European Union Conflict: the British Beef Controversy | Research & Encyclopedia Articles

European Union Conflict: the British Beef Controversy

The Conflict

In March 1996, scientists discovered a connection between Mad Cow Disease (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, or BSE) and Creutzfeldt-Jakob Syndrome, a debilitating and ultimately fatal disease in humans. The European Union (E.U.) banned the export of British beef to E.U. member states in an effort to contain the disease. Even after the ban was lifted, France continued to prevent the import of British beef.

Political

• The United Kingdom is a late and ambivalent addition to the European Union.
• France and other E.U. members fear being overwhelmed and bullied by the United Kingdom and worry that the United Kingdom's special relationship with the United States will allow the United States greater influence in the European Union
• Prior to England joining the European Union, France was the leading E.U. nation.

Economic

• U.K. participation in the European Union has undermined some British industry, due to increased competition.
• The United Kingdom resents its financial obligations to the European Union, in particular payments for agricultural subsidies to other nations.

Many observers of international affairs have identified the European Union (E.U.) as a rising center of power in the contemporary world. Since the end of World War II, the nations of Europe have made much progress toward laying their historical animosities to rest.

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