World News and Trends- Coming: A United States of Europe?

Jun 15, 2001
2 minutes read time

These days the leaders of continental Europe disguise their ambitions less and less.

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Some obviously desire the creation of a European superstate. Romano Prodi, European Commission president, continues in the forefront of those calling for a virtual United States of Europe. Mr. Prodi said in his latest state-of-the-union address: "We want to build something that can aspire to be a world power. It will make European citizenship a tangible daily reality." Mr. Prodi clarified what he meant: "In other words, [we want] not just a trading bloc, but a political entity." In quick response, the British Conservative shadow foreign secretary, Francis Maude, articulated his countrymen's fears: "Following yesterday's admission that membership of the Euro would result in a Britain run from Brussels, Romano Prodi has provided more proof of the EU's superstate ambitions." Meanwhile, Chris Patten, EU external-affairs commissioner, announced EU plans to raise its profile on the world scene. "We should try to ensure that our political influence comes nearer to matching our economic weight," he said. The Telegraph described the plan as designed "to boost [the EU's] role as global policeman" and Mr. Patten's intention as "chas[ing a] superpower role." Mr. Patten's comments highlighted the growing divide between the European Union and the United States. Tory foreign-affairs spokesman Geoffrey Van Orden observed that EU anti-American hostility has become the "sub-text"of the EU's foreign and security policy. "People are very quick to say they support the transatlantic links and the NATO alliance," he said, "but the actions taken are all going in a different direction. The truth is that anti-Americanism is the binding theme." To understand the biblical background to what is happening in Europe, be sure to read "Who Will Be the Next Superpower?" and "Europe's Coming Religious Revival" in this issue. Also request our free booklets You Can Understand Bible Prophecy, Are We Living in the Time of the End? and The Book of Revelation Unveiled. (Sources: Independent on Sunday, Daily Mail, Electronic Telegraph [all London].)

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John Ross Schroeder

John died on March 8, 2014, in Oxford, England, four days after suffering cardiac arrest while returning home from a press event in London. John was 77 and still going strong.

Some of John's work for The Good News appeared under his byline, but much didn't. He wrote more than a thousand articles over the years, but also wrote the Questions and Answers section of the magazine, compiled our Letters From Our Readers, and wrote many of the items in the Current Events and Trends section. He also contributed greatly to a number of our study guides and Bible Study Course lessons. His writing has touched the lives of literally millions of people over the years.

John traveled widely over the years as an accredited journalist, especially in Europe. His knowledge of European and Middle East history added a great deal to his articles on history and Bible prophecy.

In his later years he also pastored congregations in Northern Ireland and East Sussex, and that experience added another dimension to his writing. He and his wife Jan were an effective team in our British Isles office near their home.

John was a humble servant who dedicated his life to sharing the gospel—the good news—of Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God to all the world, and his work was known to readers in nearly every country of the world. 

Melvin Rhodes

Melvin Rhodes is a member of the United Church of God congregation in Lansing, Michigan.