July 02, 2008
June 20, 2008
"New directives, same old directions...
New directives, same old directions
By Ruben Andersson
It’s been a terrible month for migrants. In South Africa, they have been hounded, lynched and necklaced in pogroms that have left more than 50 people dead. In Italy, vigilante attacks on Roma have accompanied the new government’s xenophobic rhetoric and promise to deport even fellow Europeans. In France, Sarkozy has flagged a hardline EU-wide ‘pact on migration’ – including provisions on ‘European values’ – for when his country assumes the Union presidency. And to top it off, the European Parliament is set to vote tomorrow on the ‘return directive’, an initiative deplored by Amnesty that will allow member states to detain migrants for up to 18 months before deportation.
Continue reading ""New directives, same old directions..." »
June 18, 2008
"New EU plan for illegal migrants...
New EU plan for illegal migrants
Euro MPs face a key vote on new EU rules for detaining illegal immigrants.The Irish say “no” and Europe heads into yet another impasse
In the European debate, we always come back to the same topic: democracy. Now that the Irish have rejected the Lisbon Treaty, Europe’s chronic inability to create ‘true’ democracy is once again at the forefront of the debate.
June 17, 2008
"EU vows to pursue Lisbon treaty...
EU vows to pursue Lisbon treaty
EU foreign ministers agree to keep the Lisbon reform treaty alive despite its rejection by voters in Ireland.
June 13, 2008
"Ireland rejects EU reform treaty
Ireland rejects EU reform treaty
Voters in Ireland reject the EU's Lisbon treaty in a referendum, delivering a severe blow to leaders' plans for reform....
Irish vote No - some calm respect please
I hope I’m premature writing this - final results in the Irish referendum on the Treaty of Lisbon have not yet been released but all the tallies so far point towards a No vote. That’s also the impression conveyed to me via people in Dublin. Irish Foreign Minister has also basically admitted defeat for the Yes side. So what has to happen?
May 19, 2008
"...alternatives to the 'Union for the Mediterranean'
Socialists introduce alternatives to the 'Union for the Mediterranean'
Party of European Socialists (PES)has presented a proposal designed to influence preparations in the European Commission for a European Union-Mediterranean summit, to be held in Paris on JulyClub Med more dead than before
Sarkozy must be beyond frustrated. Besides witnessing his cherished Mediterranean Union undergo a name change and a complete stripping of pretty much any novelty, Le Monde reports that his hope to start off the Union with a two year co-presidency between France and Egypt have now been dashed.Continue reading ""...alternatives to the 'Union for the Mediterranean'" »
May 15, 2008
"Enlargement in Perspective: The EU's Quest for Identity
Enlargement in Perspective: The EU's Quest for Identity
Enlargement in Perspective: The EU's Quest for Identity
ARENA Working Paper Series
05/2008 / Helene Sjursen (ed.)
