The European Union Explained*

The European Union with a lot of asterisks.
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[@WoolyMelon]

KZbin: let’s recommend this the day after brexit

[@cesilius9259]

Right?! Let them know they made the right choice.

[@kjartannn]

@@cesilius9259 i mean they now have to get visas and go through immigration and importing & exporting is now more expensive for them

[@blightsteel101]

I'm guessing a lot of people have been looking for information on how the EU actually works.

[@SacsachCCABP]

Wait UK brexit already??

[@kjartannn]

@@SacsachCCABP yes

[@rowdywoman7746]

“The borders of the EU will probably continue to expand” UK: I’m gonna pretend I didn’t see that

[@supermankelly]

Once the UK leaves and is doing better more countries will leave the EU.

[@elliotbriffa4944]

SupermanKelly™ but it won’t do better even people like ReesMogg said we’re not going to feel the benefits for atleast 50 years

[@bca-biciclindcuaxel7527]

@@supermankelly English are not cretins, they will never leave United States of Europe.

[@elliotbriffa4944]

Apathetic Apparition what? Yeah let’s double down on something that we’re not sure is going to benefit us and will only reap the rewards half a century later? No let’s work to better the EU from the inside

[@elliotbriffa4944]

Apathetic Apparition absolutely. England is apart of the United Kingdom and as the UK is apart of the European Union, when we better the EU we would by extension be bettering England.

[@albinjohnsson2511]

This video is 7 years old. Here's some clarifications/changes for new viewers: 1. The UK has officially left the EU 2. Iceland, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Kosovo are currently not official candidates to join the EU 3. Turkey is a candidate country on paper, but there is no way in hell that’s happening anytime soon 4. Latvia and Lithuania have entered the Eurozone 5. Montenegro and Kosovo have chosen to adopt the Euro unilaterally

[@danvier6777]

yeah and even this is changed

[@DacLMK]

And soon Macedonia may lose its candidacy status too due to Bulgaria's ridiculous demands

[@alfredyt]

Croatia is adopting Euro next year

[@zlatko8051]

6. Ukraine and Moldova has EU candidate status now

[@postblitz]

Turkey is under "eagerly awaiting Edrogan to croak" status.

[@jcp3049]

I live in Spain and it’s totally normal to go to Portugal on a Saturday afternoon and come back at night. Sometimes you don’t even notice you’re in a totally different country until you sit down at a restaurant and the waiter speaks portugués

[@TheGriever255]

Almost like borders are largely drawn by humans on maps and don't really matter for 99% of people

[@jcp3049]

@@TheGriever255 There are many borders that do matter.

[@Feanor1169]

@@jcp3049 Enjoy the erasure of both Spain and Portugal as nations and separate cultures. The goal of the EU is complete destruction of your culture and people.

[@wylew1331]

@@Feanor1169lmao, you must be an USian

[@bolamelancia54]

I live in by the Atlantic Ocean so i dont do that but when I got o Algarve (south) I already did that, it's really cool but o wich i went further deep.

[@yeezyb7367]

The EU has got some more space now... They now have 1'GB' free *sigh*

[@monarchist1838]

For the best. We have paid too much money in and lost too much sovereignty.

[@JK_2998]

+Matt 18 Not sure about that, we essentially just gave our top job to Boris Johnson, even if we get more money from this, it wont be going to any of us.

[@angryman3646]

Really Dr Matt and what made you such a great judge of exactly what sovereignty is (which is an impossible thing to answer), how much we have actually lost and how much value the UK actually gets from the EU (bearing in mind £120 billion was knocked of British companies today). You'd need a PhD on each of these to answer it properly. If you based your comment on anything in the papers you should be very angry as you have been lied to.

[@Studio2770]

I see what you did there.

[@violinistajay]

Nice comment XD

[@floppyfish2814]

For anyone wondering what he means at 5:22 by "That region in Greece where it's totally legal to ban women" He's referring to an area called "Mount Athos" it's a peninsula on the coast of Greece that is entirely enhabited by Christian Orthodox Monks who live in their monasteries. Since they are all men, they ask that women not visit the island as they say that they see it as a "distraction from their prayers." While technically part of Greece, Mount Athos maintains their autonomy by not voting in Greek elections, and not paying taxes to the Greek government. They also do not fly the flag of Greece, but instead, the flag of the Byzantine Empire, as that was the empire that they were living under when Mount Athos was formed. It's a long and complicated history spanning all the way back to when Jesus Christ was alive, but I just wanted to make it clear that it's a bit more than just "Totally legal to ban women."

[@cvtost3322]

Thanks for that info!

[@floppyfish2814]

CVT OST glad you appreciate it!

[@Aaaaaaaaaasaasfghbfgjnn]

That’s very helpful to know with more context

[@camotley4644]

also they have huge villas, are super racist and love only their divine asses

[@joshuaperkins9344]

You say that as if Jesus Christ was ever alive.

[@Skunkiboi]

"The Europe Union is like a big Family. You talk about everything and in the end you do what mother wants".

[@Dave_Sisson]

@@samrevlej9331 Angela Merkel of course.

[@rjfaber1991]

@@whannabi I would question why anybody would want to leave in the first place, but it is worth noting that Britain's difficulty in leaving the EU was almost entirely self-inflicted. Yes, it takes time to replace thousands of pieces of legislation and regulation that come with EU membership, but that could all have been sorted out quite quickly. What really held back Brexit was Britain's constant "have our cake and eat it" attitude, and making demands that were physically impossible.

[@dageogaming4478]

@Tee Pi europe really isnt a country

[@averagejoe6031]

@@whannabi yeah but I’d imagine Belgium would be smart enough to compromise on some things and not be so stubborn like the UK.

[@ericc1336]

Mother is fanatical deluded and dangerous

[@NFSHeld]

By the way, French Guiana at the northern coast of South America being "technically France" means that a flight from France to French Guiana is also "technically a domestic flight" and therefore very cheap, which is nice if you want to spend your winter holidays in Caribbean climate.

