Happens every time EU/Europe is mentioned, and most of it is sadly based around misconceptions and misunderstandings.
It's a shame, because in general HN tends to be well informed, but something about EU/Europe seems to make most commentators switch to "knee-jerk reactions" reply mode, rather than the usual thoughtful discussions.
I’m assuming you are European? Do you get the impression that the EU parliament is a body that is respected across Europe as competent and able to enforce laws reliably and properly? It can’t even keep the bloc together.
I’m not skeptical of Europe - but I’ve studied governments long enough to know that it’s hard to enforce these things at any sort of reasonable cost / level. You need to be defensive in your thinking, and the FUD here is completely reasonable.
It's a shame, because in general HN tends to be well informed, but something about EU/Europe seems to make most commentators switch to "knee-jerk reactions" reply mode, rather than the usual thoughtful discussions.