(no subject)
The EU needs work. I'm not talking about reformed decision-making policies, a clearer chain of command and accountability, more uniform external policies or any of those other things in the now-defunct constitution. I'm talking about failure to achieve even its most basic goal, the unrestricted movement of product throughout Europe. But Meredith, you say, the EU has been fantastically successful at eliminating barriers to trade. All the economists and industry guys agree on that. Fine. In that case, WHY IS THERE NO BELGIAN CHOCOLATE IN ITALY? It's a superior product, widely acclaimed as the best in the world (though other chocolate-producing countries may prefer their own). Belgium and Italy are both full EU members with no trade restrictions between them. They use the same currency, to make things even easier. Shipping should be no problem: Brussels and Bologna are about as far apart as Houston and Pensacola, and you can drive that in a day, no problem, even faster on a train. But it's not here. Anywhere. Even the local specialty food store, which has such exotic items as peanut butter and Betty Crocker cake mixes, can do no better for chocolate than Lindt. Lindt comes from Switzlerland, which is known for its milk chocolate, not dark, and is NOT A MEMBER OF THE EU, though I admit it is right next door. Where's my Cote d'Or? My glorious bricks of Callebaut? I may be forced to make a weekend trip to Belgium, or at least to France, specifically to obtain precious chocolate supplies. And that makes me a sad panda.