tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-195287572024-03-13T07:27:25.451-07:00United States of Europe<b>For years, <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Herbert-W.-Armstrong-Was-Ahead-of-His-Time!&id=110620">Herbert W. Armstrong</a> warned the world that a German-led United States of Europe would win WWIII.</b> <i>It appears that dreadful time is upon us.</i>David Ben-Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02271443642557427428noreply@blogger.comBlogger2254125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19528757.post-90792348582020124522011-03-03T07:16:00.001-08:002011-03-03T07:16:47.117-08:00Open Europe<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.3;"> <h2> Europe</h2><strong>Admiral insurance group expects increased profits at expense of consumers after ECJ ruling</strong>The <em>Telegraph </em>reports that insurance group Admiral has said that it expects profits to rise as a result of the ECJ’s ruling to enforce unisex pricing for insurance products. Henry Engelhardt, Chief Executive, told the <em>Evening Standard</em>,“As an insurer I'm pleased. We will raise rates for young women, we won't bring them down much for young men. That means more profit.”<br />
Yesterday’s <em>Times</em>’ leader cited extensively from Open Europe’s briefing on the potential impact of the ruling and argued, “The EU already suffers from a democratic deficit. The common sense deficit now being displayed by its principal court will make the Union even more unpopular with citizens who would like to live, and drive, without excessive and expensive interference.” Open Europe’s calculation that the ruling is expected to cost young women drivers £4,300 by the time they are 26, continues to receive coverage and is cited by <em>NPR</em>, <em>Business Week</em>, Czech television <em>CT24</em> and Belgian website <em>Express.be.</em><br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cfcc/1275759766/VEsH/" target="_blank" title="http://www.openeurope.org.uk/research/ECJgenderdirective.pdf">Open Europe research</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cfcd/1275759766/VEsE/" target="_blank" title="http://www.openeurope.org.uk/media-centre/pressrelease.aspx?pressreleaseid=161">Open Europe press release</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cfc2/1275759766/VEsF/" target="_blank" title="http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/opinion/leaders/article2930597.ece blocked::http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/opinion/leaders/article2930597.ece http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/opinion/leaders/article2930597.ece">Times: Leader</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cfc3/1275759766/VEsC/" target="_blank" title="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=134156212 blocked::http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=134156212 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=134156212">NPR</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cfc0/1275759766/VEsD/" target="_blank" title="http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9LMF3QO0.htm blocked::http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9LMF3QO0.htm http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9LMF3QO0.htm">Business Week</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cfc1/1275759766/VEsA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ct24.cz/ekonomika/117017-konec-diskriminace-pohlavi-zdrazi-pojistne/ blocked::http://www.ct24.cz/ekonomika/117017-konec-diskriminace-pohlavi-zdrazi-pojistne/ http://www.ct24.cz/ekonomika/117017-konec-diskriminace-pohlavi-zdrazi-pojistne/">CT24</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cfc6/1275759766/VEsB/" target="_blank" title="http://www.express.be/sectors/nl/auto/eu-maakt-einde-aan-goedkopere-autoverzekering-voor-vrouwen/141585.htm blocked::http://www.express.be/sectors/nl/auto/eu-maakt-einde-aan-goedkopere-autoverzekering-voor-vrouwen/141585.htm">Express</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cfc7/1275759766/VEsO/" target="_blank" title="http://iservice.libertytimes.com.tw/liveNews/news.php?no=469075&type=%E5%9C%8B%E9%9A%9B blocked::http://iservice.libertytimes.com.tw/liveNews/news.php?no=469075&type=��">Liberty Times</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cfc4/1275759766/VEsP/" target="_blank" title="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/banksandfinance/insurance/8357793/Admiral-eyes-EU-sex-ruling-profit-boost.html blocked::http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/banksandfinance/insurance/8357793/Admiral-eyes-EU-sex-ruling-profit-boo">Telegraph</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cfc5/1275759766/VEsHBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-business/article-23927912-motor-insurer-admiral-drives-ahead-with-a-23-percent-rise-in-profit.do blocked::http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-business/article-23927912-motor-insurer-admiral-drives-ahead-with-a-23-">Evening Standard</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cfda/1275759766/VEsHBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.abc.es/20110302/comunidad-canarias/abcp-declara-ilegal-seguros-varien-20110302.html blocked::http://www.abc.es/20110302/comunidad-canarias/abcp-declara-ilegal-seguros-varien-20110302.html http://www.abc.es/20110302/comunidad-canarias/abcp-decla">ABC</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cfdb/1275759766/VEsHBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.independent.ie/opinion/columnists/martina-devlin/martina-devlin-eu-needs-to-realise-that-we-are-not-all-the-same-2563582.html blocked::http://www.independent.ie/opinion/columnists/martina-devlin/martina-devlin-eu-needs-to-realise-that-we-are-no">Irish Independent: Devlin</a><br />
<strong>MEPs seek another office allowance increase</strong><br />
<em>European Voice</em> reports that the European Parliament’s Committee on Budgets will today assess a new request to increase MEPs’ office allowance by a monthly €1,500, which would amount to a €13.2m transfer from the Parliament’s reserve budget. The monthly office allowance covers parliamentary assistance expenses, and was already increased by €1,500 last year following MEPs’ claims that they have a heavier workload under the Lisbon Treaty. The article notes that a study showed that a total of €153m was spent on assistants last year, meaning that, on average, MEPs spent a monthly €17,320 on staffing.<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cfd8/1275759766/VEsHBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.europeanvoice.com/article/imported/meps-seek-to-increase-office-allowance-by-another-1500/70409.aspx">European Voice</a><br />
<strong>EU increases aid to Libya to €10m;<br />
Divisions between NATO members over no-fly zone</strong>EU Commission President José Manuel Barroso yesterday announced that the EU will increase emergency aid for Libya from €3m to €10m; EU Aid Commissioner Kristalina Georgieva will oversee spending in the region. Barroso said that a further €25m will be made available to help Italy and Malta cope with a potential wave of immigration.<br />
<em>El Pais</em> reports that France and Turkey are opposed to the creation of a no-fly zone over Libya, leaving a NATO led initiative unlikely for the moment. US Secretary of Defence Robert Gates yesterday warned the US Congress that establishing a no-flight zone over Libya would have to begin with an attack on the country’s air defences, reports <em>IHT</em>. <em>Al Jazeera</em> reports that the Arab League has said it may impose a "no fly" zone on Libya in co-ordination with the African Union if fighting continues, but it dismissed plans for any direct military intervention.<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cfd9/1275759766/VEsHAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31905">EUobserver </a><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cfde/1275759766/VEsHAA/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31914">EUobserver 2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cfdf/1275759766/VEsHAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/gavinhewitt/2011/03/libya_the_case_for_non-interve.html">BBC: Hewitt</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cfdc/1275759766/VEsHAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2011/0303/1224291211713.html">Irish Times</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cfdd/1275759766/VEsHDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.euractiv.com/en/global-europe/eu-hoists-sails-arab-winds-change-grow-stronger-news-502706">EurActiv</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cfd2/1275759766/VEsHDA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.europeanvoice.com/article/imported/eu-embarks-on-rewrite-of-north-africa-polic/70398.aspx">European Voice</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cfd3/1275759766/VEsEBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://blogs.euobserver.com/waterfield/2011/03/01/libyans-are-doing-it-by-themselves-without-eu/">EUobserver: Waterfield</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cfd0/1275759766/VEsEBA/" target="_blank" title="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703409904576174913959221254.html?mod=ITP_pageone_3">WSJ</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cfd1/1275759766/VEsEBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.dailyexpress.co.uk/posts/view/232287/Nick-Clegg-Let-s-give-more-cash-to-Arab-countries">Express</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cfd6/1275759766/VEsEBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.dailyexpress.co.uk/posts/view/232286/Still-there-s-no-stopping-the-utter-madness-of-european-courts">Express 2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cfd7/1275759766/VEsEAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.dailyexpress.co.uk/posts/view/232229/Britain-must-escape-EU-superstate">Express: O'Flynn</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cfd4/1275759766/VEsEAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Francia/Turquia/oponen/intervencion/militar/elpepiint/20110303elpepiint_9/Tes">El Pais</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cfd5/1275759766/VEsEAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2011/03/02/union_europea/1299069511.html">El Mundo</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cfea/1275759766/VEsEAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23928128-nick-cleggs-call-for-eu-role-greeted-with-derision.do">Evening Standard</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cfeb/1275759766/VEsEDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://blogs.ft.com/brusselsblog/2011/03/the-fall-out-from-libya/">FT Brussels Blog</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cfe8/1275759766/VEsEDA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.publico.es/internacional/364196/barroso-promete-fondos-para-ayudar-al-norte-de-africa">Publico</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cfe9/1275759766/VEsFBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/03/20113218130353466.html">Al Jazeera</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cfee/1275759766/VEsFBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/03/world/africa/03military.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss">IHT</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cfef/1275759766/VEsFBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/politics/article2932075.ece blocked::http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/politics/article2932075.ece http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/politics/article2932075.ece">Times</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cfec/1275759766/VEsFBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/d51b85e8-44fc-11e0-80e7-00144feab49a.html#axzz1FWofibwy">FT</a><br />
<strong>Merkel to resist Irish bailout renegotiation</strong>Following a meeting with the Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates, German Chancellor Angela Merkel insisted that it was not possible to "artificially lower" the interest rates charged to the Irish State on its bailout deal. “We can't get to a point where Ireland pays lower interest rates than Portugal," she added.<br />
Writing in the <em>FT</em> today Guy Verhofstadt, Jacques Delors and Romano Prodi argue that the Franco-German pact would be ineffective due to its “one size fits all” policies and “peer pressure” approach. In an interview with the <em>FT,</em> Frank-Walter Steinmeier, parliamentary leader of the SPD, has criticised the ‘pact for competitiveness’ saying that “not a single element is appropriate to end this European crisis”. He argues that the focus should be on fiscal policy, such as bond buy backs and extending the bailout fund. Steinmeier also said his party would back the government if it attempted a pan-European solution to the crisis.<br />
The Portuguese government held a successful sale of €1bn in treasury bills but at an interest rate of 4.06%. This follows estimates yesterday by Barclays Capital that the ECB bought €19.5bn of the €21.7bn Portuguese bonds sold last year.<br />