[@SwissTHX11384EB]

“The borders of the EU will probably continue to expand” Turkey lights up in green That didn't age well...

[@vulpine3431]

As long as they keep insisting that northern Cyprus is a thing Greece will keep vetoing everything with them. Also throwing refugees and migrants into the borders isn't nice.

[@EndietheEnderman]

@@vulpine3431 Greece doesn't even need to veto them. Cyprus can itself lol. I don't think Greece even cares what happens in Cyprus anymore really. They're mostly done with the island since now most of the population doesnt want to be part of Greece. And Greece still has lots of issues with Turkey like Imia / Kardak and their border. Most likely France and other countries would also veto them too, since they're not too happy on the migrants thing.

[@maximwannabepro3021]

@@EndietheEnderman and that's a good thing, since they aren't a democracy anymore

[@Zappuify]

VulpineKitsune Dude, Even if there was no issue called Cyprus, Turkey wouldn’t have been accepted. Because Turkey is not a European country, the population of which can change the power balance in EU. The another reason is the lack of interest by Turkish people towards EU. Turks have alienated themselves from Europe. Have a good day, from Turkey.

[@edyslavico3761]

@@maximwannabepro3021 true. Even if recently Hungary has stopped being a democracy more or less if I am not mistaken.

[@Partyaap050]

Pissed my pants when you zoomed in on Greece.

[@adrianafrompiraeus8724]

Unkel Dolan And i LMAO when i see your face :) ugly, uneductaed looser!

[@VintageLJ]

adriana '93 So... you are Greek/Cypriot? He didn't lie, so there is no reason for you to be all nationalistic. Nationalism generally leads to suffering.

[@santosgt8938]

"Lying about your financial situation is something no country would EVER do..." *Heavily glances at Greece*

[@JarmamStuff]

*France, Spain, Italy and pretty much most if not all eurozone countries have entered the chat*

[@pureaidswithmemes8053]

Yes, I too, watched the video

[@mariostanic7485]

After resistance Socialists across Europe to set up crosses on the flag, one man Paul Levi, a Jew who converted to Catholicism and became president of journalistic office in the Council of Europe (founded in 1949) visiting the old continent. He realizes that in every major city there is a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, over whose head is 12 stars. Among the several hundred proposals remained just this, which was adopted at the end.

[@marcusturner27]

@@mariostanic7485 Thanks for sharing

[@raxi9619]

We're sorry? 😅

[@ggwp638BC]

Fun fact: thanks to French Guiana, France's largest continuous land border is actually with... Brazil.

[@patrickmeny1298]

“Check in any time they like but they can never stay” So reverse Hotel California.

[@calvinware7957]

MANY A ROOM AT THE HOTEL SHENGEN AREA

[@jesusisthetruth4497]

Patrick Does Stuff oo

[@kazuichisouda2026]

Yep, the Ainrofilac Letoh.

[@maxmorenotorras154]

Spain "close one"

[@samuelrothlisberger4962]

Also its not true. Swiss citizens can live and work freely in the EU

[@vhsjpdfg]

"A bottomless well of asterisks."

[@Pieh0]

Otherwise known as a bottomless well of shit

[@Feuermagier1337]

Better than War.

[@Pieh0]

Valentin Metz Yes, and we must thank NATO for that.

[@ltpierce1]

the eu is more of an extension of the alliance between countries really

[@Elektrochemistry]

+Weegee Productions Indeed, even more restrictions (like the 'anti-terror chemicals', e.a. hydrogen peroxide is banned, nitrate fertilizers are banned,..), the retail had less income because of that and the result of those restrictions where mass bombing, like in Paris and Brussels and a huge black market. In contrast with the USD the euro have a fixed value, which is stupid and the reason why the economy in the eurozone dropped, maintaining these imperial European buildings (lobbying is impossible with the EU) is very expensive, in contrast to the US there are simply too many languages to learn to make it possible to work in say Denmark if Belgium is too small. Finally, the results of the lack of Border control are huge amounts of refugees that leave their country because Europe and the US will raid them for oil. Politicians are 'FOR' their own seat.

[@haraffael7821]

The Schengen agreement is the best. A friend of mine crossed the border by accident, while on Border Duty (looking for illegal migration) with the military (fully armed) and the local police there said "Dude, wrong side of the border, you should have turned left, not right." And laughing their asses off.

[@JackRussel1997]

3:02 Actually, Sweden doesn't have a permanent opt-out in our contract like Denmark and the UK. We just choose to fail one of the economic requirements on purpose every year so that we aren't allowed to (read: don't have to) use the Euro

[@janickpauwels3792]

I don't see the point why you desperately want to avoid joining the Euro. As with many other memberships in the EU, you basically are following common rules anyway, without having a say. The SEK EUR exchange rate is basically static, so the only change you would see, is a different colour in bank notes and another number on it. Your companies already are doing virtually everything in EUR anyway, or at least those who trade with businesses in other countries. With the transition to electronic money going on (I very rarely use cash anymore), there's even less reason to stick to your own paper notes. I can understand when you want to keep your own money so that you can have your own monetary policy, but as Swedish and Danish money is basically linked with the EUR anyway, what's the point? It's not because we have given up on Belgian franks, that we have lost our soul/identity/whatever. We are still Belgians. We just use some other paper to pay our groceries with. It's not a big deal. It feels like people in Sweden and Denmark feel insecure about themselves. Somehow you need your "own" money, just so that you can say "hey, I'm Swedish/Danish". Weird...

[@XXXTENTAClON227]

@@janickpauwels3792 no, they’re simply just keeping themselves safe from the error of other countries. That’s why the UK never joined; the £ was extremely safe and most importantly was the oldest currency in the world. 2008 completely shattered Swedens confidence of changing currency, hence why it’s still so skeptical. Basically, Scandinavia is wealthy enough to not feel pressured into change, so unless it can guarantee stability (which it can’t) they will not switch.

