European Integration as the "guardian of peace" may at first glance appear a dated concept (and one which I and many Western Europeans under the age of sixty will respect rather than fully appreciate). Many of us are fortunate to have known nothing other than peace, and the EU has needed to find other raisons d'etre as the decades have gone by.
That's Western Europe though. Go to the Balkans and it's quite a different story. With the disputes over Kosovo and ever-growing instablity in Bosnia-Herzegovina, the region is on the verge of plummeting into chaos.
This region will be the ulitmate test for the EU's common foreign and security policy. If it fails to safeguard stability on its own doorstep, then what hope does it have of ever being taken seriously as a world player? Whatsmore, failure to ensure stability in the Balkans and prevent the atrocities of the previous decade would seriously compromise the founding principle of the European project - that of ensuring and exporting peace and stability.
e shtunë, 1 dhjetor 2007
e enjte, 29 nëntor 2007
"Hungary....what's that??"
I'm the last person you'll find indulging in a rant against the Americans. I take those generalist claims that Americans are ignorant about everything that lies beyond their borders with the smallest pinch of salt.
That said, you've got to check out the video at the below link - it's a right shocker!
http://comment.blog.hu/2007/11/27/magyarorszag_az_meg_mi
That said, you've got to check out the video at the below link - it's a right shocker!
http://comment.blog.hu/2007/11/27/magyarorszag_az_meg_mi
e premte, 7 shtator 2007
Turkey's New President
The appointment of the Islamist Abdullah Gul as Turkey’s new President on 28 August marked a significant step in a country which has a proud recent history of adhering to secular principles. The road to the most senior post in the land has not been a smooth one for Mr. Gul – his candidature was confronted with vehement and widespread protest from the country’s military and pro-secular movements in April this year. Yet the forced early elections which ensued saw Mr Gul’s party, the AKP, take an even larger share of the vote, making his re-nomination and subsequent appointment as President near impossible to reject.
While his appointment as President may still prove a somewhat divisive issue in Turkey, what are the implications for the country’s relations with the EU?
The question of Turkey’s EU accession has been (and doubtless will remain) a major subject of debate, yet the fact remains that Turkey has now been an official EU candidate for nearly 3 years, after nearly 50 years of “privileged partnership” and numerous prospects of membership talks which never came to fruition. A major proponent of Turkey’s EU membership in his former role as Foreign Minister, President Gul has reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to pursuing the accession agenda with Brussels, which will see the country continue to align its legislation, institutions and practices with the acquis communautaire – the EU’s legislative package which must be adopted by all States wishing to join the Union.
While Mr. Gul’s appointment has been welcomed by Commission President José Manuel Barroso as an opportunity for Turkey’s leadership to provide “fresh, immediate and positive impetus to the accession process”, other leaders in Europe will doubtless be using the appointment to reaffirm their objections to allowing the relatively poor Muslim nation of some 70 million to join a bloc which they (and many others) already see as becoming increasingly unmanageable.
Economic ties and foreign direct investment have never been stronger however, while European tourists have been and continue to choose Turkey as an accessible and welcoming holiday destination. These factors, coupled with Turkey’s continued commitment to align its legislation and practices with EU standards, will make it increasingly difficult for those who oppose the country’s accession plans to justify their stance – let alone go back on a promise already made.
While his appointment as President may still prove a somewhat divisive issue in Turkey, what are the implications for the country’s relations with the EU?
The question of Turkey’s EU accession has been (and doubtless will remain) a major subject of debate, yet the fact remains that Turkey has now been an official EU candidate for nearly 3 years, after nearly 50 years of “privileged partnership” and numerous prospects of membership talks which never came to fruition. A major proponent of Turkey’s EU membership in his former role as Foreign Minister, President Gul has reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to pursuing the accession agenda with Brussels, which will see the country continue to align its legislation, institutions and practices with the acquis communautaire – the EU’s legislative package which must be adopted by all States wishing to join the Union.
While Mr. Gul’s appointment has been welcomed by Commission President José Manuel Barroso as an opportunity for Turkey’s leadership to provide “fresh, immediate and positive impetus to the accession process”, other leaders in Europe will doubtless be using the appointment to reaffirm their objections to allowing the relatively poor Muslim nation of some 70 million to join a bloc which they (and many others) already see as becoming increasingly unmanageable.
Economic ties and foreign direct investment have never been stronger however, while European tourists have been and continue to choose Turkey as an accessible and welcoming holiday destination. These factors, coupled with Turkey’s continued commitment to align its legislation and practices with EU standards, will make it increasingly difficult for those who oppose the country’s accession plans to justify their stance – let alone go back on a promise already made.
e enjte, 30 gusht 2007
Bravo, Commission! Time to put the tabloids in their place
I was delighted to enter the European Commission's homepage today and find the below article which I think is an excellent retort to populist, irresponsible and frankly erroneous tabloid journalism out to have yet another dig at its favourite victim - the EU. Well done!!
***************
Euromyths – time to set the record straight
The truth behind that tabloid standard – ‘the latest crazy idea from Brussels'.
