Clapton Europe is more than one country. America is a country with many states but all the states are in America so of course if you move from one state to another you are still living in America.

Being from the center of Europe, aka Germany, I do feel European. I live closer to France, Holland and Belgium that I do to some of my east german citizens. I say the more unification the better!

I would vote with both hands in favour a referendum creating the "United States of Europe", because:<BR><BR>1. As a Frenchman living in Britain, I have to put up with the daily "little Englander" mentality (ie Euro xenophobia) expressed by 80 % of the press here, and it is not a pretty sight (exactly the same arguments Le Pen grunts in my homeland).<BR>2. As a Euro expat, I am de facto a European citizen<BR>3. When I am in the States, I really feel European...<BR><BR>But as far as identity is concerned, I would describe myself as Parisian-European

I'd read an article recently (in the International Herald Tribune, as I recall) which claimed that, of all the different people in Europe, Germans were the most likely to consider themselves primarily (or equally) European.

Vincent, tell me you live in England. I couldn't bear it if we Scots were doing that to you.<BR><BR>I hate it too......

Hans, that was what I was after, a Unified Europe!

Except this Unified Europe will be one of freedom and peace. Nothing by force.

Interesting point. <BR><BR>Regarding identity, the euro has already bonded people more than anyone expected. I think everyone who uses the currency who is based in the Uk but will travel to mainland EU this summer will be keen to join once they get over the pound being devalued to do it. Im sure Americans planning a multiple city European trip regard the convenience of one currency as great. The national identities are preserved by individual coins which have patterns on the back and are, in the case of many countries- extremely well designed.<BR><BR>Europe will never be one country (would you suggest North and South America (countries within it) should do so simply as they are on the same continent ? I doubt it. Closer union is what its all about and please forgive us if we copy some US ideas en route.....!!