The European Banking Authority announced yesterday that the next banking stress tests will include a baseline and an extremely negative macroeconomic situation as well as country-specific shocks on property prices, interest rates and government borrowing. Separately, <em>EUobserver </em>reports that the Danish Prime Minister, Lars Lokke Rasmussen, may push for a referendum on adopting the euro this summer.<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cfed/1275759766/VEsFAQ/" target="_blank">FT</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cfe2/1275759766/VEsFAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.faz.net/s/Rub3ADB8A210E754E748F42960CC7349BDF/Doc~E8EC29FEFD0E54EFD988D35ADA2CBE3B1~ATpl~Ecommon~Scontent.html">FAZ Leader</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cfe3/1275759766/VEsFAw/" target="_blank">European Voice</a><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cfe0/1275759766/VEsFAg/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31910">EUobserver</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cfe1/1275759766/VEsFDQ/" target="_blank">FT Comment</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cfe6/1275759766/VEsFDA/" target="_blank">City AM</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cfe7/1275759766/VEsCBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2011/0303/1224291213164.html">Irish Times</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cfe4/1275759766/VEsCBA/" target="_blank">FT Alphaville</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cfe5/1275759766/VEsCBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.independent.ie/national-news/kenny-bailout-blow-2563678.html">Irish Independent</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cffa/1275759766/VEsCBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.independent.ie/opinion/editorial/merkel-and-the-real-world-2563590.html">Irish Independent: Leader</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cffb/1275759766/VEsCAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2011/0303/1224291227906.html">Irish Times 2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cff8/1275759766/VEsCAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.independent.ie/opinion/analysis/siobhan-creaton-new-government-has-to-get-bailout-back-on-track-fast-2563581.html">Irish Independent: Creaton</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cff9/1275759766/VEsCAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2011/0303/1224291213117.html blocked::http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2011/0303/1224291213117.html http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2011/0303/1224291213117.html">Irish Times 3</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cffe/1275759766/VEsCAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.independent.ie/opinion/columnists/brendan-keenan/brendan-keenan-demands-can-only-be-made-if-we-march-in-step-with-europe-2563578.html blocked::http://www.independent.ie/opinion/columnists/brendan-keenan/brendan-keenan-demands-can-only-be-made-i">Irish Independent: Keenan</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cfff/1275759766/VEsCDQ/" target="_blank">FT 2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cffc/1275759766/VEsCDA/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31912">EUobserver 2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cffd/1275759766/VEsDBQ/" target="_blank">WSJ</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cff2/1275759766/VEsDBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.wirtschaftspresse.biz/psepp/fn/pcc/sfn/showedetail/DocID/1153132/EditionID/4/SectionID/2/PageID/1152759/pDay/03.03.2011%2000:00:00/showtyp/1/SH/47d82312f392544872eaf37121ada0/index.html">Handelsblatt</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cff3/1275759766/VEsDBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/europe/news/article_1623153.php/German-Austrian-chancellors-renew-call-for-EU-financial-tax">DPA</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cff0/1275759766/VEsDBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.faz.net/s/Rub3ADB8A210E754E748F42960CC7349BDF/Doc~E91F3FE991911488883FC3FA14345AC72~ATpl~Ecommon~Scontent.html">FAZ: Weber</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cff1/1275759766/VEsDAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://imarketnews.com/?q=node/27204">MNI</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cff6/1275759766/VEsDAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/02/ecb-weber-idUSLDE7212AR20110302">Reuters</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cff7/1275759766/VEsDAw/" target="_blank" title="http://newsticker.sueddeutsche.de/list/id/1119120">Sueddeutsche</a><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cff4/1275759766/VEsDAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.maerkischeallgemeine.de/cms/beitrag/12028214/5934832/Merkel-erwartet-Signalwirkung-von-EU-Treffen-im-Maerz.html">Maerkische Allgemeine</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cff5/1275759766/VEsDDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ftd.de/finanzen/:neuer-belastungstest-stresstest-startschuss-schon-freitag/60020225.html">FT Deutschland</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cf0a/1275759766/VEsDDA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.zeit.de/wirtschaft/2011-03/interview-gerlach-banken">Die Zeit</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cf0b/1275759766/VEsABQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.finanznachrichten.de/nachrichten-2011-03/19524756-euro-reformplan-verwaessert-deutsche-forderungen-016.htm">Finanznachrichten.de</a><br />
<strong>On his <em>Telegraph</em> blog, Nile Gardiner notes that in 2009 the EU subsidised several US anti-death penalty groups to the tune of €2.6m through the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR). “</strong><strong>It is bad enough that Brussels consistently interferes with the internal affairs of EU member states, but it is surely a bridge too far when it tries to intervene in the affairs of one of the world’s greatest democracies that isn’t even part of the EU,” he argues.</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cf08/1275759766/VEsABA/" target="_blank" title="http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/nilegardiner/100078360/the-european-union-gives-millions-in-taxpayers%E2%80%99-money-to-anti-death-penalty-groups-in-america/#disqus_thread">Telegraph: Gardiner</a><br />
<strong>Seven year restriction on EU migrants’ welfare entitlements to end</strong>The <em>Times</em> reports that there is “nervousness in Whitehall” about a possible rise in the UK’s benefits bill as restrictions on eligibility imposed on migrants from Central and Eastern Europe in 2004 are due to expire this year under EU law. It is estimated more than 100,000 migrants will be able to claim jobseeker’s allowance, housing and council tax benefit, potentially worth up to £250 a week per person. Reactions have been mixed, with employers’ organisations saying it would reduce the amount of red tape, while the group MigrationWatch warned of potential “benefit tourism”.<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cf09/1275759766/VEsABw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/politics/article2932098.ece blocked::http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/politics/article2932098.ece http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/politics/article2932098.ece">Times</a><br />
<strong><em>Euractiv </em></strong><strong>quotes Socialist MEP Stavros Lambrinidis warning that the EU-funded INDECT surveillance project could introduce “Big Brother into our lives.” Lambrinidis warned that the project aims to access "all existing feeds in cameras, in the Internet, in DNA databases and even on personal computers”. It has received nearly £10m in EU funding.</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cf0e/1275759766/VEsABg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.euractiv.com/en/infosociety/meps-question-big-brother-urban-observation-project-news-502266 blocked::http://www.euractiv.com/en/infosociety/meps-question-big-brother-urban-observation-project-news-502266">Euractiv</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cf0f/1275759766/VEsAAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://en.wikinews.org/wiki/Listening_to_you_at_last:_EU_plans_to_tap_cell_phones blocked::http://en.wikinews.org/wiki/Listening_to_you_at_last:_EU_plans_to_tap_cell_phones">Wikinews</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cf0c/1275759766/VEsAAA/" target="_blank" title="http://neoconopticon.wordpress.com/2009/10/27/wikinews-report-on-indect-project/ blocked::http://neoconopticon.wordpress.com/2009/10/27/wikinews-report-on-indect-project/">Neoconopticon</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cf0d/1275759766/VEsAAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-//EP//NONSGML+WDECL+P7-DCL-2010-0002+0+DOC+PDF+V0//EN&language=EN">EP Written Declaration</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cf02/1275759766/VEsAAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.openeurope.org.uk/research/howtheeuiswatchingyou.pdf">Open Europe research</a><br />
<strong><em>EUobserver </em></strong><strong>reports that yesterday the European Commission urged Croatia to “redouble” its efforts on fighting corruption, prosecuting war criminals and reforming its judicial system in order to meet a June deadline for completing EU entry negotiations.</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cf03/1275759766/VEsADQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/ed3105a8-44f3-11e0-80e7-00144feab49a.html#axzz1FF7i1Yfn">FT</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cf00/1275759766/VEsADA/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31907">EUobserver</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cf01/1275759766/VEsBBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2011/0303/1224291211646.html">Irish Times</a><br />
<strong>MEPs push for a financial transaction tax</strong>In a letter to the <em>Guardian</em>, six MEPs from the Alliance of Socialists and Democrats group propose the introduction of a tax on financial transactions, popularly referred to as the “Robin Hood tax”, claiming that for “too long the financial sector has been undertaxed… it is time for it to contribute its fair share”. They argue the EU ought to lead in this direction, even in the absence of a global agreement. <em>Handelsblatt </em>reports that Germany and Austria are looking to push ahead with plans for a financial transaction tax in all 17 eurozone member states.<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cf06/1275759766/VEsBBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/mar/03/eu-lead-robin-hood-tax blocked::http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/mar/03/eu-lead-robin-hood-tax http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/mar/03/eu-lead-robin-hood-tax">Guardian: Letters</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cff2/1275759766/VEsBBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.wirtschaftspresse.biz/psepp/fn/pcc/sfn/showedetail/DocID/1153132/EditionID/4/SectionID/2/PageID/1152759/pDay/03.03.2011%2000:00:00/showtyp/1/SH/47d82312f392544872eaf37121ada0/index.html">Handelsblatt</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cf07/1275759766/VEsBBg/" target="_blank" title="http://borsaitaliana.it.reuters.com/article/bondsNews/idITLDE7211TX20110302">Reuters Italia</a><br />
<strong>The <em>Mail</em> reports that the British Government has formally asked the European Court of Human Rights to review its controversial ruling on prisoners’ votes, arguing that one of the court’s main objections to Britain’s blanket ban - that Parliament had not considered the issue for more than a century - had now been addressed.</strong><br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cf04/1275759766/VEsBAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1362409/UK-raises-stakes-prisoner-votes-standoff-European-Court.html blocked::http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1362409/UK-raises-stakes-prisoner-votes-standoff-European-Court.html http://www.dailymail.co.uk/n">Mail</a><br />
<strong>The <em>Express</em> is backing a campaign, also supported by some MPs, to either change the planned referendum on electoral reform, due to be held on 5 May, to one on the UK’s continued membership of the EU, or at least to also include the question.</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cf05/1275759766/VEsBAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.dailyexpress.co.uk/posts/view/232301/Get-Britain-out-of-the-EU-now/ blocked::http://www.dailyexpress.co.uk/posts/view/232301/Get-Britain-out-of-the-EU-now/ http://www.dailyexpress.co.uk/posts/view/232301/Get-Britain-out-of-the-EU-now/">Express</a><br />
<strong><em>EUobserver</em></strong><strong> reports that yesterday thousands of HIV-positive demonstrators took to the streets in New Delhi over concerns that the free trade agreement being negotiated by India with the EU will end the production of affordable life-prolonging drugs.</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cf1a/1275759766/VEsBAw/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31911">EUobserver</a><br />
<strong>The <em>IHT</em> reports that </strong><strong>Thomas de Maizière – who had been serving as Interior Minister since 2009 – has been appointed by German Chancellor Angela Merkel as the new German Defence Minister.</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cf1b/1275759766/VEsBAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/03/world/europe/03iht-germany03.html">IHT</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cf18/1275759766/VEsBDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Dimite/ministro/Defensa/aleman/plagiar/tesis/doctoral/elpepuint/20110302elpepiint_15/Tes">El Pais</a><br />
<strong><em>AFP</em></strong><strong> reports on a new poll conducted by the STEM Institute showing that the Czechs’ trust in the EU has fallen to an all-time-low of 46%. Only 39% of respondents said they were confident in the European Parliament.</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cf19/1275759766/VEsBDA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lemonde.fr/depeches/2011/03/02/la-confiance-des-tcheques-envers-l-union-europeenne-au-plus-bas-sondage_3214_236_44489790.html">AFP</a><br />