[@vulpes7079]

Outstanding move

[@adventure_F0x]

@@XXXTENTAClON227 what do you mean 'was the oldest currency'

[@XXXTENTAClON227]

@@adventure_F0x the £ is the oldest currency that still exists

[@clarknebres7913]

That closeup of Greece at 2:53 killed me pmsl

[@chelseaonlyfansinstagram9961]

Cheers mate

[@AgentIHD]

+Iron Giant lol, ikr XD

[@dikaiapanoglou1924]

+bernardobiritiki In Greece the situation is complicated. I want to explain but is too complicated xD Yes im Greek... Btw there is no country in the world without a debt. The problem in Greece is that the debt is huge and it's hard to take more loans, so no loans = risk for bankruptcy = The plp who gave loans will lose their money. So why cant Greece live without loans? Because the politicians cant handle money even though they teach to famous univericities ^^

[@bernardobiritiki]

+T Panos so is syrisa working out or no? i really really really hope it is

[@dikaiapanoglou1924]

They are in power less than a year so is too early to judge. But my personal opinion is no, simple because their rivals agree with their dicision so something is wrong here ^^ just kidding. They did too many mistakes for example the hired again 400+ cleaners for the Ministry of Finance (btw the previous goverment fired them) and the parlament is the most expencive building (i talking about the staff who is working in there) in Greece (if not in Europe) but their paychecks is steady. If you count the politician wages (3500-5000 euros) is about 1.200.000 euros per month, and the guys who filing up water on the stand earn 1500 euro (when there is families who "living" with 600 euros) but of course the politicans reject these number and claim they are hungry too... Even their lies is bad! The parlament is working like for decades so that isnt syriza's fault but they can fix that if they wanted... And about that Grey said "that we lied about our economy to join the euro" isnt wrong, our pressident "cooked" our numbers but he never faced any charges ^^ Cool eh?

[@mollydewinter984]

When it zoomed in on Greece i died

[@Carrotmeal]

rip

[@verdevanvederan7204]

same

[@quack2390]

I dont get it though

[@verdevanvederan7204]

replay the scene, if you still don’t get it, look up greece’s relationship with the EU

[@amycollins7032]

I laughed to death

[@SacsachCCABP]

“France, the queen of not letting go” Hmmm now where have I heard the reverse of that phrase before

[@anmoldhingra4585]

Lol

[@anmoldhingra4585]

I saw this comment right when i heard it

[@jintanarawdsukumaal3000]

MAYBE

[@r.k.7663]

"Europe loves asterisks" Says the American*

[@r.k.7663]

@@WhereTheCat No, he's Irish*

[@averagejoe6031]

@@r.k.7663 he’s Irish American born in America and grew up in America. He was simply had Irish citizenship via family (I think) and was able to live in London because of that. Long story short he’s and Irish American who lives in England.

[@r.k.7663]

@@averagejoe6031 yeah, what I'm saying, american*(《there's an asterisk right there at the end, aymbolizing he's not really american, but, since he only has irish citizenship and does not really relate to ireland except that his dad's irish, we can call him american).

[@STB4G]

Is it weird that these three symbols are in a triangle shape on the keyboard €£*

[@cakeisyummy5755]

@@STB4G It's a Brexit joke.

[@GoneZombie]

Grey: Asterix Me, an intellectual: Obelix

[@jaojao1768]

Made me chuckle

[@appleslover]

?

[@maximwannabepro3021]

@@appleslover how dark u world must be if u don't no Asterix, Obelix and Idefix

[@appleslover]

@@maximwannabepro3021 not that dark due to the fact that English isn't my first language

[@Piat47]

apple's lover lol its actually french

[@hydro0759]

The members of the EU are: Germany France United King- UK: *I’m gonna stop you right there*

[@jamesfinch9987]

@Soller the Vault-Tec Salesman

[@KnightoftheSorryFace]

@@jamesfinch9987 ah, I see you are a man of culture

[@tarmantgeorgio]

tpi eu.

[@rockb.g]

Rule, Britannia! Britannia, rule the waves! Britons never, never, never shall be slaves. I'm not European I am British this way we voted to leave the European Union 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@tarmantgeorgio]

rULE IN TOULOUSE PREFECTURE 3LORS DELIGOT23 GRAMATICALLY 3 PARA 6LEGAL 3

[@mikikaboom9084]

0:26 "The edges of the EU will probably continue to expand further out" Britain: Uno reverse card

[@Eliktro]

nazwa prawdziwego polaka xd

[@Scorpio-mq9dk]

We learn almost nothing about the EU or European history in the US, so things like this are really useful

[@MrCamille9999]

What history do you learn about then ? Because no offense but your history is a bit short ^^

[@agent_sus3273]

@@MrCamille9999 revolutionary war, civil war, both world wars, French Revolution, etc.

[@MrCamille9999]

@@agent_sus3273 I mean in Europe we pretty much start from the beginning of mankind and progressively make our way to the 21st century: apparition of writing, ancient civilizations (mostly Greece and Rome), middle ages and renaissance (mostly in Europe) and from this point we include the rest of the world more and more. From what you're telling me you only study the last 3 centuries at most...

[@carsonchiem145]

Dude we literally have a course in high school called AP European History for students to take..... I took it and idk if you'll believe me, but I learned a little about European history

[@MrCamille9999]

@@carsonchiem145 So history is optional in highschool in the US?

[@Thermonuclear_Waifuisation]

Grey “The QUEEN of not letting go” France: bad choice of words

[@Uranium_Enjoyer]

*TO THE GUILLOTINE!*

[@strawberrydaily3625]

*LOOKS LIKE SOMEONE HAS LOST THEIR HEAD PRIVILEGES*

[@steviedavidson5130]

*Your free trial of HEAD has expired.*

[@sticktheok]

*c h o p c h o p*

[@oliverodgers2012]

oh no not the head, we dont need a second revolution lmao

[@ClemensKatzer]

The EU flag with asterisks instead of stars should have been the thumbnail of the video.

[@averagejoe6031]

I love how the EU’s theme is Ode To Joy.

[@edipires15]

Well it’s the official anthem of the EU

[@averagejoe6031]

@@edipires15 yeah, that’s what I said. I’m saying I like that.

