Strategic Considerations within the European Union Framework Essay

Strategic Considerations within the European Union Framework - Essay Example This essay discusses that member states of European Union have been pilling pressure to the union following debts and recession crisis. Arguably, EU failed to offer protection to the interest of its members and their citizens thus leading lost of public support. Although it is not probable to argue that the turmoil has influenced the Europeans view to matters, other than its social influences, it may have influenced the engagement of European citizens to European projects. Strategic plans initiated by EU member states to counter the impact of the financial crisis, and the create employment is an indication of the impact of the economic crisis to the citizens of the Euro zone. A survey by â€Å"Transatlantic trend† argues financial turmoil affected 60% of the people interviewed compared to 55% of people affected by the crisis in 2009. Europeans show a lot of concern to development as revealed by the Euro-barometer, which provides a basis of gauging the crisis. Many believe that issues of immigration, insecurity, and environment are fundamental as issues relating to socio-economic issues. In the spring of 2007, major concern for most Europeans is the economic situation and inflation in 2008. Interviews conducted in spring of 2009 indicated economic turmoil as the major headache of most Europeans. Arguing from the report, 42% of people interviewed quoted economic recession as a threat. Unemployment was another factor alongside economic turmoil. It is arguable that economic slump has an effect on rate of employment since recession dislodges most people out of employment. Further, social crisis report produced in autumn 2009 indicates that 51% of citizens interviewed indicated unemployment as the major factor, which was ahead of insecurity by 19%, inflation by 19%, and healthcare by 14% respectively (Thierry, 2011:132). The above figures do not show the magnitude of the effects in a national scale in terms of social crisis. Apparently, many European nations a rgue that the economic nightmare has maimed their buying power. For instance, a study conducted by Smith & Grant (2003) and published in their book to evaluate the effects of the economic slump shows the following trend the Dutch claim 40% of its effects, Bulgarians feel 84%, Spanish 71%, and Romanians 89%. Euro-barometer flash survey indicates the significance of the effects of the economic crisis to the households in Europe. In addition, a look at the June 2010 survey results shows a big difference between northern and southern Europe (UK, Sweden, German, Denmark, Luxembourg, Netherlands, and France), in which at least 15% of citizens claim to have had challenges in paying their bills; including food, over the twelve months. The above observation varies with report from Southern Europe (Portugal, Spain, and Italy), in which economic crisis trend takes 17-20%, and in the Eastern Europe in which the economic turmoil takes 30% and (43% for Romania). It is arguable that the trend of e conomic nightmare in Europe takes the shape of social crisis (Thierry 2011:134). This argument leads to the questions as to whether a political crisis is looming, which will lead to increased conception with regard to the ability of the European Union to counter the crisis. In the recent past, observers still believe that euro is still a victor to the economic crisis. The observers argue that the joining of the European Union by the Icelandic countries is approve that euro could champion the crisis. Other observations are the determination by Baltic countries to introduce policies that would act to maintain a stable rate of exchange using euro as a single currency. According to Ronald & Saskia (2011:43), it is apparent that Europe alongside other continents in the world suffered economic recession towards the end of 2008 and beginning of 2009. However, it managed to avoid devaluation witnessed during 1930 economic turmoil. Largely, its

Claude Monet Water Lilies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Claude Monet Water Lilies - Essay Example I could feel my heart beat quicken as I inched forward in line for my ticket, anticipating what I would see, how it would affect me, and how I would be changed in some way, as we all are, by seeing to what heights the soul of man can rise. As I entered the building and was captured by the walls of glass, modern, clean white lines of the galleries, the large public works of art throughout the building, with works hung on staircase landings (of all places!) and from the ceilings, meant to show how accessible and functional the modern works could be. I was drawn into one exhibit, on the second floor, though, that featured an exhibition of the French impressionist artist Claude Monet, entitled â€Å"Monet’s Water Lilies.† I was drawn into a room where three 20-foot paintings, his masterpieces of his study of Water Lilies, were hung in harmonious and dramatic style. The works were placed next to and across from each other, with their gigantic canvases echoing what Monet saw over many days and months in his garden in Giverny. At first glance, the works were a muted collection of simplicity, but the more I studied the works, the more I was overwhelmed at their aspects of color, the juxtaposition of the works, and the overwhelming sense of permanence I felt when sitting among these works. I was drawn into their immense size, wealth of subtle colors and scale of proportions that reflected the various moods created by light, water, sky, and nature, as they all worked together to create a sense of serenity and eternal feeling. It slowed me down to a point to where I had to sit and observe, and allow myself to see the detail throughout each painting. The simplicity yet complexity of the works drew me to them and left a permanence in my mind’s eye. The fact that they were located in a room which seemed built especially for these large works, allowed them to be seen as a reflection of each other, in a way enhanced the experience for me. As I observed, I noticed more and more layers of paint on the works, which showed a tremendous amount of effort that went into the work. Done in impressionist pastels, with a study of a pond dotted with reflections of water lilies, poppies, sky, grasses, and trees, reminded me that the more we look at even the most simplistic things, the more complex they are. The simplicity is reminiscent of the style of Japanese art with a harmonious relationship between man and nature, with each complementing each other. In this case, there were no men or human structures in the paintings, as we were meant to be the human element of the works, and almost become part of the painting, as we are filled with a sense of serenity, color, nature, and calmness. The muted lighting, subtle colors, reflections of sky--and of ourselves- allows the viewer to become part of that Giverny landscape-- part of Monet’s eternal world. The pure simplicity of the works, but the hidden complexity of the brush strokes, depth and layer of colors, echoes the haiku of the Japanese poet, Matsuo Basho. As with Monet, his haiku are simple on the surface, but the artist draws the observer in with hidden complexities and depth of meaning and complexity of nature and human existence. As Monet uses the stroke of a brush to reveal his emotional depth and feeling, Bashu uses the written word to paint his canvas of emotion and searching of the human soul. Simplicity means complexity in both artists’