<strong><em>ABC </em></strong><strong>reports that the EU yesterday launched its new satellite navigation system for civil aviation EGNOS, a precursor to Galileo.</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cf1e/1275759766/VEsOBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.abc.es/agencias/noticia.asp?noticia=711225">ABC</a><br />
<h2> New on the Open Europe Blog</h2><strong>The EU’s Fisheries Policy gets battered</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cf1f/1275759766/VEsOBA/" target="_blank">Open Europe Blog</a><br />
<strong>“She cannae take it captain”: ECJ ruling testing EU’s PR Machine to breaking point</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cf1c/1275759766/VEsOBw/" target="_blank">Open Europe Blog</a><br />
<strong>Ashton’s bureaucratic empire</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cf1f/1275759766/VEsOBg/" target="_blank">Open Europe Blog</a></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
<hr /><br />
Open Europe is an independent think tank campaigning for radical reform of the EU. For information on our research, events and other activities, please visit our website: <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cf1d/1275759766/VEsOAQ/" target="_blank">openeurope.org.uk</a>, follow us on twitter <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f18/1ba8c0bb/80e4074/7c55cf12/1275759766/VEsOAA/" target="_blank">@OpenEurope</a> or call us on +44 (0) 207 1972333 (London) and +32 (0) 2 5408625 (Brussels).<br />
</span>David Ben-Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02271443642557427428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19528757.post-84092780502715844602011-03-01T08:48:00.000-08:002011-03-01T08:48:17.085-08:00Reject the Welfare/Warfare State<div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Congress Must Reject the Welfare/Warfare State</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">“During the past few weeks, Congress has been locked in a battle to pass a continuing resolution to fund government operations through September. Both supporters and opponents of the bill, HR 1, claim it is a serious attempt to reduce federal spending. However, an examination of the details of the bill call that claim into question. For one thing, the oft-cited assertion that HR 1 reduces spending by $99 billion is misleading. The $99 billion figure merely represents the amount that HR 1 reduces spending from the President’s proposed Fiscal Year 2011 budget - not reductions in actual spending. Trying to claim credit for a reduction in spending based on cuts in proposed spending is like claiming someone is following a diet because he had only five slices of pizza when he intended to have 10 slices!”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Click here to read the full article: <a href="http://bit.ly/eogX5l" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/eogX5l</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Follow me on Twitter! <a href="http://twitter.com/RepRonPaul" target="_blank">http://twitter.com/RepRonPaul</a></span></div>David Ben-Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02271443642557427428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19528757.post-3095318351716498492011-03-01T08:41:00.000-08:002011-03-01T08:41:44.032-08:00Open Europe<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.3;"> <h2> Europe</h2><strong>Open Europe: EU ruling could increase insurance costs by £1bn from 2012</strong>As expected the ECJ ruled this morning to ban the use of gender in determining different risks for insurance products. The ruling will take effect on 21 December 2012, meaning insurers can no longer offer different products and prices to men and women based on their sex. In a briefing note published earlier in the week, Open Europe estimated that, on average, a 17 year old female driver will now have to pay an extra £4,300 in insurance premiums by the time she is 26 as a consequence of the ruling. The briefing also notes that the insurance industry in Britain may need to acquire an extra £1bn in capital to account for the increased uncertainties in the market. The ECJ’s ruling was based on the Lisbon Treaty’s Charter of Fundamental Rights, from which the UK was claimed to have secured an “opt-out” by the previous government.<br />
Open Europe’s findings continue to receive widespread coverage, and are cited in today’s <em>FT</em>, <em>De Telegraaf</em>, on <em>Conservative Home</em> and on several consumer websites.In the <em>Telegraph</em>, Philip Johnston looks at the ruling and notes, “The same happened with the working time directive. Its scope has been extended eight times by the ECJ at a cost to the UK economy of between £3.4 billion and £3.9 billion a year, according to calculations made by the campaign group Open Europe.”<br />
Open Europe’s Stephen Booth appeared on the <em>BBC World Service, BBC Radio Sussex, ITV News and ITV News Online, </em>arguing that the ruling pushes anti-discrimination legislation “beyond the realms of common sense” and that EU judges had “shot themselves in the foot” as the ruling will only anger ordinary citizens. Open Europe’s Pieter Cleppe also appeared on <em>AP TV</em>.<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc0c/808584331/VEsH/" target="_blank" title="http://curia.europa.eu/jcms/upload/docs/application/pdf/2011-03/cp110012en.pdf">ECJ press release</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc0d/808584331/VEsE/" target="_blank" title="http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/news/2011/03/110301_womeninsurance.shtml">BBC: World Service</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc02/808584331/VEsF/" target="_blank" title="http://www.itv.com/news/eu-insurance-ruling30194/">ITV News online</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc03/808584331/VEsC/" target="_blank" title="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/comment/david-prosser-dont-be-alarmed-by-northern-rocks-move-back-into-risky-loans-2228641.html">Independent: Prosser</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc00/808584331/VEsD/" target="_blank" title="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/columnists/philipjohnston/8353192/Well-all-lose-in-the-crazy-EU-equality-drive.html">Telegraph</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc01/808584331/VEsA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.telegraaf.nl/binnenland/9153368/__Verzekering_vrouwen_duurder__.html?sn=binnenland">De Telegraaf</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc06/808584331/VEsB/" target="_blank" title="http://www.openeurope.org.uk/media-centre/pressrelease.aspx?pressreleaseid=161">Open Europe press release</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc07/808584331/VEsO/" target="_blank" title="http://www.openeurope.org.uk/research/ECJgenderdirective.pdf">Open Europe briefing</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc04/808584331/VEsP/" target="_blank" title="http://conservativehome.blogs.com/thetorydiary/2011/02/the-european-court-of-justice-looks-set-to-alienate-half-all-the-population-tomorrow.html">Conservative Home</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc05/808584331/VEsHBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/81384176-43e6-11e0-8f20-00144feab49a.html#axzz1FG8hyslr">FT</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc1a/808584331/VEsHBA/" target="_blank" title="http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_9410000/9410372.stm">BBC: Today</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc1b/808584331/VEsHBw/" target="_blank">Insurance Daily</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc18/808584331/VEsHBg/" target="_blank">Moneywise</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc19/808584331/VEsHAQ/" target="_blank">Mirror</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc1e/808584331/VEsHAA/" target="_blank">Independent: Meade</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc1f/808584331/VEsHAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.theparliament.com/latest-news/article/newsarticle/ecj-ruling-could-cost-women-drivers-thousands-more/">The Parliament</a><br />
<strong>Ashton confirms sanctions on Libyan regime;<br />
EU Commissioner: EU should have acted faster on Libya</strong>EU Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fuele yesterday made an unprecedented statement criticising Europe's approach to the crisis saying, “'Several of us would have liked to see sanctions decided during the council and applied even faster”, reports <em>DPA</em>. “Europe was not vocal enough in defending human rights and local democratic forces in the region", he added. European Council President Herman Van Rompuy may convene an extraordinary EU summit to discuss the crisis on Thursday.<br />
Speaking after a UN council meeting yesterday, EU Foreign Minister Baroness Catherine Ashton confirmed that the EU will impose sanctions on Libya, including an arms embargo, an asset freeze and a travel ban on Libyan leader Col Muammar Gaddafi plus 25 family members and associates.<br />
<em>EUobserver</em> reports that further measures are being weighed up by EU and US officials including the possible use of fighter jets, aircraft carriers in the Mediterranean, a no-fly zone and arming the opposition in Libya. In the Commons yesterday, David Cameron said, "We do not in any way rule out the use of military assets. In France, Prime Minister Francois Fillon confirmed that "all options are on the table". The US State Department suggested that a no-fly zone could be enforced through NATO as China and Russia could block the measure at the UN level.<br />
In an interview with <em>Il Messaggero</em>, Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi argued that caution is needed on evaluating the possibility of Gaddafi’s exile. However, he said, “We are and will be perfectly in line with what the international community will decide.”<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc1c/808584331/VEsHAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/feb/28/libya-muammar-gaddafi">Guardian</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc1d/808584331/VEsHDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/231845/Cameron-hints-at-sending-in-RAF-jets-to-end-Gaddafi-ruleCameron-hints-at-sending-in-RAF-jets-to-end-Gaddafi-rule#ixzz1FL2GPKFx">Express</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc12/808584331/VEsHDA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1361629/Libya-protests-David-Cameron-plans-fly-zone-threatens-send-British-troops.html">Mail</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc13/808584331/VEsEBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/world/middleeast/article2929365.ece">Times</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc10/808584331/VEsEBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8352477/Libya-EU-agrees-fresh-sanctions-against-Gaddafi.html">Telegraph</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc11/808584331/VEsEBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23927070-go-now-david-cameron-issues-strongest-warning-yet-to-colonel-gaddafi.do">Evening Standard</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc16/808584331/VEsEBg/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31894">EUobserver</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc17/808584331/VEsEAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31893">EUobserver 2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc14/808584331/VEsEAA/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31888">EUobserver 3</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc15/808584331/VEsEAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lemonde.fr/depeches/2011/02/28/libye-cameron-se-joint-a-sarkozy-pour-un-sommet-europeen-elysee_3214_236_44477224.html">AFP</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc2a/808584331/VEsEAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.euractiv.fr/paris-londres-demandent-sommet-libye-article">Euractiv.fr</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc2b/808584331/VEsEDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/gavinhewitt/2011/02/europes_search_for_a_big_stick.html">BBC: Hewitt</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc28/808584331/VEsEDA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12593481">BBC</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc29/808584331/VEsFBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/nickrobinson/">BBC: Robinson</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc2e/808584331/VEsFBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lastampa.it/_web/cmstp/tmplrubriche/giornalisti/grubrica.asp?ID_blog=113&ID_articolo=945&ID_sezione=&sezione=">Straneuropa</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc2f/808584331/VEsFBw/" target="_blank" title="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704615504576172160348286974.html?KEYWORDS=stephen+fidler">WSJ</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc2c/808584331/VEsFBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.europeanvoice.com/article/2011/february/eu-to-impose-sanctions-on-libya/70386.aspx">European Voice</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc2d/808584331/VEsFAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.euractiv.com/en/global-europe/libya-crisis-hit-poor-worldwide-eu-warns-news-502585">EurActiv</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc22/808584331/VEsFAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2011/0301/1224291077855.html">Irish Times</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc23/808584331/VEsFAw/" target="_blank" title="http://openeuropeblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/one-challenge-down-many-to-go.html">Open Europe blog</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc20/808584331/VEsFAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ilmessaggero.it/articolo.php?id=140310&sez=HOME_NELMONDO">Il Messaggero: Berlusconi</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc21/808584331/VEsFDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/119524.pdf?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter">EEAS press release</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc20/808584331/VEsFDA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ilmessaggero.it/articolo.php?id=140310&sez=HOME_NELMONDO">Il Messaggero: Berlusconi</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc26/808584331/VEsCBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_9410000/9410302.stm">BBC Today: Major</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc27/808584331/VEsCBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/africa/news/article_1622653.php/Commissioner-EU-should-have-been-faster-on-Libya-sanctions">DPA</a><br />
