The thing that puzzles me most, Giok, is how this loose economic alliance has been allowed transform into something completely different. It's become some strange cultural and social behemoth, with many negative economic ramifications for traditional British industry.

The other thing that makes me feel uncomfortable at the moment is the numbers of new countries that are joining. I think Ireland has become some of an object lesson in how to benefit fron the EU gravy train, and poorer countries who might have very little interest in the cultural bond promised by EU membership are certainly attracted by the economic benefits. It's becoming a bit of a joke. As a unifying cultural concept it can mean nothing when such disparate nations with vastly different social and cultural values are joining. I mean, a union including Britain, Germany and France was wierd enough...but Turkey?

God, I hope i didn't sound like a total fascist Little Englander just now...