Centre for European Studies
University of Oslo
Oslo, Norway
Continue reading ""Enlargement in Perspective: The EU's Quest for Identity" »
May 12, 2008
"Pro-Europe bloc wins Serbian elections
Pro-Europe bloc wins Serbian elections
The pro-European political bloc lead by President Boris Tadi? seem to have won a surprise victory in the Serbian elections. In the country’s national elections citizens on vote for party lists, and probably uniquely in Europe, all the seats are allocated proportionally. This system gives room for even small, regional parties of ethnic minorities, suchContinue reading ""Pro-Europe bloc wins Serbian elections" »
May 02, 2008
"Social Europe Interview with EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn
Social Europe Interview with EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn
In the last years, the number of EU member states has almost doubled from 15 to 27 members. This major extension has obviously had economic, political and cultural consequences. How do you think this enlargement was absorbed by the Union? And were there any political consequences?Gazprom Hardens Its Grip on Europe
Marek Swierczynski: Greece and Russia signed an agreement to build the southern branch of the South Stream natural gas pipeline. President Putin’s last victory hardens Gazprom’s grip on Europe and makes any energy diversification projects more difficult. Unless the EU looks at the map and acts.Continue reading ""Social Europe Interview with EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn" »
April 25, 2008
"Sarko's Interview Fallout
Sarko's Interview Fallout
Sarkozy's 90 minute Q&A probably won't swing a lot of voters, especially since no politican scores points by trying to explain why the economy is doing badly. As of now, the interview being cherry picked for various one-liners. Here's a sampling:
Sarkozy admits 'mistakes' during first year in power
France's Sarkozy rules out blanket amnesty to undocumented workers
French Pres:Euro At 'Extraordinary' Level, Dollar Weak
Sarkozy still dissatisfied with SocGen chairman
Sarkozy told China was "shocked" by Tibet crisis
Sarkozy opposes Turkish entry into EU, vows referendum
Sarkozy wants EU deal on Olympics
Sarkozy: No talk with Hamas
Sarkozy admits 'mistakes' during first year in power
France's Sarkozy rules out blanket amnesty to undocumented workers
French Pres:Euro At 'Extraordinary' Level, Dollar Weak
Sarkozy still dissatisfied with SocGen chairman
Sarkozy told China was "shocked" by Tibet crisis
Sarkozy opposes Turkish entry into EU, vows referendum
Sarkozy wants EU deal on Olympics
Sarkozy: No talk with Hamas
Sarkozy attempts to regain initiative
Nicolas Sarkozy sought to inject some fresh momentum into his presidency, saying he was on the right course to modernise France's economy and welfare state but needed timeCommission goes audiovisual to communicate Europe
The European Commission will today (25 April) launch a comprehensive audiovisual media strategy to "increase coverage of EU affairs" and help people engage in a proper debate on EU policies.April 24, 2008
"EU deal on immigrant detentions
EU deal on immigrant detentions
After years of wrangling, the EU says new rules have been agreed on the return of illegal immigrants.April 22, 2008
"EU concern at 'disguised' US, Japan protectionist agendas
EU concern at 'disguised' US, Japan protectionist agendas
The use of national security issues as a pretext for protecting companies and markets from EU competition is a source of "increasing concern" in the EU, the Commission declared in an annual report on US trade barriers. In a visit to Tokyo, the EU's trade chief also raised the issue of steep barriers to trade and investment as a key concern in EU-Japan relations.
Anti-immigrant party gains in Italy
After its surprisingly strong showing in Italian parliamentary elections last week, the quasi-separatist, anti-immigrant Northern League Party is likely to take over several key posts in Silvio Berlusconi's cabinet including the interior, reforms, and agriculture ministries. The League's control of the Interior Ministry puts Italy's immigration policy is in the hands of a party whose leaders have suggested that the navy fire on rafts carrying illegal immigrants.
Continue reading ""EU concern at 'disguised' US, Japan protectionist agendas" »
April 21, 2008
"Secret deal between EU-3 blocks Blair as EU president
Secret deal between EU-3 blocks Blair as EU president
Edvard Munch, Girls on a Bridge (detail), Painted in 1902 found in Sotheby's Impressionist and Modern Art Sale in May 2008 Features Evdard Munch
Procedural row holds up decision on Frattini successor
The replacement of Franco Frattini in the European Commission is pending due to a procedural dispute between the outgoing Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi and the winner of the national elections Silvio Berlusconi. Frattini may be forced to renounce to his seat in the Italian Parliament to allow Berlusconi to name his substitute.
