Everyone should. If we’re not competitive, we become dependent on them. You know, the same thing that happened with Russia and we’re now desperately trying to fix it.
dependence is inevitable if Europe is not the most competitive.
that economic competitiveness had anything to do with natural gas imports.
that our economic system and its basic dynamics are unchangeable.
that our needs are unchangeable.
the natural gas situation wouldn’t have been avoided if Europe were more ‘competitive’; neither would any other geopolitical situation. instead the EU should have — and is currently — diversifying its domestic energy sources. the EU could also work on energy coöperation and reducing energy usage.
interdependence works for everyone. independence is a destructive mindset.
But if we’re competitive then the only way is up, you then NEED growth.
But that’s just NOT possible.
You CAN’T have infinite growth. That’s not a thing.
So either you can run after the “cool” kids that are chasing something that’s unreachable, or you can come to terms and settle with “good enough” (the later has the benefit of not destroying the planet in the process)
you can come to terms and settle with “good enough”
Exactly. My neighbour went shopping today. I will have to go tomorrow, but why should my goal be to bring home more groceries than her?
The economy is a tool to supply people with stuff. But it’s not a competition. If I have enough food I don’t need more. Enough is good enough for me, regardless if my neighbour bought more. Or less.
Everyone should. If we’re not competitive, we become dependent on them. You know, the same thing that happened with Russia and we’re now desperately trying to fix it.
this assumes that:
the natural gas situation wouldn’t have been avoided if Europe were more ‘competitive’; neither would any other geopolitical situation. instead the EU should have — and is currently — diversifying its domestic energy sources. the EU could also work on energy coöperation and reducing energy usage.
interdependence works for everyone. independence is a destructive mindset.
But if we’re competitive then the only way is up, you then NEED growth.
But that’s just NOT possible.
You CAN’T have infinite growth. That’s not a thing.
So either you can run after the “cool” kids that are chasing something that’s unreachable, or you can come to terms and settle with “good enough” (the later has the benefit of not destroying the planet in the process)
Exactly. My neighbour went shopping today. I will have to go tomorrow, but why should my goal be to bring home more groceries than her?
The economy is a tool to supply people with stuff. But it’s not a competition. If I have enough food I don’t need more. Enough is good enough for me, regardless if my neighbour bought more. Or less.
Our dependence on Russia is currently helping destroy Ukrainian lives, so I’m not sure I can really agree with you.