<strong>Irish bail-out renegotiation to face resistance from eurozone partners</strong>The <em>FT</em> reports that, according to diplomats and EU officials, opposition to Ireland’s demands for renegotiation of the bail-out terms is growing among other eurozone countries, particularly Germany, Finland and the Netherlands. A diplomat is quoted saying: “The ink is hardly dry yet. Politically, it’s very difficult.” Meanwhile, Irish Labour leader Eamon Gilmore has been given the green light from his party to start coalition talks with Fine Gael.<br />
An editorial in the <em>FT</em> notes: “Enda Kenny, Fine Gael’s leader and presumptive Taoiseach, claims he will renegotiate the [bail-out] deal. The likely outcome is a face-saving but useless compromise: in return for a lower interest rate, Mr. Kenny will stand by his predecessors’ suicidal conflation of bank and sovereign debt. The Irish tragedy will come full circle – but a new act will open in Europe’s drama.”<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc24/808584331/VEsCBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.independent.ie/national-news/elections/latest-news/gilmore-gets-the-green-light-to-carve-out-deal-2560131.html">Irish Independent</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc25/808584331/VEsCBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Fine/Gael/negocia/coalicion/laboristas/Irlanda/elpepiint/20110301elpepiint_11/Tes">El Pais</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc3a/808584331/VEsCAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/35d69b66-4377-11e0-8f0d-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1FF7i1Yfn">FT Editorial</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc3b/808584331/VEsCAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/ecdaac94-4368-11e0-8f0d-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1FF7i1Yfn">FT</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc38/808584331/VEsCAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.europeanvoice.com/article/2011/february/rehn-says-eu-to-discuss-ireland-s-bail-out-rate/70387.aspx">European Voice</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc39/808584331/VEsCAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.independent.ie/national-news/better-deal-may-be-on-cards-as-eu-considers-rate-cut-2560127.html">Irish Independent</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc3e/808584331/VEsCDQ/" target="_blank">FAZ</a><br />
<strong>Lukewarm response to revised eurozone ‘Competitiveness Pact’</strong>New proposals on joint economic governance put forward by European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and European Council chief Herman Van Rompuy on Monday received a lukewarm response from member states. A diplomat from one northern European country said: "There definitely wasn't a breakthrough, but it also wasn't a flop either". The fact that questions still remain, despite the pact being watered down significantly, increases fears that eurozone leaders may be unable to reach an agreement on economic and bailout package reforms by the 25 March deadline. Meanwhile, Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt criticised the upcoming meeting of eurozone leaders, saying: "I think we should not divide the European Union, but stick at the 27 members being present when it comes to heads of state and government".<br />
Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates said yesterday that Portugal was ready to implement the necessary economic reforms but added: "I fear that if Europe does not take the necessary steps, all this effort may have been in vain". Earlier, Portuguese Finance Minister Fernando Teixeira dos Santos argued: "There is a deficiency in the construction of the euro. There is one leg missing and that is the budgetary or fiscal element. We have a single currency but we do not have a budgetary or fiscal instrument at a European level."<br />
<em>El País</em> reports that credit rating agency Moody’s has warned that Spain’s savings banks, the cajas, will need to raise €50bn to meet the stricter capital requirements recently established by the Spanish government, rather than the government’s own estimation of €20bn. <br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc3f/808584331/VEsCDA/" target="_blank">WSJ</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc3c/808584331/VEsDBQ/" target="_blank">Reuters</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc3d/808584331/VEsDBA/" target="_blank">WSJ 2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc32/808584331/VEsDBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lefigaro.fr/conjoncture/2011/02/28/04016-20110228ARTFIG00641-zone-euro-le-pacte-de-competitivite-s-allege.php">Le figaro</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc33/808584331/VEsDBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.elpais.com/articulo/economia/Van/Rompuy/suaviza/propuesta/alemana/pacto/competitividad/elpepieco/20110301elpepieco_5/Tes">El Pais</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc30/808584331/VEsDAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31890">EUobserver</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc32/808584331/VEsDAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lefigaro.fr/conjoncture/2011/02/28/04016-20110228ARTFIG00641-zone-euro-le-pacte-de-competitivite-s-allege.php">Le Figaro</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc31/808584331/VEsDAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lesechos.fr/economie-politique/monde/actu/0201181618831-europe-van-rompuy-presente-un-pacte-de-competitivite-light-.htm">Les Echos</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc36/808584331/VEsDAg/" target="_blank">FT Money Supply Blog</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc37/808584331/VEsDDQ/" target="_blank">Reuters</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc34/808584331/VEsDDA/" target="_blank">EurActiv</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc35/808584331/VEsABQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.fdselections.nl/pensioen/nieuws/fdartikel/news_id/2000905488/pr/1666251/default.aspx">FD</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc4a/808584331/VEsABA/" target="_blank">WSJ 3</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc4b/808584331/VEsABw/" target="_blank">Irish Independent</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc48/808584331/VEsABg/" target="_blank" title="http://in.reuters.com/article/2011/02/28/idINIndia-55221520110228">Reuters</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc49/808584331/VEsAAQ/" target="_blank">WSJ Opinion</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc4e/808584331/VEsAAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/figures-reveal-euro100bn-deposit-exodus-from-covered-six-2560091.html">Irish Independent </a><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc4f/808584331/VEsAAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-02-28/irish-retail-lenders-ecb-reliance-rose-to-eu96-billion-in-jan-.html">Bloomberg</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc4c/808584331/VEsAAg/" target="_blank">Coulisses de Bruxelles</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc4d/808584331/VEsADQ/" target="_blank">Le Monde</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc42/808584331/VEsADA/" target="_blank">Les Echos: Delpla</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc43/808584331/VEsBBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20110228-718116.html">WSJ 4</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc40/808584331/VEsBBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.elpais.com/articulo/economia/Moody/s/cree/cajas/necesitan/50000/millones/capital/elpepieco/20110301elpepieco_8/Tes">El País 2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc41/808584331/VEsBBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.expansion.com/2011/03/01/economia/1298937839.html">Expansión</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc46/808584331/VEsBBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lemonde.fr/economie/article/2011/02/28/le-secteur-bancaire-espagnol-aurait-besoin-de-50-milliards-d-euros-de-refinancement_1486346_3234.html">Le Monde</a><br />
<strong>EU ministers will today meet in Brussels to discuss possible ways to end EU rules on throwing back dead fish that exceed EU quotas. The <em>Guardian</em> reports that Scottish Fisheries Minister </strong><strong>Richard Lochhead will not be able to attend today’s meeting, despite Scotland being particularly affected by the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy, since EU Fisheries Commissioner Maria Damanaki has insisted that only one minister per member state could attend. </strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc47/808584331/VEsBAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/mar/01/government-attacks-eu-fishing-rules">Guardian</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc44/808584331/VEsBAA/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31892">EUobserver</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc45/808584331/VEsBAw/" target="_blank" title="http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_9410000/9410363.stm">BBC Today: Damanaki</a><br />
<strong><em>FT Deutschland</em></strong><strong>: EU Directive on online trading will be “a feast for litigious lawyers”</strong><em>FT Deutschland</em> reports that the European Parliament is to vote next week on legislation which would force online retailers to offer their goods in all EU states. According to legal experts, this would mean companies having to adapt their terms and conditions to comply with the consumer protection laws of 27 countries, and run the risk of being sued in any one of them; posing a significant business risk to smaller operators in particular.<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc5a/808584331/VEsBAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ftd.de/politik/deutschland/:onlinehandel-eu-richtlinie-ist-ein-fest-fuer-prozessfreudige-juristen/60018259.html blocked::http://www.ftd.de/politik/deutschland/:onlinehandel-eu-richtlinie-ist-ein-fest-fuer-prozessfreudige-juristen/60018259.html">FT Deutschland</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc5b/808584331/VEsBDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ftd.de/it-medien/it-telekommunikation/:eu-verbraucherschutz-onlinehandel-wird-zum-rechtlichen-risiko/60018292.html blocked::http://www.ftd.de/it-medien/it-telekommunikation/:eu-verbraucherschutz-onlinehandel-wird-zum-rechtlichen-risiko/60018292">FT Deutschland2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc58/808584331/VEsBDA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.internetworld.de/Nachrichten/E-Commerce/Handel/EU-will-Onlinehaendler-zum-europaeischen-Versand-zwingen-Unueberschaubares-Risiko-fuer-kleine-Anbieter-54346.html blocked::http://www.internetworld.de/Nachrichten/E-Commerce/Handel/EU-will-Onlineha">Internetworld.de</a><br />
<strong>EU to consider legislation to get more women into the boardroom</strong>In an op-ed in the <em>IHT</em>, European Parliament president Jerzy Buzek and EU justice commissioner Viviane Reding argue that not enough progress has been made in Europe towards ensuring greater female participation on company boards. They say that if businesses fail to address this situation voluntarily, the EU will introduce “legally binding quotas that can be enforced …starting in 2012”.<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc59/808584331/VEsOBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/01/opinion/01iht-edbuzek01.html blocked::http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/01/opinion/01iht-edbuzek01.html http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/01/opinion/01iht-edbuzek01.html">IHT: Buzek and Reding</a><br />
<strong>The <em>IHT</em> notes the disparity in pay-scales and other benefits between public officials at the EU level, compared with national officials. The paper cites the case of Andris Piebalgs, Latvia’s member of the European Commission, who earns €248,006 a year, around seven times more than the man who appointed him, Latvia’s Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis, who earns €32,640 a year.</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc5e/808584331/VEsOBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/01/world/europe/01iht-salary01.html?_r=1&ref=europe blocked::http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/01/world/europe/01iht-salary01.html?_r=1&ref=europe http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/01/world/europe/01iht-salary01.html?_r=1&ref=euro">IHT</a><br />