[@Cybernaut551]

I like it as well.

[@123batina]

Update to video: Croatia joined eurozone and schengen area on 01.01.2023.

[@Gabowsk]

Anything political that's too complex to explain: **Exists** CGP: *_I T ' S A S T O R Y F O R A N O T H E R T I M E._*

[@epamaarainenroina220]

Almost every popular comment already has multiple troll answers about politics. Imagine if this vid _was_ about politics! Dear lord...

[@Gabowsk]

@@epamaarainenroina220 You're 101% correct. Religion, politics and your local sports championship are things you can't discuss openly.

[@trla6505]

CGP to himself :dont say that!

[@neroquin]

Just like the Sprookjesboom in the Efteling.. how I miss you...

[@anonymouscausewhynot]

And then he (almost) never explains it like a parent when they say “I’ll tell you when you’re older.”

[@simonu1612]

"and lying about money is certainly not something anyone would do..." *zooms in on Greece Greece: "uh why is the camera pointed at me" *laughs nervously*

[@jesusisthetruth4497]

S Uhl o

[@camirivera9278]

that was epic

[@IkelosEU]

Yes the other countires were idiots. They didnt know the reality. Wake up

[@IkelosEU]

@Master Godlike did u learn English in school?

[@vodkaboy]

@Rupprecht Kurt Hasselbuttelmann-Fitzmeisterjaeger Rends l'argent*

[@turnoffautoplay]

For those of you who need it here's a list of all the countries he says: Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Poland, Romania, Kingdom of Netherlands, Greece, Belgium, Portugal, Czech Republic, Hungary, Sweden, Austria, Bulgaria, Denmark, Slovakia, Finland, Ireland, Croatia, Lithuania, Latvia, Slovenia, Estonia, Cyprus, Luxembourg, Malta

[@canadianmapping4651]

print(noobcelot_comment - United Kingdom)

[@mendesjosr4438]

Azores and Madeira haven't been considered colonies since the XVI century. They were populated by continental portuguese (and some flemish in the azores) with the full rights of any portuguese subject, they were organised into Municipios, with the rights and freedoms these traditionally had, same laws, same everything as the mainland. Before they were autonomous regions they were generally called "the adjacent islands" and seen as part of metropolitan Portugal as opposed to ultramarine Portugal

[@anonymoususer6237]

Britain left the chat

[@willokeefe1135]

Genius Goblin ignorance is bliss

[@painzkiller2452]

@Genius Goblin Time will tell, and let's see who's the surprised one :D

[@patu2175]

We'll see about that

[@paolotangini9336]

Benjamin Wickers Elena No This is a phrase that I invite you to copy and paste everywhere! European union (regime) is based on 3 columns: 1) PUBLIC DEBT CREATED BY NOTHING TO TAKE UP DEMOCRACIES 2) ARTIFICIAL IMMIGRATION TO lower workers' salaries 3) HIGH UNEMPLOYMENT FOR THE STABILITY OF PRICES The ECB is PRIVATE the euro is PRIVATE ALL THE MONEY IN CIRCULATION = public debt THIS IS THE REAL REACTION OF THE MARKETS!

[@ineedanamebutthisisntcapit4817]

Help It’s Still Not Done Yet

[@Ling74750]

The EU might have some economic problems today and it is far from perfect but nontheless I love the concept of the EU and I think it is a great thing. I really hope that the current anti EU movements in many countries will come to an end and the concept of a united, prosperous and open European Union remains. I am so proud to be German an European at the same time.

[@PhysiOSQuantum]

I am pro-Euro although I believe we just miss one key thing for the union, that is fiscal union. Goodbye unbalanced spending, hello US of Europe. I am Portuguese and if Portugal EVER leaves the EU I will burn down the parliament with molotovs.

[@Ling74750]

I see your point. That might really be much better. I would even be very sad if any country at all leaves the EU

[@PhysiOSQuantum]

Serbian Mino If you ever knew what the EU was you would never say that anyhow it isn't like I could change the world of the euro-skeptics, sometimes I think they live in a different world. By the way troll much?

[@Ling74750]

mrdean171 I think you just mistook us for the Americans.

[@PhysiOSQuantum]

mrdean171 How can you speak of something you don't know. Also I wasn't speaking about culture I was speaking about the EU as in European Union. Better yet you must have mistaken us by the Americans, America =/= Europe this applies to it's politics, culture and people.

[@cycl0n236]

England: "No"

[@NorroTaku]

teacher: where is the European union? student: *points at heart*

[@emilytalerman3567]

The real European Union is the friends we made along the way

[@Cybernaut551]

Based.

[@thespianed]

Ireland isn't in the Schengen area, not because they "believe Islands are different", but because the UK does, and so to prevent a border along Northern Ireland, we stuck with the UK. In the event of a united Ireland, I can see mass support for joining the Schengen area.

[@viktorjoelsson6972]

Honestly being able to just take your pastport and go anywhere with in the Schengen is awsome

[@explorernate]

Viktor Joelsson the point of schengen is that you don’t even need a passport. You just travel document free.

[@calvinware7957]

Disolve the UK

[@swunt10]

@@explorernate I think you need a document. otherwise you couldn't prove to be a european citizen. borders still exist and you need a passport or identity card to cross them even if most of the time nobody checks if you do. I have been controlled by german police when I entered from switzerland.

[@explorernate]

@@swunt10 Switzerland is not in the EU. That's why you were checked there. There are zero checks from Portugal to Poland, as long as you don't pass through Switzerland or the micro states between.

[@morezco]

It's been 4 years grey WHERE'S THE STORY FOR ANOTHER TIME?

[@Velociter]

Guilherme Moresco he just says that. He doesn't really mean he'll make a video about it later.

[@psltmtir]

dude its a joke

[@nickcameron4107]

CGP Grey pretty much never uploads anything if he's not happy with it, which means his content quality is very high

[@kevinvu5432]

This isn't how I met your mother.

[@doyoufeel...thatyoulackcri6760]

EU, the Caliphate that ISIS dreamt of.