The popular press often runs scare stories about plans by "mad eurocrats" – for example to standardise the sizes of condoms or women's clothes, or ban bendy bananas.
Remember this from the Daily Express? "The latest EU ruling will see British women expand beyond recognition." And the story behind it? A mooted standardisation of clothes sizes, based on centimetres not inches. However, there is no such EU ruling – European standards are developed by voluntary agreement between national bodies, with no input from Brussels.
This is just one example of a so-called Euromyth – untrue or distorted information on the EU spread by the media. While some stories are based on facts which are misinterpreted or exaggerated, others are simply made up – like the story published in "The Sun" on alleged EU plans to change the name of the Indian snack "Bombay mix" to "Mumbai mix", for the sake of political correctness. It was dreamt up by the editor of a news agency who said it was "meant to be funny for the tabloids".
Euromyths originate most frequently in the British tabloid press. Other tall tales include the harmonisation of condom sizes – as with clothes sizes, the EU has nothing to do with setting these standards – and a ban on "excessively curved" bananas. This story at least contains a grain of truth: bananas must be "free from malformation or abnormal curvature" if they are to be sold under the "extra class" category - but the EU has never attempted to ban them. And it is important to remember that it is industry and consumers who want standards for goods, not a bunch of "mad Eurocrats" sitting in Brussels!
British journalists are not the only ones with a fertile imagination. When the Danish weekly Søndagsavisen reported on subsidised Viagra pills for eurocrats, another Euromyth was born. What the paper forgot to mention: expenses for Viagra are only covered by EU staff's health insurance for impotence caused by serious illnesses like cancer. And of the EU's thousands of staff members, medical reimbursements for the drug are currently granted to around ten.
Although these stories are a funny read, they hold a dangerous potential – spreading rapidly on the internet and in other media, they live on as accepted truths in public opinion and shape the public's idea of the EU as a meddlesome controller.
The popular press often runs scare stories about plans by "mad eurocrats" – for example to standardise the sizes of condoms or women's clothes, or ban bendy bananas.
Remember this from the Daily Express? "The latest EU ruling will see British women expand beyond recognition." And the story behind it? A mooted standardisation of clothes sizes, based on centimetres not inches. However, there is no such EU ruling – European standards are developed by voluntary agreement between national bodies, with no input from Brussels.
This is just one example of a so-called Euromyth – untrue or distorted information on the EU spread by the media. While some stories are based on facts which are misinterpreted or exaggerated, others are simply made up – like the story published in "The Sun" on alleged EU plans to change the name of the Indian snack "Bombay mix" to "Mumbai mix", for the sake of political correctness. It was dreamt up by the editor of a news agency who said it was "meant to be funny for the tabloids".
Euromyths originate most frequently in the British tabloid press. Other tall tales include the harmonisation of condom sizes – as with clothes sizes, the EU has nothing to do with setting these standards – and a ban on "excessively curved" bananas. This story at least contains a grain of truth: bananas must be "free from malformation or abnormal curvature" if they are to be sold under the "extra class" category - but the EU has never attempted to ban them. And it is important to remember that it is industry and consumers who want standards for goods, not a bunch of "mad Eurocrats" sitting in Brussels!
British journalists are not the only ones with a fertile imagination. When the Danish weekly Søndagsavisen reported on subsidised Viagra pills for eurocrats, another Euromyth was born. What the paper forgot to mention: expenses for Viagra are only covered by EU staff's health insurance for impotence caused by serious illnesses like cancer. And of the EU's thousands of staff members, medical reimbursements for the drug are currently granted to around ten.
Although these stories are a funny read, they hold a dangerous potential – spreading rapidly on the internet and in other media, they live on as accepted truths in public opinion and shape the public's idea of the EU as a meddlesome controller.
e martë, 3 korrik 2007
Horny Commission
Has the European Commission gone utterly bonkers? While it understandbly wishes to shake of its rather dusty and dry reputation - was a video depicting multiple copulation scenes from European cinema not a bridge too far?The EU is great, it's necessary, and it's noble...but I don't think it'll ever be sexy. Try again, Ms Wallstrom...
e mërkurë, 13 qershor 2007
Change the record, Orbán
Am I the only person in Hungary who’s getting bored with the endless whining rhetoric of the country’s opposition leader? You can of course argue that whining rhetoric is the job – even duty – of any opposition leader, but Victor Orbán seems to take it to the extreme.It’s of course understandable that Orbán called for the PM’s resignation following his groundbreaking (and rather ineloquent) admission of lying about the county’s economy last year – what opposition leader in his right mind wouldn’t have pounced on such a juicy scandal? But that was last year, and Orbán now needs to get with the times. The Government’s austerity measures introduced at the end of last year already appear to be yielding positive results, if the Governor of the Bank of Hungary – an individual widely respected for his political neutrality – is to be believed.