<strong>Writing in the <em>Telegraph</em>, Programme Director at the Institute of Economic Affairs, Professor Philip Booth, criticises the concept of “fair trade”, and the activities of the Fairtrade Foundation. He argues it is “risible” that the EU is helping to finance the foundation's campaigning, “given how the EU undermines farmers in poor countries through agricultural protectionism”.</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc5f/808584331/VEsOBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/8353361/Fair-trade-is-neither-fair-nor-good-for-trade.html blocked::http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/8353361/Fair-trade-is-neither-fair-nor-good-for-trade.html http://www.telegraph.co.">Telegraph: Booth</a><br />
<strong><em>Euractiv</em></strong><strong> reports that the Macedonian government has said that it is ready to agree to change the country’s name, but that the decision would have to be approved by citizens in a referendum. The long-standing dispute with Greece over Macedonia’s name has so far been a major obstacle to the country’s EU accession.</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc5c/808584331/VEsOBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.euractiv.com/en/enlargement/macedonia-hold-referendum-new-name-news-502593">EurActiv</a><br />
<strong><em>EUobserver</em></strong><strong> reports that EU energy ministers faced criticism yesterday over a decision not to set out tougher energy efficiency targets for 2020, as EU Climate Commissioner Connie Hedegaard told the European Parliament that a pledge to cut carbon emissions by 20% over the next decade lacked ambition.</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc5d/808584331/VEsOAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31891">EUobserver</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc52/808584331/VEsOAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.euractiv.com/en/energy/brussels-weighs-legal-action-internal-energy-market-news-502584">EurActiv</a><br />
<strong><em>EUobserver </em></strong><strong>reports that MEPs are concerned that EU officials, in particular in Europol, have reneged on their agreement with the European Parliament to provide data on how the EU-US data sharing deal – Swift – is being implemented. </strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc53/808584331/VEsOAw/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31880?print=1">EUobserver</a><br />
<h2> New on the Open Europe Blog:</h2><strong>One Challenge down, many to go</strong><br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f16/1ba8c0bb/80e948f/7c55cc50/808584331/VEsOAg/" target="_blank">Open Europe Blog</a></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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</span>David Ben-Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02271443642557427428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19528757.post-69778662240802066732011-02-28T08:30:00.000-08:002011-02-28T08:30:04.765-08:00Open Europe press summary: February 28 2011<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.3;"> <h2> Europe</h2><strong>New Open Europe briefing: ECJ ruling could cost young women drivers an extra £4,300</strong>The European Court of Justice could tomorrow rule to scrap the insurance industry’s opt-out from the EU’s 2004 Gender Directive, which will mean insurers can no longer offer different products and prices to men and women based on their sex. The ECJ’s Advocate General has argued in a preliminary opinion in favour of removing the opt-out, since it constitutes gender-based discrimination. The Court’s verdict follows the Advocate General’s opinion in 80% of cases.<br />
Open Europe has published a new briefing showing that, should the ECJ decide to ban the insurance industry from charging different prices, it could, on average, cost a 17 year old female driver an extra £4,300 by the age of 26. In a worst case scenario, this cost could rise to £9,000. The ruling could also see the insurance industry needing to raise an extra £936m in capital due to increased uncertainty in the market.<br />
Open Europe’s findings were featured on the front page of the <em>Metro</em> and the <em>Express</em>, and were cited in the <em>Telegraph</em>, the <em>Sun</em>, the <em>Mirror</em>, the <em>Mail</em>, the <em>Press and Journal</em>, and several regional papers. Open Europe Research Director Stephen Booth is quoted saying: “That these judges would magically rule that young women should pay more in the name of equality is simply perverse. Instead of making prices fairer between men and women, this ruling would increase costs for consumers taken as a whole.”<br />
Meanwhile, the <em>Guardian</em> and the <em>Telegraph</em> also note that the ECJ ruling could cost male pensioners £340 per year due to a decrease in annuity rates.<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55cd75/2973932966/VEsH/" target="_blank" title="http://www.openeurope.org.uk/research/ECJgenderdirective.pdf">Open Europe briefing</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55cc8a/2973932966/VEsE/" target="_blank" title="http://www.openeurope.org.uk/media-centre/pressrelease.aspx?pressreleaseid=160">Open Europe press release</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55cc8b/2973932966/VEsF/" target="_blank" title="http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/2011/02/28/women-drivers-face-higher-insurance-under-eu-discrimination-ruling-115875-22954800/">Mirror</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55cc88/2973932966/VEsC/" target="_blank" title="http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/3436416/Cheap-car-cover-for-girls-faces-ban.html">Sun</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55cc89/2973932966/VEsD/" target="_blank" title="http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/sun_says/244723/The-Sun-Says.html">Sun: Leader</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55cc8e/2973932966/VEsA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1361190/Young-women-drivers-insurance-costs-rocket-4-300-thanks-EU-legal-ruling.html?ito=feeds-newsxml">Mail</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55cc8e/2973932966/VEsB/" target="_blank" title="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1361190/Young-women-drivers-insurance-costs-rocket-4-300-thanks-EU-legal-ruling.html?ito=feeds-newsxml">Sun</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55cc8f/2973932966/VEsO/" target="_blank" title="http://www.metro.co.uk/news/856737-european-ruling-could-see-women-facing-9-000-more-on-insurance-premiums">Metro</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55cc8c/2973932966/VEsP/" target="_blank" title="http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/231659/Madness-of-EU-pension-ruling">Express</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55cc8d/2973932966/VEsHBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/feb/27/pension-sex-equality-european-court-ruling">Guardian</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55cc82/2973932966/VEsHBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/pensions/8350725/Male-pensioners-could-lose-out-in-EU-sex-discrimination-ruling.html">Telegraph</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55cc83/2973932966/VEsHBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5gbR5Hx0u71oIkLGHrfaGxcaBFrOQ?docId=N0189121298815029232A">PA</a><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55cc80/2973932966/VEsHBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/2155973?UserKey=">Press and Journal</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55cc81/2973932966/VEsHAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://money.uk.msn.com/news/money-news/articles.aspx?cp-documentid=156287005">MSN Money</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55cc86/2973932966/VEsHAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.shropshirestar.com/money/uk-money/2011/02/27/eu-ruling-could-cost-women-drivers/">Shropshire Star</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55cc87/2973932966/VEsHAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.expressandstar.com/money/uk-money/2011/02/27/eu-ruling-could-cost-women-drivers/">Express and Star</a><br />
<strong>EU to impose sanctions on Libya “as a matter of urgency”</strong>EU Foreign Minister Baroness Catherine Ashton announced yesterday that the EU will impose sanctions on Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and his family "as a matter of urgency", following a unanimous resolution by the UN Security Council. EU leaders have agreed to an embargo on arms sales, travel bans and asset freezes. Plans to enforce a no-fly zone have been shelved. The UN resolution also called for an immediate investigation to be launched by the International Criminal Court.<br />
Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said that the Libyan crisis has reached “a point of no return”, adding that it is “inevitable” that Gaddafi quits. Frattini also confirmed that Italy has suspended its 2008 friendship treaty with Libya, which included a non-aggression clause. The <em>Economist’s</em> Charlemagne blog notes: “The rumour in Brussels is that Italy is making its support for EU sanctions against Libya conditional on guarantees of EU ‘solidarity’ on migrants.”<br />
Writing in Saturday’s <em>IHT</em>, Baroness Ashton argued: “Some ask whether we should have acted sooner, opposing authoritarian regimes instead of cooperating with them. It is a fair question. There is no easy solution to the dilemma of when and how to engage with such regimes…Were the European Union to isolate every government that fails to live up to the principles of liberal democracy, we would face accusations of political imperialism. It is better to proclaim the principles of democracy, but deal with the world as it is.”<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55cc84/2973932966/VEsHAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.wirtschaftspresse.biz/psepp/fn/pcc/sfn/showedetail/DocID/1151678/EditionID/4/SectionID/255/PageID/1151674/pDay/28.02.2011%2000:00:00/showtyp/1/SH/47a80234f87eb0c1642069642172af/index.html">Handelsblatt: Prodi</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55cc85/2973932966/VEsHDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31884">EUobserver</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55cc9a/2973932966/VEsHDA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2011/02/25/union_europea/1298649157.html">El Mundo</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55cc9b/2973932966/VEsEBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.elpais.com/articulo/espana/globo/llaman/Marshall/elpepiesp/20110228elpepinac_15/Tes">El Pais: Maria Ridao</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55cc98/2973932966/VEsEBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8348927/Libya-UN-plans-sanctions-to-turn-up-heat-on-Gaddafi.html">Saturday’s Telegraph</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55cc99/2973932966/VEsEBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/cf73de4e-40c2-11e0-9a37-00144feabdc0.html">FT Weekend</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55cc9e/2973932966/VEsEBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.economist.com/blogs/charlemagne">Economist: Charlemagne blog</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55cc9f/2973932966/VEsEAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/clinton-in-europe-for-sanctions-talks-2227573.html">Independent</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55cc9c/2973932966/VEsEAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12593481">BBC</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55cc9d/2973932966/VEsEAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ilmessaggero.it/articolo.php?id=140105&sez=HOME_NELMONDO">Il Messaggero</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55cc92/2973932966/VEsEAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.repubblica.it/esteri/2011/02/27/news/libia_governo-27feb-12974853/">La Repubblica</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55cc93/2973932966/VEsEDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_9409000/9409283.stm">BBC: Today</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55cc90/2973932966/VEsEDA/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31876">EUobserver</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55cc91/2973932966/VEsFBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/gavinhewitt/2011/02/europe_twisting_over_libya.html">BBC: Hewitt</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55cc96/2973932966/VEsFBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/feb/25/libya-uk-gaddafi-sas-embassy">Saturday's Guardian</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55cc97/2973932966/VEsFBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/1f97de50-411a-11e0-bf62-00144feabdc0.html">FT Weekend: Leader</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55cc94/2973932966/VEsFBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/26/opinion/26iht-edashton26.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=ashton&st=cse">Saturday’s IHT: Ashton</a><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55cc95/2973932966/VEsFAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/a4d83b90-410c-11e0-bf62-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1ExumCce0"> FT Weekend</a><br />
