Feet and toes of iron and clay

Nebuchadnezzar's Dream

European Union watchers have noted for some time the seeming
inability of the EU leadership to move beyond what is often feudal and
prejudiced disagreement -– basic chaos. It's no wonder that confusion exists
really, as the Union (if we can call it that) is still Governed by two treaties,
that set in place two entities: the European Community and the European Union.
These two will soon be merged into one constitution.

Over the years, Brussels has nevertheless produced wads of
legislation (one million, nine hundred and sixteen thousand pages of legislation
to 1996) covering everything, from common regulations for the use of
wheely-bins, to critical policy on the powers of National Governments -– which
are dwindling very quickly. Like never before, the stage is set, and the world
is ready for a powerful leader to be enthroned over the United States Of Europe.
The leader will seek to change 'times and laws' and will crush 'national
culture and identity' -– as he sets out to destroy national and individual
security and independence.

While we wait for this leader to emerge, the iron nations
(Daniel chapter 2) within the EU are jostling for position as certain
alliances are formed. Unprecedented cooperation between France and Germany (a
revival of the once powerful Franco-German alliance) has alarm bells ringing in
London, the British doing their best to retain a leading role in EU affairs. In
January 2003 plans where unveiled between the two Nations which include:
military cooperation and a push for a full EU defence force. Can you imagine
what this defence force would represent in the US/Iraqi scenario -– a third
player, a second super power, with the authority to cause the USA to sit up and
listen...not yet, but its coming. Furthermore, the revived Franco/German
cooperation includes pushing for a common EU crime register, prosecution system
and border police -– and no surprises here: a European centre for economic,
trade and finance policy - a 'Super State'. Another interesting aspect of
the joint initiative is the concept of 'two leaders'.

In October 2002, an interesting document was published by
Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, former President of France. It is something of a
blueprint constitution for the EU, and looks at the future of Europe and
provides a glimpse into what many prophecy followers believe is the final
world empire.

Whilst the document presents only a framework, the 'sensitive
detail' being left for discussion and debate by EU leaders, the constitution
would certainly entrench the power of EU -– and fulfil significant steps toward
the prophetic picture outlined in Scripture:

• A name change could be on the
  agenda: The European Community, the United States of Europe, and United Europe
  are all possibilities.
• It suggests that all Europeans
  should be given the right to citizenship of the EU as well as their member
  states.
• The creation of a powerful new
  president who would report to national leaders.
• A congress of national and European
  parliamentarians
• An exit clause to allow countries to
  quit the EU. (Ed's note: "yes right"- the 'Single European Act of 1986'
  doesn't allow the provision of an exit plan from the EU; neither does it leave
  room for the authority of the 'National veto').

The release of the constitutional document marks the
beginning of a battle over the all-important detail. One Labour Member of the
European Parliament, Linda McAvan said: "The Euro-realists are winning ...
Giscard has struck a good balance." Conservative Eurosceptic David
Heathcoat-Amory, said: "The draft constitution published today would
endow the EU with all the attributes of a state ... The British Government
must make clear its total opposition to this federal advance." Andrew
Duff, a Liberal Democrat member of the convention, said the document
"clearly rejects the reactionary approach chosen by the UK Government"
and "allows for a radical refoundation" of the union. The Independent
29.10.02.

May I say that initially when countries joined the EU (the
former Common Market), most saw inclusion only as a way to encourage favourable
trade agreements with other nations. Its only now, years later that the truth of
inclusion is actually the end of National sovereignty and self Governance -–
full political and economic union.

"The greater the power, the more dangerous the abuse".