[@Intrinseque52]

3:57 those regions don't want to leave France. Ironically, you forgot the only regions where an higher degree of autonomy is debated, the French Polynesia.

[@ygotsvlog3762]

yeah they are like ticks

[@internetperson9813]

"And lying about reaching those goals totally not something anyone would do" **Zooms in on Greece**

[@user-hl7bw8yw7n]

Sweden doesn't actually have a permanent opt-out of the eurozone like Denmark does. Instead, it deliberately doesn't meet the criteria for joining. Basically, for a country to join the eurozone, its parliament should pass kind of a "Yes, we do actually want to join the eurozone" bill. The Swedish parliament just hasn't got around to doing it as of 2020, and considering the fact that most of Sweden's population are against adopting the euro, is likely not going to anytime soon.

[@Elenrai]

Denmarks voted down the Euro several times too, not enough bridges or royalty on the currency

[@ericc1336]

The German people would have never given up the Deutschmark had they been asked.

[@redcoat4348]

@@ericc1336 Hell I'm pretty sure most Europeans don't want a federation, as much as the elite try.

[@eamonreidy9534]

@@ericc1336 it was given up to reunify East and west Germany which people were actually massively in favour of. Learn history and stop talking stupidity in comments sections.

[@ericc1336]

@@eamonreidy9534I was in Germany when the wall fell. It only fell because we had a strong nato. And the ussr was coming apart. I know my history... I was there

[@FAYBELLEchon]

"these asterisks almost never end, but this video must-"

[@Phoenix_The_HeroHater]

*Except for the UK

[@maximwannabepro3021]

@@Phoenix_The_HeroHater meh, depends on how u wanna trade in the future :)

[@Phoenix_The_HeroHater]

Maxim WannaBePros hopefully the UK still keeps close ties

[@maximwannabepro3021]

@@Phoenix_The_HeroHater would be better for relations and people. But makes the braxit opsolet again. I can see why they are a year over shadual with the bill. (and weirdly enough I'd be proud if the Union Jack would sill be a star on the EU flag, even thought I'm german)

[@Phoenix_The_HeroHater]

Maxim WannaBePros I agree mostly and due to brexit and their insistence of not continuing some ties makes me a bit sad but negotiations are still yet to be discussed with the other eu states so perhaps there may be an agreement for the UK specifically but it’s just as likely for actual total 100% brexit from the eu which sucks but let’s wait and see

[@sueKay]

I'm here since I watched a few reaction videos to it so felt I should watch the OG. I love watching non Europeans getting so confused by this video because I studied the EU for years at uni so I had every opportunity and plenty of time to absorb all the EU's weirdness. But it's still a little mindblowing seeing it all condensed down into a video!

[@beactivebehappy9894]

I think you could make a 24-hour clip playlist of all the stories that you have kept for another video!

[@Wissenswert]

you can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave - loved that reference.

[@r.o.b8728]

Okay...?

[@masontobiasc]

Was macht- Ach, egal.

[@peturkristinsson9463]

1:26 the chick on the Icelandic money has a nice hat.

[@KC-to9xl]

so far the best comment here!

[@Bernieo153]

Flottur hattur haha!

[@spectrelex3051]

Agreed

[@peturkristinsson9463]

+Bernieo153 ;)

[@patrickbutler87]

You win the internet.

[@The-ZebraFinch-Channel]

Turkey and other countries: pls let me in European Union:*no* Eu Union: : hey wanna join switz? Switzerland: N O

[@ryanejoe]

is that a mc creeper skin in a suit at 00:43 in the EU

[@KishoreShenoy1994]

As a British citizen, I like Europe. The majority of the songs are very good, including: "It's the FINAL COUNTDOWN"

[@squizza28]

The British people are sick and tired of being the cash cow for this corrupt organisation that has not had its accounts audited for 20 years. Of course, being the dictatorship it is, it is above the law. We don't need the contribution of £20 bn a year, the stupid regulations, the mass uncontrolled immigration from poor east European countries, and our Government not being supreme over the EU, and the ban on doing our own trade deals with the rest of the world. . It's not in our interests to be in the EU and we're getting out.

[@Robbedem]

+squizza28 I hope you realise that The British pay less in comparison to other wealthy EU nations already? As a non-Brit EU citizen, I hope the unjust benefits for the Brits will be removed.

[@sednaontheedge9478]

+Robbedem WRONG with a bell chime. Britain is the 2nd biggest donor after Germany and we get less out than we put in unlike the French. Also we practically militarily defend the EU for free since we're NATOs 2nd largest military contributor. We could build a hospital every week for the money we put in and all we get back is benefit cheats from the east. I want my nation back because it was fraudulently stolen by stealth.

[@Kai-tn4yx]

+squizza28 Cash cow? You already have the UK rebates (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UK_rebate), which all other members don't have. However, you are right: Most of us other Europeans see the UK mainly as the Trojan Horse of the USA (like Charles de Gaulle already warned in the 1960s), spying on your friends ("Fife Eyes" etc.) and always complaining while contributing nothing. You can try to live as an isolated island, out of the common market, with the EU taxing all your goods. :) We won't miss those of you who are anti-European.

[@Kai-tn4yx]

+Sedna On the Edge When did Britain ever "defend" an EU country? Never.

[@GloriousMushroom]

The zooming in on Greece was marvelous!

[@apophis8659]

Farion Long I live in Greece... And I can't stop laughing and crying at the same time 😂🤣😭

[@Archeaon]

as an italian we kind of did a similar thing, we did not lie but cheated drugging our data to be able to take the euro, meanwhile they just falsified it. Just feeling excluded for not being mentioned :(

[@doyoufeel...thatyoulackcri6760]

*What is the EU Caliphate?* The EU Caliphate is a theocratic dictatorship much like ISIS, run by German dictator Ayathollah Merkel *_DENMARK OUT OF EU CALIPHATE_*

[@matthiaswelzel8447]

2:22 reference to Hotel California from the Eagles: "You can check out any time you like but you can never leave." Nice.😀

[@ballinbalgruuf8198]

2:23 You can check in anytime you like but you can never stay *Awesome guitar solo starts*

[@ryker9522]

Welcome to the hotel California!