<strong>2,500 EU officials on £185,000 or more claim extra days off to compensate for “overtime”</strong>The <em>Sunday Times</em> reported that 2,558 officials in the European Commission’s top pay band – with an annual salary of £185,000 or more – are claiming an average of seven and half days off every year as a compensation for working overtime. This is on top of their basic holiday entitlement of 54 days. Under the Commission’s own staff regulations, officials on monthly salaries above €10,000 (£8,500) are not allowed to claim overtime payments when they work more than their basic 37.5 hours a week, but this is happening anyway.<br />
A Commission spokesman said, “It’s perfectly natural that if people work more hours in one week or month, they should be able to work slightly less the next.” Open Europe Director Mats Persson is quoted saying, “Taxpayers will understandably ask by what right EU bureaucrats on six figures ask for extra days off to compensate for what are considered normal working hours in most places. It’s amazing these kinds of perks remain in place.” Mats also appeared on <em>LBC</em>, discussing the benefits and costs of the EU.<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55ccaa/2973932966/VEsFAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/Politics/article563946.ece">Sunday Times</a><br />
<strong>Fine Gael-Labour coalition most likely to emerge as Irish voters punish outgoing government</strong>The <em>BBC</em> reports that Irish centre-right party Fine Gael is most likely to form a coalition with the Labour party, who finished second in the poll. The <em>Independent</em> notes that former Prime Minister Brian Cowen’s party Fianna Fail had a historically poor result, as it dropped from more than 70 seats to around 20 and was almost wiped out in Dublin. The Green party – Fianna Fail’s junior partner in the outgoing government – lost all its seats.<br />
The new Irish government is now widely expected to seek a renegotiation of the terms of the €85bn EU/IMF bail-out. Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny is quoted in the <em>Telegraph</em> saying: "I see room for manoeuvre in terms of interest rates and in terms of the cost of the banking structure."<br />
A leader in the <em>Observer</em> argued that the EU/IMF deal for Ireland “is punitive, unjust and unsustainable…It is hard to avoid the conclusion that Irish interests are being sacrificed to the larger cause of saving the euro.” It concludes that “if democracy and European solidarity are to mean anything”, Ireland should be allowed to re-negotiate the terms of its bail-out.<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55ccab/2973932966/VEsFAw/" target="_blank">Independent</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55cca8/2973932966/VEsFAg/" target="_blank">Le Figaro</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55cca9/2973932966/VEsFDQ/" target="_blank">BBC</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55ccae/2973932966/VEsFDA/" target="_blank">EUobserver</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55ccaf/2973932966/VEsCBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/7b631360-429d-11e0-8b34-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1FF7i1Yfn">FT</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55ccac/2973932966/VEsCBA/" target="_blank" title="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703933404576169930664048402.html">WSJ</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55ccad/2973932966/VEsCBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.euractiv.com/en/euro-finance/new-irish-government-seek-better-bailout-terms-news-502541">EurActiv</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55cca2/2973932966/VEsCBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ireland/8350486/Ireland-Enda-Kenny-to-call-for-bail-out-to-be-renegotiated.html">Telegraph</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55cca3/2973932966/VEsCAQ/" target="_blank">Independent: Leader</a><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55cca0/2973932966/VEsCAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/feb/27/fine-gael-labour-coalition-ireland">Guardian</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55cca1/2973932966/VEsCAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/feb/27/gerry-adams-sinn-fein-election">Guardian 2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55cca6/2973932966/VEsCAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/feb/28/irish-elections-vote-cast-anger">Guardian editorial</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55cca7/2973932966/VEsCDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.elpais.com/articulo/opinion/Vuelco/Irlanda/elpepiopi/20110228elpepiopi_2/Tes">El Pais: editorial</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55cca4/2973932966/VEsCDA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/opinion/leaders/article2927972.ece">Times: leader</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55cca5/2973932966/VEsDBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/27/world/europe/27ireland.html?_r=1&ref=europe">IHT</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55ccba/2973932966/VEsDBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/feb/27/editrial-ireland-eu-election-debt?INTCMP=SRCH">Observer: Leader</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55ccbb/2973932966/VEsDBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/world_news/Europe/article563752.ece">Sunday Times</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55ccb8/2973932966/VEsDBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ireland/8349497/Irelands-new-government-on-a-collision-course-with-EU.html">Sunday Telegraph</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55ccb9/2973932966/VEsDAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/feb/27/ireland-government-bondholders-debt-repayments?INTCMP=SRCH">Observer</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55ccbe/2973932966/VEsDAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0228/1224291006505.html">Irish Times</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55ccbf/2973932966/VEsDAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/frontpage/2011/0228/1224291011457.html">Irish Times 2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55ccbc/2973932966/VEsDAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.independent.ie/national-news/elections/latest-news/the-new-deal-2559024.html">Irish Independent</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55ccbd/2973932966/VEsDDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0228/breaking2.html">Irish Times 3</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55ccb2/2973932966/VEsDDA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.independent.ie/national-news/elections/latest-news/leftwingers-band-together-to-seek-more-clout-in-dail-2559021.html">Irish Independent 2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55ccb3/2973932966/VEsABQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.independent.ie/opinion/columnists/brendan-keenan/brendan-keenan-first-item-on-the-agenda-billions-more-for-our-banks-2558940.html">Irish Independent: Keenan</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55ccb0/2973932966/VEsABA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/opinion/2011/0228/1224291007196.html">Irish Times: Leader</a><br />
<strong>The <em>Sunday Times</em> reported that a delegation from Ireland’s National Treasury Management Agency negotiated with Libya over a possible bail-out of Irish banks, with loans coming from the Libyan Investment Authority. Brian Lenihan, then Irish Finance Minister, is believed to have been aware of the negotiations, which took place in December last year. </strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55ccb1/2973932966/VEsABw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/business/Finance/article563534.ece">Sunday Times</a><br />
<strong>Environment Minister’s family has earned £2m in EU farm payments</strong>The <em>Mail on Sunday</em> reported that the family of a Government Minister, Richard Benyon, has earned £2m in EU farm subsidies between 1999 and 2009. Mr Benyon, a Conservative MP, is the Environment and Fisheries Minister within DEFRA, which recently blocked public access to all information about how much farmers had earned from subsidies in order to comply with an ECJ ruling on data privacy.<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55ccb6/2973932966/VEsABg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1360998/Wealthy-minister-earns-2m-EU-farm-subsidies-department-tried-cover-up.html blocked::http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1360998/Wealthy-minister-earns-2m-EU-farm-subsidies-department-tried-cover-up.html">Mail on Sunday</a><br />
<strong>Greek EU Commissioner: EU-imposed austerity measures could lead to “social degradation” in Greece;<br />
German Economy Minister: German taxpayers liable for €174bn in eurozone loans</strong><em>EUobserver </em>reports that the Greek EU Commissioner, Maria Damanaki, has criticised the EU austerity plan in Greece, claiming it could lead to “social degradation”. In a speech on Wednesday, Damanaki called for a “better balance between austerity and growth”. She also accused the EU of “short-termism” and embraced the idea of a “fully fledged economic union.”<br />
José Manuel Barroso, the European Commission President, and Herman Van Rompuy, the European Council President, have drawn up a successor to the Franco-German “pact for competitiveness” and will release it to eurozone officials today. The plan will reportedly include some form of constitutional cap on government borrowing but is not expected to tackle the linking of wages to inflation or corporate tax rates specifically.<br />
<em>FAZ</em> reports that German Economy Minister Rainer Brüderle has said that the various eurozone bail-out agreements could make Germany liable for around €174bn in potential loans. This includes “€22.4bn in aid to Greece, €119bn for the EFSF and around €11.4bn for the EFSM. The implicit share of ECB purchases amounts to €21bn.” The <em>WSJ</em> reports the Italian Central Bank Governor Mario Draghi has indicated that interest rates in the eurozone will probably be increased soon but has argued that this will not hurt weaker eurozone economies.<br />
Meanwhile, <em>La Dernière Heure</em> reports that the Belgian law approving the eurozone's temporary bail-out fund – the European Financial Stability Facility – is being challenged by citizens at the Belgian Constitutional Court. They are also demanding a referendum in Belgium on the necessary treaty change to set up a permanent eurozone rescue mechanism.<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55ccb7/2973932966/VEsAAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31879">EUobserver</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55ccb4/2973932966/VEsAAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/b9fe5320-4296-11e0-8b34-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1FF7i1Yfn">FT</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55ccb5/2973932966/VEsAAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.euractiv.com/en/euro-finance/eu-chiefs-trump-franco-german-competitiveness-pact-news-502539">EurActiv</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55ccca/2973932966/VEsAAg/" target="_blank" title="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703796504576168760580155814.html?KEYWORDS=christopher+emsden">WSJ </a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55cccb/2973932966/VEsADQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/6100d1f0-42a8-11e0-8b34-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1FF7i1Yfn">FT Munchau</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55ccc8/2973932966/VEsADA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/b4c72f32-42a8-11e0-8b34-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1FF7i1Yfn">FT Editorial</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55ccc9/2973932966/VEsBBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/da21122c-4111-11e0-bf62-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1FF7i1Yfn">FT fm</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55ccce/2973932966/VEsBBA/" target="_blank" title="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703933404576170101666078820.html?mod=googlenews_wsj">WSJ 2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55cccf/2973932966/VEsBBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.faz.net/s/Rub3ADB8A210E754E748F42960CC7349BDF/Doc~EEA6BA642E7794BEDAB02AA2A677BF4E6~ATpl~Ecommon~Scontent.html">FAZ</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55cccc/2973932966/VEsBBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.faz.net/s/Rub3ADB8A210E754E748F42960CC7349BDF/Doc~E31924F420B264E1FA187784261E9CBB1~ATpl~Ecommon~Scontent.html">FAZ 2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55cccd/2973932966/VEsBAQ/" target="_blank">DH</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55ccc2/2973932966/VEsBAA/" target="_blank">Onzezeg.be</a><br />
<strong>Writing in the<em>Telegraph</em>, Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, argues that having a referendum on a new voting system is the wrong one to be having. He wrote: “By all means let us have a referendum – the one we were promised, on the Lisbon EU Treaty. Have you noticed the EU policy on North Africa? Have you heard much from Baroness Ashton? Shouldn't we have a vote on all that?”</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55ccc3/2973932966/VEsBAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/columnists/borisjohnson/8351442/AV-was-a-last-gasp-from-Gordon-Browns-bunker-and-its-a-gigantic-fraud.html">Telegraph</a><br />
