I'm taking a global trade class given that we're entering 30's style good times...

But I have to present a history of the EU and its policies. I can find plenty of sources but I'd like to hear some European opinions so I can compare to my assessment of the EU foundation and policy as an American

As you have probably already read, the EU started as a trade-union in coal and steel with six countries (Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Netherlands, West-Germany and Italy.)

What to me is the most interesting bit about policy is the way they try and get an agreement across all nations on one European constitution. Most countries accepted it through government, but two countries held a binding referendum (2004 I think) - Netherlands and France in which both populations voted no.

Then in 2008 they tried again, now believing that only one countries population approval would be enough (Ireland) as this could be an assessment and generalisation for all countries to accept the constitution. Ireland too, voted no and we are curious to see what the next offering will be.

Also of interest would be the latest action to reduce bureaucracy, or the entire "conflict" between Bruxelles and Strassbourg. Due to some retarded "me too" mentality, the whole European court has to move one week a month or soemthing from Bruxelles to Strassbourg and back which costs a lot of money.

This was a tough question.

IMO it would be ideal to find sources that reflect the grass-root scepticism toward the colossal institution called the EU. This is very common - the majority of people in all EU member countries are in general very sceptical and critical against the EU and for many different reasons (depending on region - all countries have their special interests why they are critical. For example, the Polish are whining cuz of lowered subsidies to agriculture, Austrians don't like the open borders and immigration (ask Rolstoppable lol) and Swedes don't like the sloppy alcohol policies and food safety standards of the EU).

I only read about the EU from a Swedish perspective and in Swedish, so can't give you any source.