Continue reading ""Secret deal between EU-3 blocks Blair as EU president" »
March 20, 2008
"60 Ideas for Europe
The European Movement: 60 Ideas for Europe- Building together the Europe of the Future
For the complete report from The European Movement click on this link
60 Ideas for Europe- Building together the Europe of the Future
Isabel Aspe-Montoya wrote: "Immigration is currently one of the largest challenges facing European societies. This has been declared the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, and one of its objectives is the promotion of interaction between Europeans and different cultures, languages, ethnic groups and religions on the continent and elsewhere.....Broadband spread in EU too slow, finds report
High-speed internet connections can now be found in one out of five households across the EU, but this is still well below the bloc's 30% target, according to the 2007 report on the EU Telecoms sector published by the European Commission on 19 March.In Search of European Roots, The Forgotten Cement of European Unity: The Literary Canon
March 08, 2008
"Energy: Europe needs to make up its mind
Europe's sputtering political engine
We must hope that Nicolas Sarkozy realises sooner rather than later that nurturing the Franco-German axis is in the interests of France, the EU and himselfEnergy: Europe needs to make up its mind
With the US, China and Russia all vying for energy resources, EU weakness is compounded by its lack of a single voice, writes Josu Jon ImazContinue reading ""Energy: Europe needs to make up its mind" »
March 03, 2008
"National angle and new media tools key to EU communication
Busy EU agenda for next Russian president
European leaders have a long 'to-do' list for the person who takes over from Vladimir Putin as Russian president after next Sunday's election (2 March), with negotiations on a bilateral partnership agreement considered as top priority.
Neanderthal Museum
The world's oldest condom is one of the highlights of the exhibition.
found in: Photo Gallery: 100000 Years of Sex - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News
A new exhibition in the Neanderthal Museum in Mettmann explores the fascinating history of "100000 Years of Sex."Medvedev wins amid claims of vote rigging
Dmitry Medvedev, Vladimir Putin's hand-picked successor, yesterday secured an overwhelming victory in the election to become Russia's next president although his..Let's have more centralised power
Jon Worth and Jan Seifert have set up an online campaign in order to finally give Henry Kissinger what he wants - a single person to call in Europe.whodoicall.eu - One President of the EU
It’s probably the most famous quote about European politics - Henry Kissinger’s “Who do I call if I want to call Europe?” From today there’s a new campaign website that might just start to give an answer to that historic question… whodoicall.eu calls for One President of the EU - i.e. the same person to be President of the European Commission, and President of the European Council (the latter a new position setup in the Lisbon Treaty). Why is this a good idea? Well, it gives the EU strong leadership, and allows the President to be democratically accountable. More arguments and debate can be found on the whodoicall.eu site.
Continue reading ""National angle and new media tools key to EU communication" »
February 22, 2008
Serbs as usual...
Map locates Belgrade, Serbia, where protesters attacked the U.S. Embassy
The interesting smell of burning embassies
So a mob attacked the US, Croatian, Turkish and Bosnian embassies in Belgrade today. The US embassy — evacuated in advance — was looted and partially burned. The other embassies also suffered varying degrees of damage.
This came at the same time as a government-sponsored mass demonstration against Kosovo’s declaration of independence. (Yes, Serbia still does government sponsored mass demonstrations. It’s a bad old habit that they still haven’t shaken.) The official line is that the two events were completely unrelated, and indeed the US and Croatian embassies were a couple of kilometers away from the center of the demonstration.Protect embassies, EU tells Serbs
The European Union calls on Serbia to do all it can to protect foreign missions after a day of violence in Belgrade.Body found as riot hits US embassy
The US branded Serbia's behaviour yesterday as "unacceptable" and condemned the country's government for what it said was the incitement of violence after scores of...Interview: EU must pay the price of Kosovo failure
Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence has opened a "Pandora's box" which will have consequences for the conditions of minorities in countries such as Spain or Georgia, Thierry de Montbrial, director of the French Institute for International Relations (IFRI), told EurActiv France in an interview.Serbian Protesters Storm U.S. Embassy Compound in Belgrade
Serbs protesting the independence of Kosovo broke away from a government-sponsored rally in Belgrade today and attacked the U.S. Embassy in the city, setting a consular office on fire and burning an American flag before being chased away by riot police.Kosovo protests turn violent as EU promises support
Serbia will continue to oppose Kosovo's independence using all diplomatic, political and economic means, the country's foreign minister Vuk Jeremic told MEPs yesterday as the climate in Kosovo becomes increasingly explosive.Serbia embassy attacks condemned
The UN Security Council decries attacks against embassies by protesters in the Serbian capital, Belgrade.Kosovo 'tool kit for separatists'
Kosovo independence sets a dangerous precedent for other states with separatist movements, says Serbia.And more in Europe:
February 14, 2008
"Ratifying the Treaty of Lisbon
Ratifying the Treaty of Lisbon
The ratification process for the Treaty of Lisbon began in December 2007 and is set to continue throughout 2008 - while most countries will ratify the treaty by parliamentary vote, Ireland is the only nation certain to put the text to a referendum, with the UK under strong pressure to do likewise.The EU Agenda for 2008
It's February, already, and high time for an overview of what is going to happen in European Union politics this year.My crystal ball is not all bad, but of course there will be unexpected developments. This is a summary of what we do know will happen:...
