Europe
Weak sterling could see UK paying another £8 billion to EU budget
The Mail reports on yesterday's conference with Valery Giscard d'Estaing - the author of the EU Constitution, later renamed the Lisbon Treaty - in which he suggested that Britain should be given a 'special status' in the EU and that the UK's attempts to block closer integration was "exhausting for all concerned, and disappointing". The article also cites Open Europe, noting that the value of sterling against the euro could see Britain paying another £8 billion to the EU budget, possibly raising the UK's contribution to £47 billion under the current financial perspective.
A leader in the paper argues, "the former French president seems to need reminding that it wasn't the British who voted against his empire-building Constitution. It was the Irish, the Dutch and - sacre bleu! - his own fellow countrymen. The scandal is that our Government signed up to it without even asking us."
Mail-leader Mail Open Europe blog-budget Open Europe blog-Giscard
French conference calls for harmonised EU asylum procedure and European Asylum Agency
A conference in Paris, organised by the French Immigration Minister, has called for a harmonised EU asylum policy by 2010, or at the latest 2012, in order to achieve "fairer" distribution of refugees. It is reported that France accounts for 25% of refugee status grants in Europe, while in Greece almost every refugee is being sent to another member state. The proposal means that each EU member state would have to accept the decision of a European Asylum Agency.
Conservative candidates reveal mixed feelings towards the EU
A survey of Conservative prospective parliamentary candidates by the Guardian has found that a majority believe the UK has gained from EU membership. It notes however that "should certain PPCs get to parliament, there will be moves to renegotiate our relationship with the EU". The survey suggests that Conservative PPCs believe the EU has made a positive contribution on the environment, health and free trade - but that on issues such as bureaucracy and fisheries policy, the EU left something to be desired.
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European Commission to investigate allegations of corruption
European Voice reports that the European Commission has launched an investigation into allegations that a senior EU official leaked commercially sensitive information to undercover journalists from the Sunday Times posing as lobbyists. EUobserver reports that the accused official, Frank-Harald Wenig, discussed the possibility of financial payments in return for the information.
European Voice EUobserver AFP Open Europe blog
EU to extend protectionist shoe tariffs
AFP reports that the Commission sources have confirmed that the EU is to extend anti-dumping tariffs on shoes from China and Vietnam into next year. The tariffs were originally imposed in 2006 for two years and were due to expire next month. Now, the source close to the dossier said, they will be extended into 2009 or beyond.
Meanwhile, the IHT reports that WTO trade talks will resume this week in Geneva, with trade experts remaining sceptical about the prospects for an agreement. It is reported that EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson's legacy may be his refusal to heed calls from France, Italy and other EU countries demanding more protection for their manufacturers against Asian exports. Rumors in Brussels say that a core of WTO members might agree on a deal based on the Doha round, simply leaving out those who refuse to sign up.
Russia/ Georgia roundup
Moscow has agreed to pull out its troops "from the zones adjacent to South Ossetia and Abkhazia to the line preceding the start of hostilities" by mid-October. "This withdrawal will be implemented within 10 days of the deployment of international mechanisms in these zones, including no fewer than 200 observers from the European Union, which must take place no later than 1 October 2008," said Dmitry Medvedev yesterday.
EUobserver notes that the Kremlin is threatening to have Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili tried as a war criminal.
Deutsche Welle reports that the EU is expected to offer Ukraine encouragement about closer ties but will stop short of making any firm commitments on future membership at a summit in Paris on Tuesday.
Gideon Rachman argues in the FT that "The Russian government's reluctance to occupy Tbilisi shows that there is still a debate going on in Moscow about how much international opprobrium the country can afford. Half a trillion dollars was wiped off the value of the Moscow stock exchange in the aftermath of the invasion of Georgia. The wealthy, Kremlin-connected elite would like to retain the privilege of having bank accounts in Switzerland, houses in London and tanks in neighbouring countries. It should not be too hard to suggest that there is a choice to be made."
BBC Mardell Le Figaro Economist FT EUobserver BBC IHT-Leader FT-Barber WSJ-Oleschowski Times-Maddox Times Times-NATO EUobserver Deutsche Welle Deutsche Welle Irish Times Smyth Irish Times-Clonan
Merkel takes the attack to Steinmeier
The FT reports that Angela Merkel, Germany's Chancellor, has begun the offensive against her new rival Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who was chosen as leader of the SPD on Sunday. Merkel branded the way Steinmeier was chosen as "unworthy of a major party". The IHT highlights the challenge facing Steinmeier if he is to challenge Merkel in the next elections. He must unite a floundering SPD and appease left-wing factions, which are distrustful of his leadership.
Monbiot: EU bullies poorer nations in trade negotiations
In the Guardian, George Monbiot criticises the European Commission for bullying the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) nations in the trade negotiations over Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs). He notes that "While [Trade Commissioner Mandelson] wants the ACP countries to eliminate tariffs on the import of almost all goods, Europe will sustain its farm subsidies. In combination, these policies could put millions out of work."
Le Figaro reports on proposals to build a 'megacable' to connect the electricity grids of Britain and France.
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The EU will donate 1 billion euros of aid over two years to promote energy links between Africa and the EU including a Trans-Saharan gas pipeline.
Poul Nyrup Rasmussen, President of the Party of European Socialists, writes on the Euros du village website that "The draft Treaty provides a solid basis for promoting a more social Europe instead of social dumping... It gives a legal basis for the role of the social partners and social dialogue."
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