[@kalimbatuna6462]

I love how he zooms in on Greece.

[@nicholasbrillinfotainment3162]

What can I say??? Greece is doomed to pay their debt

[@njam101]

The zoom in made me laugh!

[@kalimbatuna6462]

Zachisepic101 Doomed I SAY!

[@Daniel-hx1yu]

What did Greece do

[@deadvodka]

If anybody is wondering about the choice of music, this part of Beethovens Symphony No. 9 (Ode to joy) was proposed in 1955 as the ECouncil anthem and accepted as such in 1972 without Schiller's German text though, and finally In 1985 as the EG/EU anthem officially acclaimed. There are versions in Latin and Esperanto, but they aren't officially accepted as the anthem.

[@KingOfParrots]

Thanks for googling that for me

[@hellhound78]

Freude schöner Götterfunken♪

[@eatyouroranges6902]

I knew I recognized it but I couldn’t figure out what it was!!!! Thank you :’)

[@tyskerbarn5171]

poor Beethoven...he would cry today about it.

[@deadvodka]

@@tyskerbarn5171 why do you think he would?

[@rapterranger771]

Dude, I watch this channel on my own volition and my AP Gov teacher played this video during class. I was pleasantly surprised. Usually it’s something boring and unengaging.

[@grzesiekbiskowski]

It's worth mentioning that Poland is (and was) outside of the eurozone in 3:25

[@aristerosgiatros8742]

Thanks for the reference -greek person, 2018

[@fhoertnagl2000]

Holy sh*t, I just randomly clicked this video, and when the picture at 2:02 appeared, I immediately recognised it. The sign is just behind my village, and I have driven by it many times. Thanks for that, Internet

[@brett9059]

That must be a weird feeling

[@grzegorzbrzeczyszykiewic3338]

please explain what a fucking mother heater is mr sebilo

[@spectratio]

@@grzegorzbrzeczyszykiewic3338 i need an answer for this

[@David_Box]

Where is that thing?

[@thiccardboyle2952]

@@Antoine-lx3pf we nee cgp grey to make a video on this heater thing

[@santiagopf8008]

2:17 Anyone else got the reference to the music Hotel California from Eagles? "You can check-out any time you like, But you can never leave!"

[@erichvonfuchs4858]

One mistake: Poland is not a part of Eurozone.

[@kourii]

He got it right on the map, but not the chart

[@annoyance.2583]

We dont have opt-out (I think) but considering there are economic goals to meet, Poland is probably never getting in anyway, for the better or worse

[@janickpauwels3792]

@@annoyance.2583 Poland has bigger problems right now with the EU (which basically means: with the other countries, because it's not that this is just an EU problem and Belgium or Spain doesn't care). Adopting the Euro is not important right now. Accepting the basic principle of what the EU stands for, is. Discarding fundamental articles in the EU treaties (which Poland signed) as inferior to your constitution, means that you have two options: 1) leave the EU, as apparently your constitution is not compatible with the treaty you signed, and makes it void. 2) change your constitution. A constitution is just a law which can be changed, if it has sufficient support. This is not about the EU being the boss of Poland. This is about agreeing to do certain things in the same way and putting your signature under that commitment. You cannot just say that you don't like the text anymore, and pick the articles you like and discard those you don't like.

[@marcinjankowski4432]

@@janickpauwels3792 have you studied EU laws or are you just talking to talk? Because I happen to live in brussels and study here, and understanding how the UE and all of it's institutions works is part of our school program. So I can assure that it's not as easy as you make it to be.

[@jeroenvanvelzen4401]

Germany France The UK Italy Spain Poland *The Kingdom of the Netherlands* Dang we extra af

[@jakubcesarzdakos5442]

I think you missed something...

[@josh-gt9fm]

there’s also the united kingdom of great britain and northern ireland. if that isn’t extra then nothing is

[@neine999]

Well it's because just saying the netherlands would only be referring to the european parts, while the kingdom of the netherlands includes certain territories overseas

[@jeroenvanvelzen4401]

Napoleon Bonaparte I know that.

[@galgonso]

Spain is actually the kingdom of Spain and he didnt say anything :(

[@penguincamp]

While some borders are clean, and some are well-patrolled, mine is considering building a giant wall and making others pay for it.

[@firasalboni3787]

Is your country Hungary or USA?

[@edi0157]

+firas alboni lol

[@juttuikaverit]

EU borders are far from clean, they were great before the refugee crisis, but at the moment it's ridicilous that people outside of EU can move around without a problem, I think a lot of americans really dont know what's really going on.

[@josephfox9221]

+Twat Pitt as an American I have no idea what y'all are doing. as far as I can tell Germany want the refugees but doesnt really want them in Germany. the French are complaining. no one is sure why they are complaining, the Italians are pissed off but no one cares. and the British Government says it wants them then at the last moment changes its mind

[@moonknightish]

I guess he is Austrian.

[@larsbrudvik3694]

I fully understand what I just watched*

[@AvroBellow]

Here's an interesting way to be an EU citizen despite NEVER having lived in ANY of the EU countries or overseas territories: 1) I'm Canadian, born and raised. 2) My mother is from Northern Ireland so I am automatically a UK citizen. 3) My maternal grandparents were also born in Northern Ireland (yeah, so?) 4) When my grandparents were born, Ulster was part of the Irish Free State. 5) Thus, I am also automatically a citizen of Eire (Ireland) 6) Thus, I am also automatically a citizen of the EU Having that many passports gets VERY expensive VERY quickly, but I'm thankful for them!

[@jmurray1110]

All northern Irish citizens may opt in for Irish passports regardless due to historical circumstances so you could regardless Actually with brexit a lot of us were considering applying for Irish pass well as british as an escape option

[@MegaFeeso]

One more asterisk to add now since the uk just left...

[@alwinpriven2400]

or remove, because now there's no need for "UK keeps Pound forever"

[@jonathanCRoberts]

+Alwin Priven Switzerland has a friend now

[@alwinpriven2400]

why?