February 08, 2008
"Europe must be realistic about life after Bush
Europe must be realistic about life after Bush
The still probable victory of a Democrat would not automatically usher in return to golden age of European-US relations, says François Heisbourg
Now why but how: reading Euroblogs
A few lines from a typical conversation when I’m asked what I do in Brussels: “I work as a website designer and write a blog about EU politics.” Response from whoever I’m talking to: “Oh, I don’t read blogs.” Rather than the rather simple answer - well, yes you should - a more nuanced and technological solution is called for.
Stop Tony Blair!
The rumour that the first Presidency of the European Council, to be introduced by the Lisbon Treaty (and before that, the 'Constitution') would go to Tony Blair has been buzzing around for a long time now.............The people of the European Tribune, myself included, have set up a petition against the eventual nomination of Blair: http://stopblair.eu/
The petition to stop President Blair
Mr Blair has enemies
@ haha.nu in People in Need - Handbag
Continue reading ""Europe must be realistic about life after Bush" »
February 04, 2008
"Serbia election victory for Tadic
Serbia election victory for Tadic
Pro-Western President Boris Tadic wins Serbia's run-off presidential poll, beating his nationalist rival."Afghanistan: NATO-Crisis Gets Worse
CEPS Why is the language policy in the EU political dynamite?
Speculating over the leading EU posts in 2009
The precise nature of the three high-level posts created by the Treaty of Lisbon and their ability to cooperate closely will be critical for the future of the Union, writes Stanley Crossick on Blogactiv.Human Rights Watch criticizes EU
The European Union "lost leverage and diminished the clout of those in Turkey who have cited the prospect of EUJanuary 30, 2008
"EU leaders call for transparency
@ haha.nu. Uninvolved in Africa
EU leaders call for transparency
The leaders of Europe's biggest economies call on financial institutions to be more open.January 29, 2008
"Why the EU aims to liberalise postal services...
DOSSIER: Regional elections in Hesse and Lower Saxony | 28/01/2008
Elections were held yesterday in two German states. In Hesse, the governing Christian Democratic Union of premier Roland Koch suffered heavy losses, and is now only 0.1 percent ahead of the SPD, under its party chief Andrea Ypsilanti. But the CDU kept a firm hold on Lower Saxony. And the Left Party will now have representatives in both state parliaments. How will these election results impact federal politics?
Setback for Merkel in regional elections
Angela Merkel, Germany's chancellor, suffered a setback in state elections after Roland Koch, the Christian Democratic state premier of Hesse, saw his vote plummet following a closely watched regional election
Why the EU aims to liberalise postal services
Plus answers to the question 'how much do you get charged for making a bank transfer?' and more in our weekly newsbites from Brussels
Continue reading ""Why the EU aims to liberalise postal services..." »
January 21, 2008
"Nationalist heads Serbia's presidential poll
Nationalist heads Serbia's presidential poll
Nationalist Tomislav Nikolic took most votes in Sunday's first round of presidential elections in Serbia ahead of the incumbent Boris Tadic, but the two front-runners failed to win an absolute majority and thus face a second round in the beginning of February.
