July 02, 2008
June 25, 2008
"Remind me, why do I blog about the EU?
Hahaha writing about EU through Turkish perspective is of course more exciting:p Anything anytime possible to write about:D
Seconded
Jon Worth on the futility of being an EU-focussed blogger.
The only thing I’d say he’s missed is that the EU is also insanely boring, which makes getting up the motivation to write about it even more tricky than the minute readership and constant feeling that your few good ideas are being nicked by people who are then getting paid for it…
Remind me, why do I blog about the EU?
Continue reading ""Remind me, why do I blog about the EU?" »
"Habermas on European Union
Habermas on European Union
SPIEGEL online has a feature about the 'Disunity in the European Union', including lengthy analyses by Dirk Kubjuweit and Jürgen Habermas.The piece by Habermas contains much the same diagnosis that I forwarded in a shorter version in the intro of the euroblog roundup. Not to claim originality, mind. Here are some of the more hard-hitting quotes:
Suddenly roused out of complacency, European governments don't want to appear helpless. They are looking for a "technical" solution -- which would result in a repeat of the Irish referendum.
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 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?
June 04, 2008
"French Presidency seeks strong 'Small Business Act'
French Presidency seeks strong 'Small Business Act'
The Commission harbours great hopes that France will broker an agreement among the bloc on a 'Small Business Act' (SBA) for SMEs, considered vital to boosting Europe's competitiveness. Paris particularly aims to improve access to public tenders and promote greater R&D investment.Continue reading ""French Presidency seeks strong 'Small Business Act'" »
May 24, 2008
"EU: the most peaceful region in the world
EU foreign policy 'undermined' by flurry of national initiatives
Following France's example with the EuroMed proposal, Poland and Sweden are due to present an 'Eastern Initiative' at a meeting next week, in a move which diplomats warned could ruin the EU's patient efforts to craft a common external policy.EU: the most peaceful region in the world
The Economist Intelligence Unit has compiled a ranking of the peacefulness of countries, measuring both domestic and international violence. The results are very favorable for the EU. How do you interpret this? First of all, the European Union was designed to create stable peace in a continent that had gone through the worst wars of mankind,Europe's old boys need to make way for women
The scarcity of women in top jobs is not about a shortage of capable female politicians, but a question of men choosing men, writes Margot WallströmEurope is a geopolitical dwarf
Most European geopolitical gurus believe that the EU can survive well as a free-rider on US power, counting on it to keep the world safe while Europe tends to its internal gardens. The paucity of European strategic thinking is stunning, writes Kishore MahbubaniTop five Eurovision hits
Since its first broadcast on 24 May 1956, the Eurovision Song Contest has seen hundreds of songs battle it out for the titles of the worst, the funniest and above all the best
Continue reading ""EU: the most peaceful region in the world" »
May 21, 2008
"Parliament backs calls for EU anti-discrimination law
EU business, farmers criticise new WTO proposals
Despite optimism from World Trade Organisation officials that new negotiating drafts presented on 19 and 20 May will act as a "springboard" towards achieving a global trade pact, the EU and its major trading partners have reacted cautiously.Think tank warns against EU diplomatic turf wars
The future EU diplomatic service, to be launched with the adoption of the Lisbon Treaty, is unlikely to bridge fundamental differences between EU nations when it comes to foreign policy, according to a Swedish think thak.Parliament backs calls for EU anti-discrimination law
The European Parliament has reminded Commission President José Manuel Barroso of his commitment to put forward a directive outlawing discrimination on a whole range of grounds, including disability, age, religion or belief and sexual orientation, as Brussels finalises preparations for a social policy package to be presented in June.Continue reading ""Parliament backs calls for EU anti-discrimination law" »
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 17, 2008
"Europe against leaders' presence at Olympics
Europe against leaders' presence at Olympics
Protests against China's rule over Tibet appear to have influenced more Europeans to oppose their leaders going to the opening of the Beijing games, says an opinion pollContinue reading ""Europe against leaders' presence at Olympics" »
May 07, 2008
"Sarkozy 'non' to Blair presidency
Sarkozy 'non' to Blair presidency
Nicolas Sarkozy has withdrawn his backing of Tony Blair to become the first EU president, sources say.EU summit to open talks on full-time president
European Union leaders are pencilling in a Brussels -summit on June 19-20 for their first substantive discussions on who should become the bloc's first full-time...May 06, 2008
"The end of Labour and the consequences for Europe
MAIN FOCUS: The end of Labour and the consequences for Europe | 05/05/2008
The Labour Party and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown have suffered disastrous results in local elections in England and Wales. It looks like the end is near for Labour after over ten years in power. What consequences does this shift have for Europe as a whole?