<strong>German Industrial Energy Association: EU green targets could lead to de-industrialisation of Europe</strong><em>Die Zeit</em> reports that the President of the German Industrial Energy Association Annette Loske has warned that EU environmental targets are pushing a “policy of de-industrialisation”. The article alleges that that EU Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger is also lobbying against measures proposed for the EU’s low-carbon “Roadmap 2050”.<br />
Meanwhile, in the <em>Mail</em> Christopher Booker argues that although wind turbines are expensive, inefficient and unsightly, Britain is committed to building thousands more in order to meet EU renewables targets. He claims Britain ought to take notice of other EU countries turning against EU policy, following Holland’s announcement that it would slash its annual subsidy by billions of euros.<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55ccc0/2973932966/VEsBAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.zeit.de/2011/09/EU-Klimaschutz?page=2">Zeit</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55ccc1/2973932966/VEsBDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1361316/The-250bn-wind-power-industry-greatest-scam-age--lies-prove-it.html#ixzz1FF9qM4dw blocked::http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1361316/The-250bn-wind-power-industry-greatest-scam-age--lies-prove-it.html#">Mail: Booker</a><br />
<strong>The <em>Times</em> reports that employers have warned that the EU Agency Workers Directive, due to come into force in October, will cost them £1.5 billion a year. The Directive will affect around 1.3m workers in the UK.</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55ccc6/2973932966/VEsBDA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/business/industries/supportservices/article2928038.ece blocked::http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/business/industries/supportservices/article2928038.ece http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/business/industries/supportservices/article292">Times</a><br />
<strong>The <em>Mail</em> <em>on Sunday</em> reported that UK consumers have to pay nearly four times more for new eco-friendly light bulbs following the EU’s ban on incandescent bulbs. </strong><br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55ccc7/2973932966/VEsOBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/231645/Another-bright-EU-idea-that-we-could-do-withoutAnother-bright-EU-idea-that-we-could-do-without#ixzz1FFDIynVD blocked::http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/231645/Another-bright-EU-idea-that-we-could-do-withoutAnot">Express</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55ccc4/2973932966/VEsOBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1360997/Bewildering-light-bulbs-cost-times-standard-one.html blocked::http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1360997/Bewildering-light-bulbs-cost-times-standard-one.html http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1360">Mail on Sunday</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55ccc5/2973932966/VEsOBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-1361037/Libya-protests-New-Labours-breach-constitution.html?ito=feeds-newsxml blocked::http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-1361037/Libya-protests-New-Labours-breach-constitution.html?ito=feeds-newsxml http:/">Mail on Sunday: Leader</a><br />
<strong>The <em>Sunday Times</em> reported that, following TV chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s campaign against the EU Common Fisheries Policy, EU Fisheries Commissioner Maria Damanaki, will this Tuesday unveil a proposal to ban the controversial practice of “discards”, whereby fishermen have to throw back the fish for which they have no quota. However, Spain and other southern European countries are expected to oppose the plan.</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55ccda/2973932966/VEsOBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/uk_news/Environment/article563661.ece blocked::http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/uk_news/Environment/article563661.ece http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/uk_news/Environment/article563661.ece">Sunday Times</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55ccdb/2973932966/VEsOAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/231644/Victory-for-top-chef-in-battle-over-fish-quotas/Victory-for-top-chef-in-battle-over-fish-quotas#ixzz1FFCJ8Pmf blocked::http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/231644/Victory-for-top-chef-in-battle-over-fish-quotas/Vi">Express</a><br />
<strong><em>News of the World</em></strong><strong> reported that the Conservative-run Northants County Council has opened a £2m office in Brussels, at the same time as it has cut 900 jobs and passed saving measures worth £73m.</strong>No link<br />
<strong>In an interview with <em>Al-Jazeera</em>, David Cameron has rejected calls for an in/out referendum on the UK’s membership of the EU, arguing that leaving the EU would “not be in [Britain’s] interest.” On his <em>Telegraph</em> blog, Dan Hannan has argued that rather than guessing at the outcome, and then working backwards, people ought to consider instead whether it is right in principle to consult the country.</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55ccd8/2973932966/VEsOAA/" target="_blank">Al-Jazeera: Cameron</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55ccd9/2973932966/VEsOAw/" target="_blank" title="http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/danielhannan/100077859/david-cameron-i-dont-believe-an-inout-referendum-is-right-because-i-dont-believe-that-leaving-the-european-union-would-be-in-britains-interests/ blocked::http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/danielhann">Telegraph: Hannan</a><br />
<strong>Saturday’s<em> Express</em> reported that under the European Parliament’s “mobility plan”, parliamentary staff using public transport are entitled to a taxpayer-funded travel subsidy of £203, about half the annual cost of a season ticket.</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55ccde/2973932966/VEsOAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/231286/Taxpayers-foot-bill-in-1million-EU-gravy-train blocked::http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/231286/Taxpayers-foot-bill-in-1million-EU-gravy-train">Saturday’s Express</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55ccdf/2973932966/VEsODQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/231298 blocked::http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/231298">Saturday’s Express: Editorial</a><br />
<strong><em>EUobserver </em></strong><strong>reports that, ahead of a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused the German society of “xenophobia” and the German government of “discrimination” against Turkish migrants. This follows an awkward meeting with French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Friday, during which Sarkozy told the press that Turkey’s accession would “destabilise” the EU.</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55ccdc/2973932966/VEsODA/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31885">EUobserver</a><br />
<strong><em>Le Figaro </em></strong><strong>reports that French Foreign Minister Michèle Alliot-Marie resigned yesterday over links with the ousted Tunisian regime. She will be replaced by Alain Juppé, who has been serving as Defence Minister.</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55ccdd/2973932966/VEsPBQ/" target="_blank">Independent</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55ccd2/2973932966/VEsPBA/" target="_blank">Le Figaro</a><br />
<h2> New on the Open Europe blog</h2><strong>The EU won the Olympics, the World Cup… and now an Oscar</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f14/1ba8c0bb/80eb9e5/7c55ccd3/2973932966/VEsPBw/" target="_blank">Open Europe blog</a></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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</span>David Ben-Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02271443642557427428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19528757.post-26334106784008588822011-02-26T10:38:00.000-08:002011-02-26T10:38:19.380-08:00Return to Zion?<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Shalom Ilan, haveri! Thank you for thinking of me. We've had an ice and snow snow that came in last night and expect another tonight. <img height="20" src="http://mail.buckeye-express.com/eonapps/ft/wm/content?uri=mimebody%3a%2f%2f%3fcontainer%3dstoredmessage%253a%252f%252f%253ffolder%253d%25257b%252522eonType%252522%25253a%252522FolderHandle%252522%25252c%252522folderPath%252522%25253a%25257b%252522eonType%252522%25253a%252522Path%252522%25252c%252522path%252522%25253a%252522%25255c%25252fINBOX%252522%25257d%25252c%252522boxHandle%252522%25253a%25257b%252522eonType%252522%25253a%252522PersonalBoxHandle%252522%25252c%252522owner%252522%25253a52223185%25257d%25257d%2526docID%253d43362%2526name%253dRE%25253a%252520FW%25253a%252520Reunion%252520trip%252520-%252520Back%252520to%252520the%252520Kibbutz%2526contentType%253dMESSAGE%25252fRFC822%2526size%253d%25257b%252522eonType%252522%25253a%252522ImmutableLong%252522%25252c%252522value%252522%25253a%25252217619L%252522%25257d%26partNum%3d5%26name%3dimage001.gif%26size%3d%257b%2522eonType%2522%253a%2522ImmutableLong%2522%252c%2522value%2522%253a%2522509L%2522%257d%26contentType%3dIMAGE%252fGIF" width="20" />My car door won't open. Frozen shut. <br />
I would love to visit my beloved Land but probably can't for many reasons: I'm a poor white boy (I'm a poor fellow getting ready to sell my home and move with Mom and her boyfriend Doug to a nice home with my own bedroom in the country). And my AIDS doctors said I'll probably be dead and are in shock I'm not already and haven't gotten sick with infectious diseases. Blessed be God!<img height="20" src="http://mail.buckeye-express.com/eonapps/ft/wm/content?uri=mimebody%3a%2f%2f%3fcontainer%3dstoredmessage%253a%252f%252f%253ffolder%253d%25257b%252522eonType%252522%25253a%252522FolderHandle%252522%25252c%252522folderPath%252522%25253a%25257b%252522eonType%252522%25253a%252522Path%252522%25252c%252522path%252522%25253a%252522%25255c%25252fINBOX%252522%25257d%25252c%252522boxHandle%252522%25253a%25257b%252522eonType%252522%25253a%252522PersonalBoxHandle%252522%25252c%252522owner%252522%25253a52223185%25257d%25257d%2526docID%253d43362%2526name%253dRE%25253a%252520FW%25253a%252520Reunion%252520trip%252520-%252520Back%252520to%252520the%252520Kibbutz%2526contentType%253dMESSAGE%25252fRFC822%2526size%253d%25257b%252522eonType%252522%25253a%252522ImmutableLong%252522%25252c%252522value%252522%25253a%25252217619L%252522%25257d%26partNum%3d3%26name%3dimage002.gif%26size%3d%257b%2522eonType%2522%253a%2522ImmutableLong%2522%252c%2522value%2522%253a%2522505L%2522%257d%26contentType%3dIMAGE%252fGIF" width="20" /> What will be will be. I won't give up without a struggle.<br />
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Love ya Ilan,<img height="20" src="http://mail.buckeye-express.com/eonapps/ft/wm/content?uri=mimebody%3a%2f%2f%3fcontainer%3dstoredmessage%253a%252f%252f%253ffolder%253d%25257b%252522eonType%252522%25253a%252522FolderHandle%252522%25252c%252522folderPath%252522%25253a%25257b%252522eonType%252522%25253a%252522Path%252522%25252c%252522path%252522%25253a%252522%25255c%25252fINBOX%252522%25257d%25252c%252522boxHandle%252522%25253a%25257b%252522eonType%252522%25253a%252522PersonalBoxHandle%252522%25252c%252522owner%252522%25253a52223185%25257d%25257d%2526docID%253d43362%2526name%253dRE%25253a%252520FW%25253a%252520Reunion%252520trip%252520-%252520Back%252520to%252520the%252520Kibbutz%2526contentType%253dMESSAGE%25252fRFC822%2526size%253d%25257b%252522eonType%252522%25253a%252522ImmutableLong%252522%25252c%252522value%252522%25253a%25252217619L%252522%25257d%26partNum%3d2%26name%3dimage003.gif%26size%3d%257b%2522eonType%2522%253a%2522ImmutableLong%2522%252c%2522value%2522%253a%2522985L%2522%257d%26contentType%3dIMAGE%252fGIF" width="20" /><br />
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David</span>David Ben-Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02271443642557427428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19528757.post-7631454411132376462011-02-23T05:25:00.000-08:002011-02-23T05:25:06.414-08:00Open Europe<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.3;"> <h2> Europe</h2><strong>France</strong><strong> calls for sanctions against Libya</strong>French President Nicolas Sarkozy today called on the EU to adopt “swift and concrete” sanctions against Libya. He said that such “measures [should] concern notably the possibility of bringing them to face justice, barring them from the Union's territory and surveillance of financial movements.” "I would also like to be examined the suspension until further notice of economic, commercial and financial relations with Libya," he added.<br />
During his tour of Middle East countries, David Cameron has called for “radical reform” of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), a set of aid and development programmes targeted at the EU’s neighbouring countries. The <em>Telegraph</em> notes that countries in the Middle East and North Africa receive around £1.4bn a year from the ENP, and that the UK’s annual contribution to the scheme is estimated at around £180m. The <em>Guardian</em> quotes a British official saying: “We have to recognise the policy has failed. It has been successful in helping eastern European countries prepare for EU membership. But it has completely failed in this region. The EU has to be brave enough to turn the taps off if it does not see results.”<br />