A huge round up on state of Europe below....
Continue reading ""Nationalist heads Serbia's presidential poll" »
January 15, 2008
"Doubts over EU president's start date
Doubts over EU president's start date
Bloc's first full-time president may not be able to start work as planned on January 1 next year, because of delays in ratifying the Lisbon treaty that creates the job, according to EU diplomatsEU rethinks biofuels guidelines
The EU's environment chief admits it did not foresee the problems raised by its policy of boosting biofuels use.January 10, 2008
"Slovenia outlines 'demanding' EU presidency programme + Sarkozy news + more...
Slovenia outlines 'demanding' EU presidency programme
Ensuring the smooth ratification of the EU's new Reform Treaty, pushing ahead with ambitious energy and climate goals and stabilising the Western Balkan region, notably through the prospect of EU accession, will be among the top priorities for Slovenia as it takes over the reins of the 27-country bloc for the coming six months.Continue reading ""Slovenia outlines 'demanding' EU presidency programme + Sarkozy news + more..." »
January 09, 2008
"Turkey won't accept EU's limes strategy
[MONDAY TALK] Sanberk: Turkey won't accept EU's limes strategy
The approaching French term presidency of the European Union will make 2008 a stressful year for Turkey, but "no" is not an answer for Turks, and Turkey will not accept the EU's "limes strategy," according to Özdem Sanberk, a former Foreign Ministry undersecretary and foreign policy analyst.This a bit surprising:
Continue reading ""Turkey won't accept EU's limes strategy" »
January 08, 2008
"New migration after EU relaxes border control
Obama's Popularity in Germany: The New Kennedy
Germany has swiftly developed a serious case of Obama-mania. Obama's high standing goes beyond his opposition to the Iraq War, which has always been unpopular here. The sudden crush is intimately bound up with the near constant comparisons here between the young senator from Illinois and President John F. Kennedy - still admired in Germany and particularly in Berlin - which have stuck fast as his identity in the German press. The Berliner Morgenpost over the weekend ran with the headline, "The New Kennedy." The tabloid Bild went with, "This Black American Has Become the New Kennedy!
Continue reading ""New migration after EU relaxes border control" »
January 04, 2008
"Serbian PM gives ultimatum to EU
Serbian PM gives ultimatum to EU
Serbian PM Vojislav Kostunica says the European Union will have to decide between Belgrade or Kosovo.Europe's urgent need for reform
Economic outsiders, be they immigrants, the unemployed or newly established businesses, must be given more opportunities to inject fresh dynamism into the eurozone economy
Penn to head Cannes festival jury Sean Penn won an Oscar in 2004 for his role in Mystic River
December 28, 2007
"Europe shocked and angry over Bhutto killing
Britain's Prime Minister Gordon Brown addresses a news conference at the end of a European Union Heads of State and Government summit in Brussels December 14, 2007.
REUTERS/Thierry Roge
R.I.P. Benazir Bhutto
Special EU-Digest report on the assassination of Mrs. Bhutto
Death of a Heroine, not a Martyr
By Chris Dalby
The world is a poorer place this day with the assassination of Benazir Bhutto. Although controversy surrounded her and with the veil of corruption never quite dispelled, Ms. Bhutto was still a highly positive face to place on such a troubled country as Pakistan.
