Michael Konetz
Europe has been one of the most peaceful continents in the world over the past few
decades. This peace has been created by successfully eliminating conflict in the continent. The
European Union has a strong influence on the created peace through security and defense
policies. With conflict across the world that have many influences on Europe, we must maintain
strong military and defense policies to help maintain peace on not just the continent, but also in
the world. With Slovenia being in Eastern Europe, we have many concerns with security and
defense around our borders such as issues with the neighboring countries of Macedonia and
Bosnia.
The European Union has made a strong stance against terrorism, and that includes
terrorism that is occurring outside of the European Union. Slovenia has made many pledges
against terrorism and is members with NATO to help with the anti-terrorism movement. Outside
of the European Union are many conflicts that have direct impacts on Europe, and that is why
there must be cooperation with member countries to help assist the fight with terror throughout
the world. Recently, Slovenia was added to an anti-ISIS coalition. Even though Slovenia does
have a strong stance in the stop of ISIS due to its potential threat to Europe, they were added
with no knowledge which can create conflicts. The issue of terrorism is a very important part of
making a strong security and defense policy for Europe. In Southern Europe, it is important to
attempt to keep peace with the conflict in between countries such as Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia, and
Macedonia. These countries in Southern Europe are very important to the peace throughout
Europe. Even though they are not members in the European Union, we must attempt to bring
peace to that region. The issue with terrorism inside and outside of Europe has become a very
serious issue over the past decade and it is important that we maintain an anti-terrorism pledge in
the European Union and work to find ways of peace outside of Europe.
One recent issue that has had a major impact on Europe is the current conflict with Russia
and Ukraine. Russia and Ukraine are currently not members of the European Union, but their
actions do have a strong impact on the rest of Europe. Slovenia has expressed a strong
disapproval for Russia’s actions in Ukraine and believes that it must come to an end in a peaceful
manner. The actions of Russia and their capabilities have caused a direct threat to all of Europe.
It is appropriate that this issue is addressed in a peaceful way in an effort to attempt to bring
peace between the Russians and Ukrainians. It should be considered that we attempt to bring
peace to Russia and Ukraine in our security policies since it is key to bringing peace to the rest of
Europe. Conflicts with land in northern parts of Africa and the Middle East need to be addressed
as well. By bringing peace to these regions across the world, it will help maintain a peaceful
Europe and will help with better relations in between countries.
Security and defense has been a large global issue over the past decade. It is very
important that issues in places such as Southern Europe and Ukraine are regions that remain
peaceful. We must also take a strong stance against terrorism and the possible threats it brings to
Europe. Through strong security and defense policies, it can bring peace to Europe and will help
maintain this peace for years to come.
The European Union takes a strong approach to keep its member countries economically
stable. Many of the members struggle to maintain financial stability and is a serious problem that
needs to be addressed. Many of the countries involved in the European Union give money to
countries that are struggling with debt such as Greece and Portugal, who receive large amounts
from more affluent European countries. Many countries in the South and Eastern parts of Europe
rely on financial aid from the EU, financial aid should be maintained to help keep a strong
Europe economically.
Over the past decade, Slovenia and other countries in Southern Europe have had many
economic issues. Many of the countries have relied on strong member countries of the EU for
financial aid. In the Eurozone, it is important that all countries remain strong economically and
that financial support is maintained for countries at a low economic level in the European Union.
Countries such as Slovenia in the Southern Eurozone have great potential to become prosperous
countries, but it must be done with the help of strong economic countries such as Germany,
France, and Great Britain who are the best economic countries in the European Union. With the
help of these countries, Europe has the potential to become one of the strongest economies in the
world. Even though many countries may remain independent in terms of trade such as many of
the southern European countries, through financial aid from other parts of Europe it could bring
many positive economic impacts. With a change in monetary policy and aid from countries in
Northern Europe that are more affluent, it can bring many financial benefits to southern countries
and create a stronger Europe economically.
The European Central bank often gives many loans to the countries in parts of Southern
Europe that are struggling economically. These loans can be very beneficial to countries with
weaker economies such as Slovenia, but it also has many negatives. Often times these loans are
required to be paid back which can be a major setback for smaller economies and can even lead
to recession. In some countries, such as Slovenia, they have their own central bank within the
country which can sometimes help countries avoid heavy debts that put countries into recessions.
But not all of the economic work can be done by independently by smaller countries, it is
important that the European Union provides assistance to help put countries on the right track.
With financial aid, it can help bring stronger economies to developing countries in Southern
Europe and with strong economies on the continent, it can lead to a stronger Euro and will help
increase global trade.
It is clear that Europe must maintain a strong global economy, and it starts with providing
assistance to smaller, developing economies in the European Union. With financial aid and
changes in monetary policy, Europe can become strong economically North to South and with
positive change, we can build a strong Euro currency and become a strong leader in global trade
and economy.
Europe has been able to maintain strong ties with international groups and also with
countries outside of the European Union. Many of the countries in the European Union are
known to have a strong economy and national identity. The European Union maintains many
countries’ economies and with strong ties through trade with countries outside of the European
Union, it can bring many financial benefits and can better the scope of Europe at an international
level. Europe must maintain a strong bond with the rest of the world and this can be done by
staying strong economically and by creating strong alliances with countries around the world.
Slovenia has become a stronger country by joining the European Union and has received
a better national image since joining in 2004. One of the largest benefits Slovenia has received
by joining the EU was a successful conversion to the Euro currency. With a full change from the
tolar to the euro, Slovenia’s economy has become substantially stronger and has become one of
the stronger economies in Southern Europe. One of the other strong benefits from the EU has
been loans from more affluent countries in the EU to help stabilize the economy in developing
southern countries. Since being a member of the European Union, Slovenia has seen many
benefits that have made their country stronger today; the EU has been able to better its image and
has helped Slovenia become known across the world for trading and also commerce.
The European Union makes a strong push for strong democracies in all of their member
countries, but there have been many struggles in achieving this goal. Slovenia has made many
strides to become a democracy but it has been in trouble at times with the government placing
some limits with what some reporters say to the citizens to the country, and often they will make
it appear that Slovenia has become a “western-like” democracy. Even though Slovenia does hold
elections and people have a voice in the government, the Prime Minster does sometimes take his
own actions. Slovenia has dealt with several Eurosceptic groups over the past decade, believing
that the EU is imposing upon Slovenian culture and identity. The group that is Eurosceptic in
Slovenia is the Slovenian National Party. The party does exist in Slovenia today but has no seats
in the national assembly meaning that support for Eurosceptic ideals in Slovenia is minimal.
Being a democracy should be required to remain a member in the European Union and keeping
member countries democracies is a must as it provides a voice for all European citizens.
The European Union brings many benefits to all of the countries that are members. The
European Union must be maintained at high standards to keep Europe strong from an
international viewpoint. It is also important to maintain relationships formed with countries such
as the United States and China which bring many benefits to the economy in Europe. With
strong alliances throughout the world the European Union can maintain a strong international
identity and can also bring many benefits to individual countries in Europe that have strong
national pride and also rich histories. It is important to preserve the peace that currently is in
Europe and assure that Europe will not return to war and conflict.