MAIN FOCUS: Berlusconi definitively convicted | 02/08/2013
Italy’s highest court convicted Silvio Berlusconi of tax fraud on Thursday. After dozens of trials, this is the first definitive conviction for Italy’s ex-prime minister. The judiciary is finally putting paid to Berlusconism, some commentators write delightedly. Others are dismayed that Berlusconi could not be stopped by political means.
Berlusconi jail term confirmed
Italy’s highest court upholds the prison sentence handed down to former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi for tax fraud.
IMF takes a more critical line on Greece
The IMF released its latest review of the Greek bailout on Wednesday. As might be expected it was a bit more critical than the version released by the European Commission and ECB a couple of days ago.
Italy is once again being gulled by the false hope that if it can just ?fix? its institutions ? for example, by emulating France’s political system ? its politics will normalize. But, while a semi-presidential system like France?s could help to improve Italy’s governability, it would create as many problems as it would solve.
IMF warns of ?11bn Greek bailout shortfall
Eurozone governments have been told they should fill almost half the gap before the end of the year, and that they may have to accept big losses
MAIN FOCUS: Train disaster shocks Spain | 26/07/2013
After the train crash in Santiago de Compostela Spain’s Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has declared three days of national mourning. A high-speed train derailed on Wednesday, killing at least 80 people. Some commentators call for more technical controls. Others warn that unconditional faith in technological advances led to the disaster in the first place.
Italy is once again being gulled by the false hope that if it can just ?fix? its institutions ? for example, by emulating France’s political system ? its politics will normalize. But, while a semi-presidential system like France?s could help to improve Italy’s governability, it would create as many problems as it would solve.
Asylum Seekers in Germany: Integration or Slavery?
The Gmünder Tagespost [de] in Germany describes a new local integration project: Refugees would help passengers carry luggage at a train station under construction. By doing this they would earn ?1.05 an hour ? the statutory maximum wage for asylum seekers.
Italy’s underworld has its sights set on the alternative energy sector and the Internet.
Germany: Security Above the Constitution
The debate about the surveillance scandal brought to light by Edward Snowden’s revelations are getting more intense in Germany. Remarks by various politicians contribute significantly to the debate, especially those of the German Home Secretary, Hans-Peter Friedrich, who recently labelled security as a ?Super Fundamental Right? and thus placed it above other basic rights
Romania in the EU: Getting Ready for 2019!
This article is dedicated to Romania?s position in the European Union, its evolution and its ambitions, both necessary to prepare for the Romanian Presidency of the EU in the second half of 2019. Basically, we have another 6 years to show our partners, and to prove to ourselves, that we will be very good at
ECB chief Draghi sees recovery signs
The European Central Bank (ECB) keeps interest rates at a historic low level of 0.5%, amid signs of a tentative eurozone recovery.
