"The European nations' loss of sovereignty to the EU should be a warning to Americans"

Phyllis Schlafly’s reflection on European nations’ experiences with the European Union expresses a cautionary perspective rooted in concerns about national sovereignty and self-determination. Her commentary draws a parallel between the gradual integration of European states into supranational structures and the potential risks for countries like the United States if they embark on similar paths toward ceding power to transnational authorities.

After World War II, the vision of a united Europe emerged both as a peacekeeping effort and a way to foster economic cooperation. However, the process inevitably required member states to transfer some decision-making powers to supranational bodies such as the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the European Court of Justice. Policies on trade, currency, immigration, and law increasingly came under the purview of EU institutions rather than national governments. For traditionalists and sovereignty advocates like Schlafly, this progression represents more than administrative efficiency, it suggests the erosion of the fundamental capacity of nations to determine their own destinies and protect the interests unique to their populations.

By invoking the European example, Schlafly signals that similar globalist or integrationist pressures could threaten the autonomy of the United States or other sovereign countries. She implies that political and cultural identities risk dilution when centralized supranational entities wield power over locally accountable governments. The warning also resonates with concerns about the potential loss of constitutional protections and democratic processes when decisions are made further away from the electorate, often by unelected or less accountable officials.

Ultimately, Schlafly’s statement reflects a broader skepticism toward globalization and centralized power, emphasizing vigilance over the preservation of national integrity and the principle of self-government. It calls for careful scrutiny of any movement, treaty, or policy that would transfer authority away from American citizens and their representatives, drawing lessons from Europe’s ongoing debates over the balance between unity and sovereignty.