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True or False: Challenging Euromyths

Negative stereotypes on the European Union abound. How much truth is there in them? ARTE attempts to bust some euromyths.

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Since 2015 hundreds or thousands of migrants have arrived on Europe’s shores from sub-Saharan Africa, Syria and Afghanistan. Many have criticised the EU’s lack of response to the crisis. But an EU system controlling migration and asylum seekers is in place, and is working.  

Euromyths

Europe is Swamped with Migrants

Some see Angela Merkel as a dominant figure in Europe with Germany imposing its will over other EU member states. If it is true that many Germans hold key roles in EU institutions, Germany has just one vote in the Council, the same as any other member state.

Euromyth No. 2

Some see Angela Merkel as a dominant figure in Europe with Germany imposing its will over other EU member states.

Germany Controls Europe

Many European citizens and heads of state accuse the European Union of imposing too many directives and regulations, especially in social affairs. In reality it is national governments that hold most power in this domain.

Euromyth No.3

Too Much Regulation

For many European citizens and some heads of state the EU Commission is an overbearing bloated bureaucracy that has too much unaccountable power. But the reality is much more nuanced.

Euromyth No.4

The Tyrannical EU Commission

Laws made at EU level override laws at a national level. But the power of member states in shaping these laws are considerable.

Euromyth No. 5

EU Law Trumps National Law

MEPS have decent pay and pensions but do not get a salary for life.

Euromyth No. 6

MEPs Get a Salary for Life

When the euro finally arrived in January 2002, many in the Eurozone felt that prices rose sharply. In reality price inflation  was minimal.

Euromyth No. 7

The Euro Made Everything Expensive

Since the Euro was introduced, economic inequality between member states has risen. Some EU citizens believe that the single currency and the Stability and Growth Pact are entirely responsible. As ever, the reality is more nuanced.

Euromyth No. 8

Since the Euro was introduced, economic inequality between member states has risen with many blaming this on the single currency. 

The Euro Only Benefits Rich Countries

A common misconception in Europe: Our representatives in the European Parliament are too old to understand younger generations and to launch ambitious political projects. In reality MEPs are hardly bedridden!

Euromyth No. 9

MEPS are Too Old

So this euromyth is arguably true: Working as an MP is a good career move. Transport and office expenses allocated to MEPs are generous and although payments are capped there is no transparency on how the money is spent.

Euromyth No. 10

MEPs Have Lots of Privileges

Many think that the European Union is not doing enough about green issues. But the EU is beginning to implement concrete measures to counter-act climate change.

Euromyth No 11

Many think that the European Union is not doing enough about green issues.

Europe is Letting Our Planet Die

This is no myth! All across the EU populist parties are on the rise with the far-right making significant gains by exploiting the migrant crisis. It’s up to European citizens in European elections to decide what kind of Europe they want.