The EU costs you the same as Netflix - is it worth it?

The video "The EU costs you the same as Netflix - is it worth it?" produced by Dutch architects Rem Koolhaas and Stephan Petermann and published by The Guardian, aims to reshape the perception of the European Union (EU) ahead of the EU elections. The creators seek to highlight the tangible benefits of EU membership, framing it as a valuable investment comparable to a Netflix subscription.

The video emphasizes that EU membership, costing approximately £7.99 in the UK or €11.99 in Europe per month, provides significant value for money. By aligning the cost of EU membership with a popular entertainment subscription, Koolhaas and Petermann aim to make the concept more relatable to the general public.

The film outlines nine reasons why EU membership is beneficial, based on data from the European Commission. These include improvements to 15,000 miles of roads, railways, and canals, as well as efforts to protect 1,322 species of animals and plants. The video underscores the EU's role in funding essential medical research and contributing to global peace.

The video details various initiatives funded by the EU, including infrastructure development, environmental protection, and scientific research. It illustrates how EU funds have been utilized effectively to improve public services and enhance citizens' quality of life. For example, the EU has fined major corporations over £18 trillion for manipulating consumer goods prices, thus safeguarding consumer rights.

The film points out that the EU protects human rights, including the right to access personal data held by large organizations. It stresses the importance of environmental sustainability and the EU's commitment to combating climate change, which aligns with the interests of a pan-European audience passionate about sustainable housing.

Koolhaas emphasizes the need for public participation in the European elections, particularly among young voters. He argues that the current media landscape lacks clear and appealing information on the EU's positive contributions, which could influence voter turnout and engagement.

Overall, the video serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the multifaceted benefits of EU membership. Koolhaas and Petermann aim to foster a more informed electorate by shedding light on how the EU influences daily life, from infrastructure to environmental issues. Their work is a call to recognize the EU's role in creating a more connected and sustainable Europe, encouraging viewers to consider how membership impacts their lives beyond mere economics.