Continue reading ""The end of Labour and the consequences for Europe" »
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 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 14, 2008
"Exit polls place Berlusconi ahead
Exit polls place Berlusconi ahead
Veteran centre-right leader Silvio Berlusconi has a narrow lead in Italy's general election, exit polls suggest.Skepticism and Apathy as Italy Votes
EU elections 'not about Europe'
European elections should be seen as "second-order national elections," according to Professor Cees Van der Eijk of the University of Nottingham. He was speaking at an April conference on EU governance hosted by the European Commission's research directorate-general.April 12, 2008
"Fixing Europe's problems: 'less policies, more politics'
Fixing Europe's problems: 'less policies, more politics'
As the European Parliament approaches the one-year countdown to the 2009 Elections, a leading academic has emphasised the need to put politics back into the European arena.
Sebastian Bersick | Gudrun Wacker
Great Expectations for Cross Strait Relations
Ma Ying-jeou wins presidential elections
SWP Comments 2008/C 06, April 2008, 4 pagesDaniela Schwarzer | Isabelle Werenfels
The Union for the Mediterranean: A Missed Opportunity
The challenges in the region would require a fundamental revision of the existing framework
SWP Comments 2008/C 05, April 2008, 8 pages
Continue reading ""Fixing Europe's problems: 'less policies, more politics'" »
April 10, 2008
"EU global poverty goal threatened
EU global poverty goal threatened
The EU risks failing to meet its commitment to tackle poverty in developing nations, says Jose Manuel Barroso.April 06, 2008
"Missile plan on Bush-Putin agenda
Missile plan on Bush-Putin agenda
George Bush is in the Black Sea resort of Sochi for the last in a series of talks with his Russian counterpart.April 05, 2008
"NATO agrees common approach to cyber defence
NATO agrees common approach to cyber defence
Leaders of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation have endorsed a common policy on cyber defence at their summit in Bucharest, agreeing to set up a new authority that will coordinate NATO's "political and technical" reactions to cyber attacks.Continue reading ""NATO agrees common approach to cyber defence" »
April 01, 2008
"Should Wilders be censored?
EU foreign ministers condemn Dutch film on Islam
EU foreign ministers on Saturday (29 March) broadly condemned a controversial film released by Dutch MP Geert Wilders which portrays Islam as a religion which incites violence, but defended the filmmaker's freedom of expression...March 28, 2008
"Fitna is out
Fitna is out as a film and also as what the word implies... As I have written before the best would be total indifference against that jerk, G.W. I am glad that the issue is not framed as freedom of thought by the EU or many concerned Europeans. Because of these jerks, freedom of thought and speech issues are clouded....
- Fitna (film), a 2008 short film made by Geert Wilders
- Fitna (word), an Arabic word
Fitna (فتنة) is an Arabic word, generally regarded as very difficult to translate but at the same time is considered to be an all-encompassing word referring to schism, secession, upheaval and anarchy at once. It is often used to refer to civil war, disagreement and division within Islam and specifically alludes to a time involving trials of faith, similar to the Tribulation in Christian eschatology. The term originally referred to the refining of metal to remove dross [1], but became common in apocalyptic writings and is often used to refer to the First Islamic civil war, in 656–661 CE, a prolonged struggle for the caliphate after the 656 assassination of the caliph Uthman ibn Affan. The Second Fitna, or Second Islamic civil war, is usually identified as the 683–685 CE conflict among the Umayyads for control of the caliphate. The third one refers to the taifas in the end of the Caliph of Córdoba's rule.
Fitna is out
Okay, Geert Wilders’ movie Fitna is finally online. It was posted sometime yesterday and the English version has already been viewed over two million times. As I write this the Dutch version is at 2.5 million views. Talk about word-to-mouth!
First, the good news. Wilders did not do anything really stupid and really irresponsible like tear up or otherwise damage or deface the Koran. In other words, there is no reason whatsoever why someone should want to kill him or anybody else over this*. Besides, it turns out there already has been more than enough ado about nothing.
Online, a Violent View of Islam
THE HAGUE, March 27 -- A Dutch lawmaker known for his outspoken opposition to immigration posted a graphic film depicting Islam as a religion of violence on a maverick video-sharing Web site Thursday night after government and religious officials spent weeks trying to prevent its release.Profile: Geert Wilders
Dutch MP Geert Wilders who has produced a short film on Islam is no stranger to death threats.The new politics of EU internal security
by Hugo BradyEU interior ministers are racing to finish a raft of new legislation on terrorism, crime and illegal immigration by the end of the year. One reason for their sudden sense of urgency is politics. Interior officials are anxious to make the most of the last few months of an old regime. If ratified as expected, the EU’s new rulebook, the Lisbon treaty, will give the European Parliament powers for the first time to amend future EU laws in these areas from 2009 onwards.
