Brothers in economics

   The union of Europe is a tricky business. While nice on paper, combining all the nationalities, perspectives and varying degrees of wealth into one European Union (EU) is no easy task. The notion of expanding that largely economic bloc eastward is even more sensitive. It takes leadership to convince those in the West that those in the East will not siphon off their tax dollars. That they will not move to take Western jobs at lower wages. That they will not weaken the relatively strong bloc.

   Uniting Europe takes leadership, something that current European Commission President Romano Prodi showed little of recently. Prodi surprised Polish EU negotiators by stating March 3 that the EU should be "tougher" with Poland in accession talks. The implication seems to be that one should kowtow to the fears of the most right-leaning Europeans, and the far right such as Austria's Jorg Haider, in order to prevent undue reaction when the Union actually does accept countries such as Poland as its members.

   Integrating foreigners, any foreigners, even if they are your continental kin, is scary business. Poland knows this. Many Poles fear numerous things to do with foreigners, such as land sales, corporate takeovers of domestic companies and the general introduction of any kind of non-Polish controls. But surely Prodi and other EU-ites understand the deeper issue: that integrating all of Europe, even the difficult Eastern members, will ultimately lead to a stronger economic and political bloc. Integration will finally remove the threat of East vs. West and tear down the very last pieces of the wall separating both entities.

   Contrary to some pockets of popular belief in Western Europe, Poland is not a nation of thieves, lackeys, radicals or anything of the sort. Poles are hardworking, creative and, for the most part, open to the rest of the world. Most Poles are trying to build a better future for their families; surely that is something all nations can identify with.

   For Prodi to head the skeptics is a weak response to normal fears of integration. Instead of bowing to those groups, he should have stood strong and explained why merging Eastern Europe into the EU is necessary. He should have explained the opportunities for greater trade and economic growth. He should have tried to defend Poland and pointed out the flaws in the way it is perceived internationally. He should have countered opposition with grace, tact and eloquence. He should have led.