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Originally Posted by Damien
I think it's very far fetched to assume Germany used the EU as a vehicle for dominance. Can't help but think the English preoccupation with WW2 is colouring our impression of Europe and it isn't a healthy attitude.
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I don't think it's far fetched at all and I think it's about time we divested ourselves of this silly notion that every time we differ with the Germans it's all somehow about WWII. Maybe that's just a problem you have. Personally I think the Germans have a lot to be proud about and if more countries ran their affairs similarly they'd be a lot better off.
Why would it be so far fetched to assume that a country like Germany, the powerhouse of Europe, would seek to use (openly or otherwise) its massive and increasing influence within the EU to further its own ambitions? They're not in it for humanitarian reasons are they. If the Germans don't want to dominate Europe economically and politically they're not doing a very job of it are they. Of course that isn't the same as saying that their intent is entirely malevolent, they may just sincerely believe that the only way Europe can survive and prosper is with Germans at the helm and following the German model. Maybe they're right too.