[@Tharkon]

Switzerland is part of Schengen, the UK is not.

[@alwinpriven2400]

why Sweden? they didn't leave, did they?

[@jfb-]

Might need to update this video a bit...

[@SR2XO]

He's got two years to make a new one, thats when the U.K. leaves.

[@eliparker7151]

Was Article 50 enacted?

[@ncc1701dfreddyvulcan]

Why great britain?! #WhatHaveWeDone

[@dippy2k839]

Wasn't we will when Thatcher mk2 is sitting at the front bench shouting at Corbyn

[@jadenw8755]

Na it's fine I don't see a problem

[@bobing1752]

1:31 I like how there's no asterisk on "Thank you for your money" but there's one on "Now we're going to make rules you follow*"

[@capnstewy55]

All of the coins with sealife on them was an incredible explanation of your point.

[@PrincessLockette]

3:33 uh, actually Lithuania and Latvia ARE in the Eurozone and Poland ISN'T in the Eurozone.

[@Daleks172]

+PrincessLockette old video

[@libanabdi2253]

+PrincessLockette It's not on there because they joined after this video was made, however you're right about Poland because they have never been a part of the Eurozone.

[@GlowingHorror]

Actually this video was made in 2013 and Latvia and Lithuania didn't have the Euro at the time. But You're completely right about Poland.

[@kacperszyniec8622]

+PrincessLockette thank you

[@kacperszyniec8622]

+Liban Ibrahim Abdi And never will :p

[@AtemiRaven]

What's interesting: The USA was originally meant to be something like the EU: a confederacy of what was essentially self governing countries under a relatively weak central body. It too would have been terribly complex. Of course we all know that didn't end up happening, and "States," actually ended up being provinces within a strong armed central government.

[@stareyedwitch]

Which side (state/provinces or the federal government) got the worse end of the deal is the question

[@AtemiRaven]

stareyedwitch It's all a matter of perspective.

[@Inkyminkyzizwoz]

stareyedwitch That'd be an interesting topic for another video!

[@itube612]

the political diversity is the biggest glitch of the EU. EU is comparable with US in many ways, but we will never become a superpower of major relevance on the world map unless we get further federalized and get more centralized federal power. I am ok with our strongest armies having just a fraction of the U.S. military budget. We never set a goal of policing world, we also may not be the best guy to do it as some of our countries had colonies in the past. Our role is rather to mediate peace and diffuse conflicts by dimplomatic means. When that fails, it's good to know our stronger brother has our backs. And vice versa. We're happy to be your allies within NATO and co-operate when you guys need our help.

[@vernement4752]

And that's the ultimate european project, but there is a language wall and a country identity too strong.

[@Anakeish]

I know its 8 years old but, Swiss has another * to EEA. The EEA includes EU countries and also Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. It allows them to be part of the EU’s single market. Switzerland is not an EU or EEA member but is part of the single market. This means Swiss nationals have the same rights to live and work in the UK as other EEA nationals.

[@AlaiMacErc]

Switzerland has a _ton_ of *'s... but that must be about the biggest (other) one, yup.

[@furkangoth]

1:23 I wasn’t expecting Yohanna as the Icelander so thanks for making my day.

[@cana0]

Is she famous?

[@furkangoth]

@@cana0 She was runner up in eurovision 2009.

[@SmileyNoteblock]

American text *European text*

[@billy_boi]

*dies of fucking cancer because this is so stupid in Croatian

[@SmileyNoteblock]

*Doesn't live in the EU but gets affected by the meme ban because of the EEA in Norwegian

[@bigman489]

*Nah, Muricaa Fuck Yeaahh*

[@shirosocool2938]

*laughs in asian *

[@bigman489]

Zorux Yes Asian is a language yes.

[@wetasspaddington]

I get that very subtle reference in the music. It's Ode to Joy, the Official Anthem of the EU.

[@anselmschueler]

wow very subtle

[@DisconnectedRoamer]

I thought only countries have official anthems.....

[@tevildo7718]

​@@DisconnectedRoamer The EU is complicated due to its nature as a political-economic union that has no real precedent in history or any real firm term for what they are. (IE they are not just a multinational organization), they are not a confederation because confederations are generally much looser and less centralized than the EU is (which is more a statement of how little control there is in a confederation than anything) and its certainly not a nation-state but at the same time the EU is often treated as a nation-state due to its influence for example up till relatively recently EU ambassadors to the US were in the same category as ambassadors from nation-states rather than international organizations.

[@Zen-rw2fz]

@@tevildo7718 It started as union and only recently gained the political power it has now and yet they managed to keep itself as democratic as possible.

[@kokki1452]

@@Zen-rw2fz * democratic enough that nothing went up in flames. **EU sure likes their asterisks

[@IlluminatiBG]

Bulgaria does not use euro (yet), but it has fixed rate currency to euro equal to 1 EUR = 1.955 BGN, specifically close enough to 2, so people can multiply and divide by 2, but far enough for any intermediate sum of money to mismatch your expectation and require a calculator and currency conversion for what essentially have absolutely the same value.

[@labitx]

I just got a new noise cancelling headphones and was surprised to hear the EU anthem playing as the background. Watched this a few times and this is the first time I realize that.

[@EirikXL]

1:26 Lichtenstein money looks like an action film

[@DemonofChaos264]

They use the Swiss Franc.

[@sanaulhachudrey2690]

DemonofChaos264

[@michaeljordan3302]

.

[@TheCheesyNachos]

about time this is updated

[@wayneryanhalim7036]

I was looking for this comment😂

[@Studio2770]

Not so fast since other countries are thinking of doing the same thing.

[@ahmaquindi]

not really, since the whole procedure is going to take a helluva time.

[@Haedor]

Why update when nothing has changed? GB hasnt signed Article 50 yet and will not do so as long as possible.

