CR joining the EU - what changes to expect?

Discussion in 'Travel Tips & Advice' started by Charlie_B, Apr 21, 2004.

  1. Charlie_B

    Charlie_B New Member

    Despite having no luck with my previous questions, i'm sure this one will meet with no objections...
    CR is joining the EU on the first of May. Apart from possibly walking a different way in the airport, will this produce any noticable changes for people wanting to visit?
     
  2. czechlover34

    czechlover34 Member

    Does anybody know if when the Czech Republic becomes a part of the European Union, if it's currency will convert to the Euro?

    Theresa
     
  3. Halef

    Halef Well-Known Member

    No major changes, I suppose. Some European goods will be cheaper (no duties). You will no more get your VAT back, if you live in another EU country. Some goods and services will be more expensive, but this is mainly because our new VAT-rising laws, timed precisely so that people would think it is because of EU :) Some goods will be more costly because of EU though - for example bananas :)

    Anyway, the most changes will surely be more visible for Czechs than for visitors. If you are used to visiting other EU countries, you just keep your habits. It is us, who have to learn how to live in united Europe.

    Euro is not an up-to-date question. Czech economics is not in a good state now (especially the national debt, which increases every year). The most optimistic forecasts except euro to be adopted in 2010 - 2012.
     
  4. maartenv

    maartenv Well-Known Member

    I believe that 70% of the Czechs voted YES on joining the EU. As Halef has told here, no major changes are expected by me as well.

    What will probably happen is that the Czechs will be less enthousiastic in general regarding the EU. It has some implications on the short term, and some things will not be as they used to be. These are short term effects.

    The participation in joining the EU will have a long term positive effect as well. I see a majority off positive long term effects, that will overshadow the short term issues.

    The same happened in history, where countries like Portugal, Greece, Ireland etc. joined the EU before. Nowday's thos countries are doing much better, thanks to joining the EU.

    Each country that joins the EU will have to pay contribution. Projects, and other funds will be returned to the countries, on a basis of where the money is mostly needed. This has an effect on every country.

    In the Netherlands we also pay and receive money. If we make up the balance, we get much less than we pay. Per head of the ppulation we make the greatest positive contrubution after making the balance. (i beleive it's in the order of 170 Euro per person per year)

    I'm proud that we can bring up the money, and help the newcoming countries to help them build their countries better than they are now.

    There is also a long term positive effect in this strategy. In the future the economies of those countries will benefit greatly, which will enhance our trade and income as well. Just see the big picture, and look at the long term, and the sun is shining for all :)
     
  5. Dana

    Dana Well-Known Member

    Just to clarify, only 55% of eligible voters actually participated in the referendum in June 2003. Out of that number, 77% voted YES. If I'm correct, that comes to about 42% of eligible voters voting for the accession into the EU.
     
  6. maartenv

    maartenv Well-Known Member

    Thanks for the info Dana!
     
  7. osbede

    osbede Active Member

    There's a very interesting article about this in the current issue of "The Prague Post." It's available on line at www.praguepost.com.

    osbede
     

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