Western European Integration army. The function of this military army is to maintain security and peace in the countries involved. The military integration indicates that in case one of the member countries is invaded this army may be used in fighting the enemy. The corps in this army includes forces from twenty five Western European nations in exception of Denmark which does not take part in the common defense policy. Importantly, the functions of these military forces have been integrated in the development of Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) as well as European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP). The main question in military dimension is avoidance of wars or conflicts among the nation states.

Economic Dimension

The Western European Integration under European Union functions as a single financial market across the region of the member states. In order to thrive economically, the Eurozone members have come up with a single currency that is used in purchasing and selling of goods and services. Importantly, the aspects of tariffs are usually eliminated when member countries are trading in order to benefit both nations. There is a free trade are which is defined by the elimination of quotas, preferences and tariffs on traded goods. On the other hand, there are custom unions which define areas where no customs should be levied on traded goods that are travelling within this territory. The concept of single market was mainly intended to guarantee the four basic freedoms which are all related in ensuring that there is free and fair movement of goods, services, people as well as capital. These movements are allowed around the European Union's internal markets. It should be noted that, there are countries which have not joined the European Union but participate in the single market as they have signed the European Economic Area agreement.

Social and political dimension

There are social movements in the Western European nations that encourage and support free academic community. In this case, education is fully supported by this union. There is an organization that aims at integrating and promoting education systems in the whole of Western Europe. Socially, people are allowed to move across this region without any barriers. This has increased opportunities of social integration and peace among the member states through interaction and socialization. There is the promotion of free movement of patients among the member countries under the Smart Open Services. This helps in offering medical and health services to patients from all member countries. On this basis, doctors can have an access of patients' data even from other countries electronically and propose medications. On the other hand, socialization and integration of communities have minimized chances of invasion or any other form of conflict between territories or communities. Additionally, the social integration ensures that there is promotion of fundamental rights of all citizens of the member countries. These rights include the right to vote which is extended to foreigners. The visa policy allows the member countries to have right to acquire visa and travel to any country without restrictions.

Major motivating factors for integration

The European integration has been motivated by the elimination of tariffs, quotas and preferences on goods and services sold to member countries. Additionally, the concept of fundamental rights that are accepted by each and every member has been a factor that promotes this integration. Additionally, since this integration promotes peace and unity in the whole of Europe, the presence of effective military forces have acted as a motivation to the process of peace promotion. Further, the aspect of single market where a common currency is used has promoted trade and businesses and since almost all member countries are stable economically, this trade is highly motivated. Additionally, there has been stability in terms of social and political perspectives and hence peace is thwarted in the whole region.