A reader has posed a provocative question about the double standards in perceptions of federalism between the European Union and the United States. Howard Phillips from Lisbon asks: if it is wrong for European countries to form a fully federal European Union, why is it right for the United States to exist as a federation rather than as separate states?
The Federal Question
Phillips points out that the EU often receives unfair criticism for a system that has long been established across the Atlantic. The US has become a global power precisely because it functions as an umbrella for smaller entities. He imagines a scenario where each US state had its own army, air force, currency, customs, border controls, and trade tariffs, concluding that there would be no White House or Congress.
“Why is it so wrong for European countries to want similar strength, coming together as a union?” Phillips asks. His question taps into a long-running debate about the legitimacy and benefits of supranational governance.
Historical Context
The United States formed its federal system in 1787, uniting 13 former colonies under a central government while preserving state autonomy. In contrast, the European Union began as a coal and steel community in 1951 and evolved into a political and economic union of 27 member states, each retaining significant sovereignty. Critics of the EU often argue that it erodes national identity and democratic accountability, whereas US federalism is widely accepted as a successful model.
Impact and Relevance
Phillips’s question highlights a perceived inconsistency in how integration is viewed on opposite sides of the Atlantic. According to a 2023 Pew Research Center survey, 67% of Americans view their federal government favorably, while only 45% of Europeans hold a positive view of the EU. This disparity may stem from historical differences, cultural attachments to nation-states, and the EU’s ongoing struggles with democratic legitimacy and economic cohesion.
Responses and Further Discussion
The question invites readers to submit their answers or new questions to nq@theguardian.com. A selection of responses will be published the following Sunday. The debate touches on broader themes of sovereignty, efficiency, and the balance between unity and diversity.