March 25, 2008
"Europe’s Worst Double Talkers
Europe’s Worst Double Talkers
German leaders talk up EU goals on climate and other issues, but their actions tell a different story.March 24, 2008
"EU to consider Beijing Olympics boycott
EU to consider Beijing Olympics boycott
The president of the European Parliament has said that European countries should consider a boycott of the Olympics in Beijing if the Chinese government continues to take a hardline attitude to unrest in TibetDutch protest against Islam film
About 1,000 people march in Amsterdam against the planned release of a film critical of Islam.
Demonstrators hold banners during a protest against Dutch politician and anti-Islam filmmaker Geert Wilders on Dam square in Amsterdam, March 22, 2008. REUTERS/Ade Johnson
Erkan's note: The film is probably offensive, but so what? Muslims should be more pro-active instead of reacting every act of anti-Islam. Islamophobia will be there to survive. No need to take these acts too seriously.... But of course, the protest above has a different angle...
Continue reading ""EU to consider Beijing Olympics boycott" »
March 22, 2008
"EU migration policy: An A-Z
EU migration policy: An A-Z
briefing by Hugo Brady, February 2008
More and more people want to come to Europe to live and
work. This is a welcome development, given Europe's ageing population. But increasing migration poses big challenges for EU governments. They know that they need to work together in order to manage large-scale immigration effectively, yet they are far from adopting a single approach. In this A-Z guide, Hugo Brady explains the EU's growing role in migration policy and highlights some of the key debates over how to best manage this global phenomenon.
Hugo Brady is a research fellow at the Centre for European Reform.
Please find the links below to the press release and briefing:
Sarkozy defends 'offensive' Francophony concept
Speaking on International Francophony day (20 March), the French President stressed the need to make more frequent use of the French language in international institutions, including the EU.
European Civic Education
As the gap between the EU and its citizen is constantly widening,thus weakening its cohesion and capacity to act,civic education appears essential to start filling the gap in 4 phases: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 18, 2008
"Summit backs 'fifth freedom' for EU scientists
EU agrees climate plan deadline
EU leaders agree to wrap up talks by the end of the year on an ambitious plan to fight climate change.
Most Comprehensive Exhibition To Date of Peter Doig Is On View at Tate Britain Peter Doig, Bomb Island 1991
Continue reading ""Summit backs 'fifth freedom' for EU scientists" »
March 10, 2008
"Spring Summit to address economy and climate change
Victorious Spanish PM urges unity
Spain's PM Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero promises a new era in politics after his Socialist Party is re-elected.Socialists win Spanish elections
Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero's ruling Socialist Party wins Spain's general elections, but falls short of a majority.Poll setback for Sarkozy's party
Partial results in French local elections put the opposition socialists ahead of President Nicolas Sarkozy's UMP party.Continue reading ""Spring Summit to address economy and climate change" »
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 05, 2008
"Germany and France reach agreement on Mediterranean Union
Germany and France reach agreement on Mediterranean Union
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has lent support to French President Nicolas Sarkozy's desire to create a Mediterranean Union, receiving in exchange his assurance that it would be a project for all 27 member states.Merkel: Mediterranean Union to go ahead
It will not be as grand or groundbreaking as Sarkozy may have hoped, but the Mediterranean Union, renamed the Union for the Mediterranean, is a go. After a working dinner tonight Angela Merkel and Sarkozy appear to have finally reached an agreement on the issue:.....Turkey, reassured on EU, backs 'Club Med' plan
Weakening the Eu's nucleus
The Spiegel has an article on the increasing malaise between Angela Merkel and Nicolas Sarkozy, which is weakening the French-German relationship so vital to the stability and the health of the European Union. Sugary excerpt:
Sarkozy dilutes plans for Mediterranean bloc
The French president has watered down his plans to set up a union of Mediterranean countries, instead agreeing with Angela Merkel to revitalise an existing EU initiative that will include all member statesTurkey in Mediterranean Union
As I said the other day, if the dates were already set for the Mediterranean Union launch, Turkey must have said something positive. And so they have. Today a Turkish diplomat told Reuters that his country very much on board with Sarkozy's plan:Continue reading ""Germany and France reach agreement on Mediterranean Union" »
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 17, 2008
"Multicultural citizenship and the anti-sharia storm
Multicultural citizenship and the anti-sharia storm
An intense public debate and media controversy was triggered in Britain after a lecture delivered by the Archbishop of Canterbury - the spiritual head of the Church of England - on 7 February 2008. The speech - entitled " Civil and Religious Law in England: a Religious Perspective" - raised important questions of law, state, faith and citizenship in a modern, plural society; and its bitter, polarising aftermath equally highlights the issue of what kind of civic discourse about these questions is necessary if they are to be properly addressed. This essay responds to the debate and controversy by viewing them in the perspective of "multicultural citizenship", a concept which allows for nuanced understanding of the inter-relationship of "secular" and "religious" notions in civic life........