[@liamolaoghaire]

The UK hasn't left yet

[@deepalib3096]

Such an informative video

[@eschmabriel]

I've never enjoyed not understanding something so much

[@thatonewriter8043]

"Though lying about those goals is certainly not something anyone would do." *slow zoom to Greece* Before macroeconomics, I wouldn't have gotten that joke, but after writing a paper on the Greek financial crisis, I know significantly more about that. It's one of those jokes that you laugh at, then get sadder about the longer you think about it.

[@irthamepali]

ThatOneWriter fml

[@mustafa-cx2fg]

please i have zero prior knowledge about economics , but I want to start learning about it. Could you refer me to some beginner resources ?

[@luftwaffle3566]

The internet is the solution. Just search randomly, you're bound to find something!

[@ChristmasTrax]

I didn't realise I was able to move to Norway. I'm off to pack my bags. Good bye Britain!

[@nikg8052]

ChristmasTrax Well if some Brits get their way, you will have to move back soon.

[@ethanquirk28]

By now its a bit more than some.

[@Keloot]

ChristmasTrax there are a lot of brist in norway lol

[@ChristmasTrax]

Ethan Quirk I don't think there is to be honest. When you look at say a 1,000 idiots on there own it looks like a lot until you realise everyone else isn't so utterly brainless to feel the need to blame everything on immigrants

[@ethanquirk28]

ChristmasTrax What you just said has no merit in argument to what I have said, as there are a lot more than just 1000 idiots in Britain. They are also not the only ones with the opinion

[@inqizzo]

3.30 2 years after this video came out a new goverment was elected in poland and it canceled the switch to euro ( :[ )

[@JuliusMcRich]

Grey: UK is part of the EU Me: Checks when this was uploaded

[@minefilms1122]

EXCEPTIONS EXCEPTIONS EXCEPTIONS MORE EXCEPTIONS I WANT THEM GIVE ME MORE ASTERISKS

[@lmao2302]

**

[@nictheperson6709]

***

[@kelvinubaechu]

***

[@pawion]

***

[@angrymurloc7626]

try: Europe() except: AnotherEuropeMaybe()

[@Cookiemagination]

2:53 laughing tears incoming xD

[@nikolaosprodromidis9926]

racist

[@Cookiemagination]

Nikolaos Prodromidis come on, that has nothing to do with racism, nothing but really good humor by cgp grey ^^

[@nikolaosprodromidis9926]

I find it offensive.

[@HonestHappyHater]

+EEE EEE Because he is Greek, and nobody likes, when someone accuses your country of cheating. No matter if they did cheat or not.

[@nikolaosprodromidis9926]

This guy gets the picture

[@ianshepard8631]

I still enjoy watching CGP Grey videos 9 years later

[@gardenchemistry]

3:55 the legendary quote

[@foorack]

Sweden does not have an opt-out from the euro. They are legally obliged to adopt it, but a referendum in 2003 voted 56% no so the government has intentionally avoided fulfilling the economic criterias ever since.

[@chahinmorsli7018]

Damn Sweden is sneaky af 😂😂

[@celestialtree8602]

"Hey Sweden, reached those economic goals yet?" "Nope" "Why not?" "uhh" "Well?" "uuuuhhhhhhhhhhhhh"

[@Anonymous-df8it]

Is that even legal?

[@JJLiu-xc3kg]

@@Anonymous-df8it Montenegro just uses the euro without permission and nobody’s really done anything about it…Sweden NOT using it vs Montenegro just deciding to…

[@karanaima]

Imagine if they accidentally succeed in meeting the criteria

[@CoolieCoolster]

Didn't see anyone mention it but Creeper at 0:42

[@phantompizza]

+Marc Cosgaya Capel And of course the people with mine craft icons as there profile pictures noticed it.

[@Ajek-ui4yw]

+CoolieCoolster yep

[@adambennett805]

Because no one cares

[@Talleyhoooo]

+CoolieCoolster naw, too pixelated.

[@ThornMu]

+CoolieCoolster Took a while to find it. At first I thought you were just referring to one of two women's green suit coats.

[@julius5632]

Actually you can't just move to Liechtenstein permanently without an approval. There are 64 passes granted every year with 32 of those being given directly to important people in the companies of Liechtenstein and the other 32 are distributed randomly to the people that applied for this approval...

[@albertseed9418]

Just noticed that ode to joy was playing the anthem if the Eu Nice touch

[@jubbusbubbus]

...EU's flag should actually be asterisks instead of stars. Literally

[@diablo.the.cheater]

those are not stars, just fat asterisks

[@JoaoPimentelFerreira]

Did you know that the yellow stars were inspired on the Virgin Mary's crown with the blue heavens as a background? Therefore I don't see the fckin link between Islam and the EU

[@doyoufeel...thatyoulackcri6760]

*FUN FACTS* 0 out of 100 leftists have any understanding of islam in any form 100% of leftists want islamic law to replace Democracy

[@isaks7042]

FUN FACT You are wrong

[@Nihil0s]

LITERALLY OH YOU SO FUNNY LITERAL

[@DeadlyHandle]

What a great video*

[@TheAmericanPrometheus]

(except if you live in the following places China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Iran, Qatar, etc.) **

[@lincolnreid1649]

((unless you have special permission from the government.))***

[@Contemelia]

Therapist: "How complicated is your relationship?" Me: "Heard about UK and The EU?"

[@manweoettam]

It could be beautiful an update version of this video.

[@Twiggy163]

I started laughing when he started talking about financial goals while zooming in on Greece.

[@Mulaaks15]

Minor detail: You don't lose your EU-citizenship if you live in the Faroe Islands (a tiny part of Denmark), because there is no "Faroese citizenship", only "Danish Citizenship". So while EU laws and regulations don't apply to the Faroe Islands, a Faroe Islander/Dane who lives there regains their EU citizenship when they leave the territory.

[@SirMonday]

I assume that's why his careful word usage in that section was "upon which *while* citizens of Denmark live", the "while" implying that it persists only for the duration of residency.

[@EdbertWeisly]

Saba and friends sounds like a delightful television show

[@Dusterisp]

In the modern day, I cannot thank you enough for being able to discuss things in a manner sufficiently civilised to pronounce the second 's' in "asterisk".