The Borders of the European U nion:

What a glorious idea it was:

Let's abolish all borders, dismantle custom buildings, absorb all border guards into other such uniformed units, allow free transit from country to country, discontinue the collection of import duties,

Have the same currency, the Euro.

Establish a "European Government"

In short: “Be United, Europe!”

All the above was achieved with more or fewer difficulties.

Two of the attributes which bedevil European Unity, however, could not be put aside that easily:

The multitude of cultures and languages and, more importantly, the multitude of suspicions, distrusts, and, in some cases, a quiet dislike, up to an outright hatred broiling underneath the surface of this so-called unified Europe.

I only speak of Austria and Austrians, but I assume that the very same feelings are present in most, if not all other European countries.

What is more, I do not speak of “all” Austrians, since there are many tolerant and non-bigoted people living here.

The Xenophobia, however, is wide spread and often right on top and up-front.

Not much is said here about Austria's neighbors which could be classified as complimentary:

The Germans are considered to be militaristic, and without charm.

The Swiss know only money

The further South you go into Italy, the lazier the people get.

Slovenians are good farmers, but that's all they are.

Hungarians, actually a dubious folk and last but not least there are the Checks whom you cannot trust further than you can throw them.

These, unfortunately are the opinions of many Austrians regarding their neighbors.

It is, however, difficult to meet a friendlier, more hospitable people than the Austrians.

On a One-to-One basis there is nobody in Europe friendlier, kinder, or more tolerant than they are.

( Given the usual exceptions )

It is also true that in each of the above named countries, as well as in Austria, there are people whose character and/or personality corresponds with the attributes ascribed to them.

However, I've met many Germans who are peace-loving and charming, Swiss who care for nature and friendship and less for money, diligent Italians and on and on.

The difference in cultures and languages, unfortunately, stands in the way of a truly united Europe.

Add to the above the challenges of dealing with the refugees who seek asylum in Europe, the financial problems of Greece and the political differences between Turkey and the rest of Europe, and you have a boiling kettle of disagreements, fights, name calling and a blaming-game playing, which threatens to spoil what had begun with such promise.

These are the extreme poles:

“Welcome to Austria” were some of the signs carried by welcoming Austrians at the border crossing points where families consisting of mostly women and children, from war torn Syria, Afghanistan and several other strife-ridden middle eastern countries had arrived, seeking nothing but safety and peace.

“What's the problem ?” asked a well educated man at a small party which I, unfortunately, had attended, “ships are sent to rescue these bums from their rickety boats, what for ? Let them drown !”

May Europe stay united and may this Continent find peace !

Bertstravels

is but an observer.