The Disadvantages of Regional Integration
? Loss of sovereignty and national independence.
? Loss of national identity as laws, regulations, and standards are harmonized.
? Reduced power of national governments.
? The creation of a new level of distant and impersonal ‘big government’ in Brussels.
? Too little reference to public opinion regarding key decisions on integration.
? Increased competition and job losses brought by the removal of market protection.
? Progressive states are handicapped as standards are reduced to help integrate state with lower standards.
? Increased drug trafficking, crime and illegal immigration arising from the removal of border controls.
? Problems related to controversial initiatives such as the Common Agricultural Policy.