By John 'the cabby' Kennedy.

The European Union, a collection of very different countries with many common bonds, oddly enough the greatest bond is probably the fact that we've nearly all been to war with one another over the past few centuries. In fact is was set up to stop the bloodshed in Europe and to harmonise the region through trade and political union.

Peace in our time

I have to say the one thing the European union can be proud of it's record on stopping war & conflict within Western Europe, this aim has been met & we all certainly live in a much safer prosperous region.

Now defence of this region seems to fall under NATO which relies too heavily on the United States of America, this is just simply unfair. We must in Europe play a greater role in Afghanistan and certainly be better equipped to deal with conflict on the edges of the union. The recent conflict between Russia and Georgia highlight's the problem we have right on our doorstep.

The need to do more

Over reliance by European Government's on diplomacy and a lack of a credible energy policy covering our region will only increase instability and turn us into a hostage to foreign powers with large reserves of oil and gas. Take the recent announcement by the President of the United States of America George Bush that they will be sending aid to Georgia yet here we are in Europe sitting back and just watching!

Europe and especially those NATO allies not pulling their weight in Afghanistan should be assisting Georgia with humanitarian aid and not the Americans.

Play our rightfull role

The European Union must play a more positive role within its sphere of the globe, for it is unfair to criticise American foreign policy but rely on its military might to intervene in European problems. A clear European wide energy policy with a greater reliance on Nuclear power will reduce this region's reliance on oil and gas this in turn will calm certain regions of the globe and reduce consumption of carbon based fuels.

Wake up Europe it's not just time to smell the coffee, it's time to make a pot !