Hey, thanks for the separate post, but I think you're going to regret pursuing this angle. On the other hand, after your last smug post on this topic, I am not at all surprised you are taking time to lecture us dumb Americans. Maybe by bringing this up again you'll actually learn something, but you don't seem too receptive.

Why Americans Should rethink Europe: It's like NAFTA, it's not a country

Your title suggests you yourself are confused about what the EU is, what Americans think, and what NAFTA is.

You say:

the continent is a loose economic community much like the countries of NAFTA

Let's start with NAFTA. What is NAFTA?

NAFTA is a treaty between Canada, Mexico, and the United States that was designed to foster greater trade between the three countries.

You seem to fall into the category of "many observers" below:

Many observers consider NAFTA to be the same sort of economic and political union that the European Union (EU) is. This is both true and untrue. The EU, like NAFTA, is an economic union that fosters greater trade and cooperation between a large handful of the countries of Europe. EU members, however, have a common currency, while NAFTA members do not. Also, the EU has a political element and its own government, neither of which NAFTA has.

What is the EU?

To become a member of the European Union, a nation must be in conformance with a series of standards called the Copenhagen criteria. These detail geographic and political necessities for member nations. Included standards dictate human rights laws, democracy, protective law for minorities, and a market economy. As of 2008, three states are candidates undergoing review: Turkey, Croatia, and the Republic of Macedonia. Several other nations are identified as potential candidates for future admission, including Albania and Serbia.

One of the greatest achievements of the European Union is the establishment of a single market economy. Between member nations, trade is largely unrestricted. While nations maintain separate laws on taxation and trade standards, EU members agree to basic trade laws between their countries. Almost all products created by one nation are legal for trade in all of the other countries.

Most nations belonging to the EU have adopted a common currency, called the Euro. The Euro is overseen by the European Central Bank, in an effort to promote all economies that incorporate the use of the currency. As of 2008, 15 nations use the Euro, collectively called the Eurozone. Other EU members must meet specific financial and economic standards before being allowed to adopt the currency. Slovenia was the first of the countries from the 2004 expansion to meet euro criteria.

In addition to increasing economic stability, the European Union sets member policy on a variety of social and political issues. Agriculture, energy policy, anti-terrorism efforts, environmental issues, and education are among the serious areas covered by various EU committees. The EU’s goal of creating a neighborhood community of nations is still in its infancy, but measurable impacts are already apparent in the economic and social arenas.

Compare with your definition of "Europe":

I think Americans should consider Europe as a continent with over 20 different languages and 27 sovereign governments, each with its own army and passport color.

Again with the elitism. I live just outside New York City, where 170 languages are spoken. Although you speak English, I am not sure you know what you're talking about.

Maybe all you wanted was another chance to call the EU president a "nut job." So you got it.

In any case, I highly recommend this post for its educational value.

Jane, I must confess I had not read your blog before. But reading it over -- not just this post but recent posts -- I really enjoyed getting your perspective. I'll be back. Josh