What's he on about then?
SPIEGEL Interview with Gerhard Schröder: 'Europe Needs to Wake Up' - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News - International
Now that's a question.
SPIEGEL Interview with Gerhard Schröder: 'Europe Needs to Wake Up' - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News - International
Schröder: That would have been an untenable position vis-à-vis the Eastern Europeans, who suffered for almost five decades under the division of Europe and oppression. A German position of this sort would have been unthinkable, especially toward Poland. These are European countries, just as the Western Balkans are part of Europe. But we can't say to the Serbs today: Just wait a while. And the real problems aren't even coming from these new member states.
SPIEGEL: Then where are they coming from?
Schröder: Great Britain is causing the biggest problem. Great Britain is not part of the euro, and yet the British always want to have their say in the design of an economic zone. This is inconsistent. And besides, the British have been very skeptical about every integration step, and that's putting it very diplomatically.
SPIEGEL: In reality they've been obstructionists?
Schröder: Yes. I was originally of the opinion that Great Britain could be treated like France. But what was overlooked, also by myself, is that Great Britain still sees itself in a sort of middle position between the United States on one side and Europe on the other. In other words, it's in an "in-between" position. And that is unacceptable.
SPIEGEL: But if nothing works with Great Britain, what role can the British play in the future?
SPIEGEL: Then where are they coming from?
Schröder: Great Britain is causing the biggest problem. Great Britain is not part of the euro, and yet the British always want to have their say in the design of an economic zone. This is inconsistent. And besides, the British have been very skeptical about every integration step, and that's putting it very diplomatically.
SPIEGEL: In reality they've been obstructionists?
Schröder: Yes. I was originally of the opinion that Great Britain could be treated like France. But what was overlooked, also by myself, is that Great Britain still sees itself in a sort of middle position between the United States on one side and Europe on the other. In other words, it's in an "in-between" position. And that is unacceptable.
SPIEGEL: But if nothing works with Great Britain, what role can the British play in the future?
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