The eternal discussion of national sovereignty contra unification (or federalism) is highlighted as the pressure of austerity measures on member states of the Eurozone lead to increasing popular unrest. To add a little extra spice to the discussion, the Dutch government has proposed that Eurozone members who do not implement sufficient measures to tackle economic problems should be appointed a European commissioner who, temporarily, will take control of spending decisions. Refusal to such an appointment should, according to the Government, lead to expulsion from the Eurozone.
Perhaps the Dutch primeminister should instead draw some inspiration from Joschka Fischer who (as early as) in 2000 held a very intelligeble speech about the future of European Integration and the necessity of balancing national sovereignty and unifying Europe. And while he's at it, take a closer look at a report from the ECB, which reached the conclusion that it is (more or less) not legally possible to leave the Eurozone without leaving the Union altogether.
Update 9/9 2011: Spain's European Commissioner has 'lashed out' against the proposed exclusion of MS who cannot manage their national debt situation.
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