Rather than making endless calls for Gyurcsany’s resignation and making absurd claims about how Hungary’s aspirations to join the euro would have by now have been a reality under his leadership – Orbán would do far better to get over the fact that he was ousted in 2002, that he’s not coming back as PM for a few years (if at all) and instead concentrate on making his party a little more credible.
e hënë, 4 qershor 2007
3 years on – taking stock of the Eastern enlargement
The anniversary of any major event is arguably the ideal moment to take stock of its impact and legacy, but this year is a particularly poignant time to look at the enlargement of the EU, as we now have new members and newer members. Bulgaria and Romania’s accession this January provides us with a means of comparison between these two countries and those that joined back in 2004.
A visit to Brussels today reveals a city vastly different from what it was a few years ago. The capital of Europe has metamorphosed into one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities, bringing politicians, journalists, lobbyists and other professionals from the four corners of the continent (and beyond) together to “make Europe work.”
Yet we all know that Brussels is not Europe in microcosm. For all the EU’s achievements – the single market and currency, the four freedoms, consumer rights and of course enlargement – barriers, prejudices and misunderstandings still exist. “New Europe” is most certainly a bona fide member of the club, but the club hasn’t fully accepted it. Nowhere is this more clearly manifested than in certain old member states’ continued restrictions on the free movement of workers from new member states. Add to that President Sarkozy’s former criticisms of new EU members over their use of low corporate taxes to tempt employers to relocate jobs out of France and other Western European countries, and it becomes clear that both ‘halves’ of Europe have their grievances.
When it comes to economics, the picture is mixed. When they first joined, the new member states appeared to score highly on several fronts – liberal, accessible markets, prudent spending, dynamic growth and so forth. Disparities were inevitable however, and now we have the first CEE euro member, Slovenia, but also countries like Hungary which have incurred major budget deficits, although recent reports suggest the situation is starting to improve there.
These diverging economic trends have also impacted upon political sentiments. Nationalism has been on the rise in a number of key CEE countries – most notably in Poland and Hungary, and a combination of nationalism, history, and conflicts of interest have undoubtedly weakened the EU in conducting relations with neighbouring Russia since the 2004 enlargement.
Then there are the newest members of the club – Bulgaria and Romania. Their accession marked a poignant and proud moment in European history, and the social, political and economic benefits of the enlargement are clear for all to see. Compare the electric atmosphere on January 1st and the overall voter apathy in Bulgaria’s recent European elections however and some of the shine is taken off the whole story.
In spite of these issues and challenges, the EU’s newer members have contributed greatly to Europe’s overall development. It remains by far the most economically dynamic region in Europe (with a real GDP growth rate of 6% in 2006) and continues to attract significant investment from leading European and global businesses. New Europe now needs to push for full acceptance in the bloc – to dispel prejudices and build upon its successes to date. To this end, Slovenia’s Presidency of the EU in 2008 will prove vital. A well-run presidency will bury once and for all the perception that the EU is ultimately a club run by the big western players, and will act as a springboard to New Europe’s involvement in and contribution to the Union’s future.
A visit to Brussels today reveals a city vastly different from what it was a few years ago. The capital of Europe has metamorphosed into one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities, bringing politicians, journalists, lobbyists and other professionals from the four corners of the continent (and beyond) together to “make Europe work.”
Yet we all know that Brussels is not Europe in microcosm. For all the EU’s achievements – the single market and currency, the four freedoms, consumer rights and of course enlargement – barriers, prejudices and misunderstandings still exist. “New Europe” is most certainly a bona fide member of the club, but the club hasn’t fully accepted it. Nowhere is this more clearly manifested than in certain old member states’ continued restrictions on the free movement of workers from new member states. Add to that President Sarkozy’s former criticisms of new EU members over their use of low corporate taxes to tempt employers to relocate jobs out of France and other Western European countries, and it becomes clear that both ‘halves’ of Europe have their grievances.
When it comes to economics, the picture is mixed. When they first joined, the new member states appeared to score highly on several fronts – liberal, accessible markets, prudent spending, dynamic growth and so forth. Disparities were inevitable however, and now we have the first CEE euro member, Slovenia, but also countries like Hungary which have incurred major budget deficits, although recent reports suggest the situation is starting to improve there.
These diverging economic trends have also impacted upon political sentiments. Nationalism has been on the rise in a number of key CEE countries – most notably in Poland and Hungary, and a combination of nationalism, history, and conflicts of interest have undoubtedly weakened the EU in conducting relations with neighbouring Russia since the 2004 enlargement.
Then there are the newest members of the club – Bulgaria and Romania. Their accession marked a poignant and proud moment in European history, and the social, political and economic benefits of the enlargement are clear for all to see. Compare the electric atmosphere on January 1st and the overall voter apathy in Bulgaria’s recent European elections however and some of the shine is taken off the whole story.
In spite of these issues and challenges, the EU’s newer members have contributed greatly to Europe’s overall development. It remains by far the most economically dynamic region in Europe (with a real GDP growth rate of 6% in 2006) and continues to attract significant investment from leading European and global businesses. New Europe now needs to push for full acceptance in the bloc – to dispel prejudices and build upon its successes to date. To this end, Slovenia’s Presidency of the EU in 2008 will prove vital. A well-run presidency will bury once and for all the perception that the EU is ultimately a club run by the big western players, and will act as a springboard to New Europe’s involvement in and contribution to the Union’s future.
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