Euromyth
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Euromyth is a phrase sometimes used to describe an allegation made about the policies of the European Union which, it is claimed, is either untrue or a distortion. Those who use the term allege that the Eurosceptic press, especially British tabloid newspapers, are their primary propegators. The creation of the term is perhaps evidence of the long-standing antagonism between the European Commission and sections of the British press.
Often so-called "Euromyths" appearing in the media are drawn from working papers, or are policy suggestions which have yet to be adopted as official policy. It is argued that Eurosceptic newspapers present these ideas as a fait accompli when they are not. Conversely, Eurosceptics argue that the adverse media reaction causes the planned legislation to be withdrawn or amended. They argue that the term is used by supporters of the EU to deflect criticism of its policies or to discredit the media.
In recent years Eurosceptics have adopted the term "Euromyth" themselves to describe misleading or exaggerated claims about the achievements of the EU or the benefits of the single currency.
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[edit] Examples of "Euromyths"
[edit] Hard Hats for Tightrope walkers
"Circus performer must walk tightrope in hard hat, says Brussels. A tightrope-walker says that his career has been placed in jeopardy by legislation originating in Brussels which dictates that he must wear a hard hat to perform". The Times, 23 July 2003, page 11.
In fact whilst it is true that New EU laws have been introduced to protect workers who operate at height, there is no mention of hard hats or circus performers in these rules. Any newspapers, employers or insurers who are interpreting the legislation in such a manner are acting mistakenly. [1]
[edit] Swings too high
In 2003 the BBC reported that a council in Wiltshire had had to remove swings from a village because, under EU regulations, they were considered 'too high'. [2]
In fact, and as with many "Euromyths", there was both fact and fiction in the story. The BBC article continues to note that the EU did not insist that the swings were removed. But it also notes that, although the frame of the swing was considered dangerously high under the EU regulations, the seats themselves were within the limits.
[edit] Straight Rhubarb
"Crackpot Euro chiefs have decreed British rhubarb must be straight. Farmers will have to throw away crooked stalks under barmy new rules. The order follows a review of community fruit and vegetable standards by the EU agricultural directorate". The Sun, 24 June 1996, page 11.
In fact the European Union has never planned to set, or recommend, any such marketing rules for rhubarb. But it did set out grading standards for fruit and vegetables and, according to BBC News, these stated that "bananas must be without excessive bending and should be at least 5.5 inches long and 1.05 inches round. Peaches are required to be below 2.2 inches in diameter and must not be sold between July and October, while Carrots must be 0.75 inches wide". An attempt was made to prosecute the British supermarket chain Asda for breaching grading standards. [3]
[edit] One-size Condoms
"... the EU ... has decreed that condom dimensions should be harmonised across the seamless Continent". The Independent on Sunday, 12 March 2000, page 25.
In fact the EU is not involved in setting condom standards. The European Standardisation Committee (CEN) is a voluntary body made up of national standards agencies and affiliated industry/consumer organisations from nineteen European countries. It has nothing to do with the EU. [4]
[edit] Truck Drivers to eat Muesli
According to the EU commission in Australia and New Zealand [5]it was reported in several British newspapers that Truck drivers were going to be forced to stop eating 'fry-ups' and be forced to eat Muesli and Croissants by the EU.
In fact the EU was merely planning guidelines for truck drivers which focussed on health and safety issues such as diet, but were mainly concerned with enforcing driver training and conveying information on the importance of rest and responsible driving. There was, according to the above source, no mention of being forced to eat muesli.
(This story also appears in the BBC quiz on the EU and "Euromyths" [6])
[edit] More General Myths
In addition to specific newspaper stories some more general positions could be labelled as Euromyths.
[edit] Commission Legislation
It is often implied that the Commission can legislate without consulting the governments of member states. In reality, all EU legislation passes through a legislative process involving both the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union (composed of national ministers). If legislation is to be adopted it must be accepted by the parliament in most cases and by the Council in all cases. This means that for the vast majority of EU legislation the corresponding national government has usually voted in favour in the Council. To give an example, up to September 2006, of the 86 pieces of legislation adopted in that year the government of the United Kingdom had voted in favour of the legislation 84 times, abstained from voting twice and never voted against. [7]
