The UElement.- Good morning, we are delighted that you are here with us today to discuss the issue of the entry of Spain into the European Union and its consequences.

Firstly, how old were you when Spain joined the European Union?

Enrique Molina.- I was 40 years old.

 

TUE.- Do you think this integration was a good idea?

EM.- The idea of integration was good one. The how and the rush are more debatable. Every supranational union is a good target.

 

TUE.- What are the benefits that has provided this change?

EM.- Some undoubted benefits are: the elimination of closed borders, the cooperation, the economic benefits,  the promoting intra-European trade, the single currency, the rising per capita income and the solidarity among countries.

 

TUE.- And the negatives?

EM.- I think Spanish economy was not enough prepared. Peseta was not a strong currency and euro adoption was detrimental to the purchasing power of the middle and lower classes. In fact, the average Spanish found that what cost 100 pesetas came to be 1 euro, that is between 40 and 60% more, wage-price correlation was not automatic. It would not have been bad that Spain had joined the European Union as a champion of Latin America and the Maghreb.

 

TUE.- In short, what are the changes you have seen in the Spanish society produced by this entry into the European Union?

EM.- Changes: the aboves. Also, the progressive awareness of belonging to a supranational reality.

 

TUE.- From your point of view, should Spain still remain part of this political community?

EM.- Spain should continue in the European Union.

 

TUE.- Finally, if I say ‘European Union’, what is the first word that comes to your head?

EM.- European Union, for me should be the germ of (Federal) United States of Europe. I think that all nationalisms are intrinsically evil because they are all exclusive.

 

TUE.- Thank you very much for your time to answering our questions.