It’s not often that European leaders come to Brussels at the weekend, but on Sunday they will do just that, to discuss, among other things, divisions between Member States over economic issues in the EU. This summit was called about 3 weeks ago, when the Czech Presidency objected greatly to protectionist moves by member-States, most […]
European Commissioner Charlie McCreevy, has delivered a stinging criticism of the financial regulation system (over which the Commission, incidentally has significant oversight power). He accused them of having tolerated relaxed lending practices and the accumulation of unsustainable debt by households, individuals and companies. Mr. McCreevy said there would soon be Commission action regarding the regulation […]
A wonderful article here by Paul Reynolds, World affairs correspondent of the BBC on Gordon Brown being the first European leader to meet President Obama. The UK cherishes the “special relationship” with the US, and UK conservative politicians often point to it as an alternative to involvement in the EU. However, as though Reynolds says […]
“EU leaders yesterday (22 February) agreed to back oversight of the world’s financial markets and products, including hedge funds, calling for a clampdown on tax havens as they forged a common position on global financial reform ahead of a summit of the G20 group of leading industrial powers in April.” (Euractiv)
One of the oddoties of the of the European Union is that each 6-months one Member-State takes over the running of one of the three main Institutions of the Union. Fom January to June this year, the Czech Republic will take over the running of the Council which brings together representatives of Member-States. and whose […]
The European Union’s mix of 500 million people and 27 European countries often gives rise to some temporary and more longer-lasting unions of the heart. On this Valentine’s weekend, here’s a list of the Top 5 stories of love and sex in the European Union: Number 5: EUtube & European sex The EU is often […]
The FPA recently hosted a lecture on “Russia Today From a European Perspective” given by Giuliano Amato, one of the authors of the Lisbon Treaty. Russia and Europe have necessarily become closer in recent years – one reason is the simple fact that the EU now borders quite extensively with its neighbour. However, like a […]
The European-quarter of Brussels where all the major EU buildings are based is usually a fairly boring and dull place (with employees who often reflect the surroundings). The Berlaymont building, which houses the Commission, though a spectacular building itself, is but a speck in a sea of nothing-much. Today, however, the drabness of Europena was […]
A study carried out by an Economist in the European Investment bank says that Europe may never catch up with the US regarding spending on Innovation and research. The aim of the Libson Agenda to spend 3% of GDP on research by 2010 also looks like it may not be met.
The EU is beginning to fret about recent economic protectionist impulses by Member-States and the Czech Republic has decided to act, as they currently hold the 6-month EU Presidency. They have called a special summit of EU leaders for later this month to discuss recent Member-State “protectionist steps and statements”. This is especially a response […]
Russia faces 'systemic threat’ from extremism: Medvedev President Dmitry Medvedev warned that Russia faced a “systemic threat” from extremism and urged security chiefs to be on alert for possible unrest linked to the economic crisis.The comments came amid continued violence in parts of Russia's historically restive North Caucasus… Plouffe to Donate Speaking Fee to Pro-Democracy […]
Biden says a moral US will change foreign policy, but the EU will have to do more than talk The new United States government will follow a foreign policy based on its stated ideals of democracy and cooperation, US Vice-President Joe Biden told world leaders at the Munich Security Conference, but in return will demand […]
What is it about the Caucasus crisis, now submerged below the sightline of international attention, that we need to remember as we close out 2008? For one thing, recall that now there are Russian troops in South Ossetia, where there were none last August. Second, consider that soon there will be no observers from the […]