Continue reading ""Europe shocked and angry over Bhutto killing" »
December 27, 2007
"Millions celebrate Christmas Day
Millions celebrate Christmas Day
Masses are held in Bethlehem and Rome as Christians worldwide mark the traditional birthday of Jesus Christ.WSJ/EU-Digest: European Retailing: "Achtung Christmas Shoppers! - While US Christmas season sales fall - by Cecilie Rohwedder
Note EU-Digest: "Meanwhile in the US Christmas season sales at U.S. stores fell for the fourth straight week as rising fuel and food prices threatened to hand retailers their worst holiday shopping season in five years. Spending fell 2.2 percent for the week through Dec. 22 from a year earlier, Chicago-based ShopperTrak RCT Corp. said in a statement today. Discounter Target Corp. said separately that sales at stores open at least a year may decline in December after customer visits slowed following the Thanksgiving holiday. A 7.6 percent increase on the Saturday before Christmas wasn't enough to lift retailers' revenue last week as shoppers grapple with $3-a-gallon gasoline and a deepening housing slump. This year's holiday shopping season may grow at the slowest pace since 2002 as stores struggle to recapture the gains they saw on the Friday after Thanksgiving".Late spending spree helps Europe's retailers
Europe's retailers are showing tentative signs of having overcome bleak expectations for consumer spending in the run-up to Christmas
First the Cartoon, then the War: Europe in 1870:
All was not well in Europe in 1870, the year the Franco-Prussian war would lead to a united German Empire and a humiliated France; one could call it the first of three European civil wars, the other two being World Wars One and Two.
This French satirical cartoon map (’Carte drôlatique d’Europe pour 1870‘) sought to get some laughs out of those tensions by showing an anthropomorphic map of Europe, where each country was represented by a caricature of its national ‘persona’.
• Prussia, made to look like its walrus-bearded ‘Iron Chancellor’ Otto von Bismarck, is haranguing its neighbours: kneeling on Austria, a sleeping soldier in undress; covering the Netherlands with its right hand.
• France, dressed as a fierce zouave soldier, is aiming a bayonet at the heart of the unwieldy Prussian military monster.
• Belgium, too small to be anthropomorphised, is being squeezed between France and Prussia (which would become its familiar, if uncomfortable lot in the First and Second World Wars).
• England is an old woman, struggling with Ireland, her rebellious lapdog on a leash (although it looks more like a small bear); Scotland is the old lady’s mobcap.
• Spain is a rotund senorita, smoking the day away while lying on her back and thus nearly crushing the small Portuguese soldier under her.
• Corsica and Sardinia are joined to show a leprechaun-like figure gleefully mooning the map-reader.
• Italy, possibly made to look like the great national leader Garibaldi, is holding off pressure from Prussia.
• Denmark is a small, swaggering soldier, no doubt hoping to recover Holstein, the territory it lost to Prussia in a war a few years earlier.
• Norway and Sweden are together turned into a ferocious dog.
• Switzerland is a closed cottage.
• Turkey in Europe is “an Oriental crushed by the superincumbent pressure of the other countries”.
• Turkey in Asia is a girl smoking a hookah pipe.
• Russia is a rag-collector in a patched coat, ‘Crimea’ written on the patch sewn on last.
December 22, 2007
"The Future of Transatlantic Relations....
Rodrigues: New treaty to allow EU to 'shape globalisation'
The Treaty of Lisbon will allow the European Union to develop an effective response to the new realities of globalisation, while giving a significant boost to the Growth and Jobs agenda by creating more binding mechanisms for its implementation, Special Advisor to the Portuguese Prime Minister for the EU Presidency Maria Joao Rodrigues told EurActiv in an exclusive interview.A very quasi-European Christmas
VLADIMIR RODIONOV/AFP/Getty Images
Sometimes, a tree is not just a tree.
In the Moldovan capital of Chisinau, the pro-Russia communist President Vladimir Voronin (shown at left with Russian President Vladimir Putin) removed a Christmas tree put up by pro-Europe Mayor Dorin Chirtoaca, an advocate for strong ties with neighbor and new EU member Romania. Voronin said the tree should not be displayed until after the New Year, the traditional time for Russian Orthodox. But Chirtoaca fought to display the tree at a traditionally European time.
DOSSIER: Christmas, a lasting tradition | 21/12/2007
Does the fervour surrounding Christmas have any meaning beyond frantic gift shopping and imposed ritual? The European pre