Meanwhile, as the demonstrations in Libya continue, the EU is struggling to agree on what actions need to be taken against Moammar Gaddafi’s regime. Foreign Secretary William Hague told reporters yesterday that “the Libyan Government is trying to stop the world seeing what is happening in Libya, but we will do everything we can to make sure they are held accountable for their actions.” German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said: "If Libya continues to use force against its own people, sanctions will become inevitable."<br />
However, the <em>Times of Malta</em> notes that the EU is still divided over whether to impose sanctions. Asked, during an interview with <em>Radio Zet</em>, whether Gaddafi will end up like former Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceausescu, who was executed following the Romanian revolution, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski sarcastically said: “It couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.” <em>EUobserver</em> notes that the EU’s latest report on arm exports shows that in 2009 EU countries granted €343.7m worth of licenses to Libya, although the figures for actual shipments are incomplete.<br />
<em>La Repubblica </em>reports that Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has called Gaddafi and has asked him to stop the violence in order to avoid civil war in Libya. The Italian government fears an exodus of up to 300,000 migrants from Libya to its shores. Italy was also forced to shut down the Greenstream pipeline from Libya – which provides for 13% of its daily gas imports – due to safety concerns for Italian energy firm ENI’s workers based in Libya. <br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cd81/1425498445/VEsH/" target="_blank" title="http://www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/libya-politics.8qh">EUbusiness</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cd86/1425498445/VEsE/" target="_blank" title="http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/feb/22/david-cameron-uk-muslims-democracy?INTCMP=SRCH">Guardian</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cd87/1425498445/VEsF/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31853">EUobserver</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cd84/1425498445/VEsC/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31854">EUobserver 2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cd85/1425498445/VEsD/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31859">EUobserver 3</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cd9a/1425498445/VEsA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.economist.com/blogs/bagehot/2011/02/david_cameron_gulf_0">Economist: Bagehot</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cd9b/1425498445/VEsB/" target="_blank" title="http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_9404000/9404149.stm">BBC: Today</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cd98/1425498445/VEsO/" target="_blank" title="http://www.repubblica.it/esteri/2011/02/22/news/ue_no_smistamento_immigrati-12779342/">La Repubblica</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cd99/1425498445/VEsP/" target="_blank" title="http://www.repubblica.it/esteri/2011/02/22/news/berlusconi_chiamer_gheddafi_basta_con_le_violenze-12767584/">La Repubblica 2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cd9e/1425498445/VEsHBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://wiadomosci.wp.pl/kat,125474,title,Zaluje-ze-nie-moge-wyrzucic-go-za-skandaliczny-komiks,wid,13160330,wiadomosc_video.html">Radio Zet: Sikorski</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cd9f/1425498445/VEsHBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ansa.it/web/notizie/rubriche/politica/2011/02/22/visualizza_new.html_1584058128.html">ANSA</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cd9c/1425498445/VEsHBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lastampa.it/_web/cmstp/tmplrubriche/giornalisti/grubrica.asp?ID_blog=113&ID_articolo=941&ID_sezione=&sezione=">Straneuropa blog</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cd9d/1425498445/VEsHBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12536096">BBC</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cd92/1425498445/VEsHAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/gavinhewitt/2011/02/europes_historic_moment.html">BBC: Hewitt</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cd93/1425498445/VEsHAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2011/02/22/union_europea/1298398124.html">El Mundo</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cd90/1425498445/VEsHAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2011/02/22/union_europea/1298384242.html">El Mundo 2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cd91/1425498445/VEsHAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/8341458/Middle-East-David-Cameron-calls-for-radical-reform-of-EU-aid.html blocked::http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/8341458/Middle-East-David-Cameron-calls-for-radical-reform-of-EU-a">Telegraph</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cd9a/1425498445/VEsHDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.economist.com/blogs/bagehot/2011/02/david_cameron_gulf_0 blocked::http://www.economist.com/blogs/bagehot/2011/02/david_cameron_gulf_0 http://www.economist.com/blogs/bagehot/2011/02/david_cameron_gulf_0">Economist: Bagehot blog</a><br />
<strong><em>De Standaard</em></strong><strong>: “Ashton can’t do it”</strong>An article in <em>De Standaard</em> criticises EU Foreign Minister Baroness Catherine Ashton in the light of recent events in the Middle East and argues: “Ashton can’t do it…[she is] hardly dynamic… Maybe that’s what a Baroness should be, but is it what the EU needs?” On his <em>La Stampa</em> blog, Marco Zatterin argues: “Lady Ashton can now do two things: either raise her head up and stop being a puppet in the hands of [European] capitals…or resign…and send a message to EU governments, so that they stop pretending that they have a common foreign policy.”<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cd96/1425498445/VEsHDA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.standaard.be/artikel/detail.aspx?artikelid=HP36MSB1&subsection=2">De Standaard</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cd9c/1425498445/VEsEBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lastampa.it/_web/cmstp/tmplrubriche/giornalisti/grubrica.asp?ID_blog=113&ID_articolo=941&ID_sezione=&sezione=">Straneuropa blog</a><br />
<strong>Merkel considers extending Greek bail-out</strong>Following a meeting yesterday with Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that “there certainly is a discussion about whether to consider extending the running time of the Greek [bailout] program”. However, she added that any decision on the issue is unlikely before the EU summit at the end of March. <em>Kathimerini</em> reports that Greek diplomats said they are confident that the repayment period will be extended to 10 or 11 years, but are not sure if the interest rate will be decreased.<br />
The ECB yesterday criticised eurozone leaders for moving too timidly against countries whose excessive spending and borrowing had endangered the euro. In the <em>Irish Independent</em>, columnist David McWilliams argues that “If we the Irish people hold a referendum on the bank debts now, we can go to the EU with a mandate from the people which says NO. This will allow our politicians to play hard-ball.”<br />
On his <em>Telegraph</em> blog, Ambrose Evans-Pritchard comments that outgoing Bundesbank president Axel Weber’s criticism of eurozone economic policy in yesterdays’ <em>FT</em> makes it clear he prefers the option of “letting EMU die”, as the alternative would be a full European fiscal union, spelling “the end of Germany as a self-governing sovereign nation”.<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cd97/1425498445/VEsEBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.expansion.com/2011/02/22/economia/1298376381.html">Expansion 2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cd94/1425498445/VEsEBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.expansion.com/2011/02/22/economia/1298388316.html">Expansion 3</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cd95/1425498445/VEsEBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.jornaldenegocios.pt/home.php?template=SHOWNEWS_V2&id=469907">Jornal de Negocios 2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cdaa/1425498445/VEsEAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.expansion.com/2011/02/22/economia/1298392496.html">Expansion</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cdab/1425498445/VEsEAA/" target="_blank">FT</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cda8/1425498445/VEsEAw/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31858">EUobserver</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cda9/1425498445/VEsEAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lefigaro.fr/conjoncture/2011/02/22/04016-20110222ARTFIG00780-la-dette-grecque-au-menu-d-un-diner-a-berlin.php">Le Figaro</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cdae/1425498445/VEsEDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2011/0223/1224290630224.html">Irish Times</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cdaf/1425498445/VEsEDA/" target="_blank">Kathimerini</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cdac/1425498445/VEsFBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/article12619318/Merkel-haelt-laengere-Griechenland-Hilfen-fuer-moeglich.html">Die Welt</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cdad/1425498445/VEsFBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/world/europe/article2922900.ece">Times</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cda2/1425498445/VEsFBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/23/business/global/23euro.html">IHT</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cda3/1425498445/VEsFBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.independent.ie/opinion/columnists/david-mcwilliams/david-mcwilliams-bit-of-something-is-better-than-all-of-nothing-for-ecb-2551802.html blocked::http://www.independent.ie/opinion/columnists/david-mcwilliams/david-mcwilliams-bit-of-something-is-">Irish Independent: McWilliams</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cda0/1425498445/VEsFAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.vanityfair.com/business/features/2011/03/michael-lewis-ireland-201103?currentPage=all blocked::http://www.vanityfair.com/business/features/2011/03/michael-lewis-ireland-201103?currentPage=all http://www.vanityfair.com/business/features/2011/03/">Vanity Fair: Lewis</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cda1/1425498445/VEsFAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/opinion/columnists/anatolekaletsky/article2922871.ece blocked::http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/opinion/columnists/anatolekaletsky/article2922871.ece http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/opinion/columnists/anatolekaletsky/article292287">Times: Kaletsky</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cda6/1425498445/VEsFAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/opinion/2011/0223/1224290627909.html">Dan O’Brien: Irish Times</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cda7/1425498445/VEsFAg/" target="_blank">Irish Independent</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cda4/1425498445/VEsFDQ/" target="_blank">FT Comment: Wolf</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cda5/1425498445/VEsFDA/" target="_blank">FT Editorial</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cdba/1425498445/VEsCBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/opinion/2011/0223/1224290627861.html">Editorial Comment: Irish Times</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cdbb/1425498445/VEsCBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.wirtschaftspresse.biz/psepp/fn/pcc/sfn/showedetail/DocID/1150031/EditionID/4/SectionID/2/PageID/1149671/pDay/23.02.2011%2000:00:00/showtyp/1/SH/474f031509eee67e9ee61cef213df1/index.html">Handelsblatt</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cdb8/1425498445/VEsCBw/" target="_blank" title="http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20110222-703372.html">WSJ</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cdb9/1425498445/VEsCBg/" target="_blank" title="http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/finance/ambroseevans-pritchard/100009565/is-the-bundesbank-spoiling-for-a-fight-over-the-destiny-of-emu/">Telegraph: Evans-Pritchard</a><br />
<strong><em>Euractiv France</em></strong><strong> notes that, in a report sent to the European Commission, France has insisted on the “priority of reducing the share of the EU budget devoted to the cohesion policy,” arguing that this would be the natural consequence of the greater economic convergence achieved by EU regions and member states over recent years.</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cdbe/1425498445/VEsCAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.euractiv.fr/politique-regionale-france-table-baisse-budget-article">Euractiv France</a><br />
<strong>A leader in the <em>Times</em> argues that “bold deregulation” is needed to bolster growth in the UK, particularly regarding employment regulations. The article notes that the Transfer of Undertakings Regulations (TUPE), a gold plated version of the EU’s Acquired Rights Directive (ARD), is a significant deterrent to competition.</strong>No link<br />
<strong>In the <em>Times</em>, former Home Secretary Michael Howard argues that human rights law should be decided by “elected, accountable politicians” rather than “unaccountable, unelected judges.”</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cdbf/1425498445/VEsCAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/opinion/columnists/article2922872.ece">Times: Howard</a><br />
<strong>Dutch central-bank Chief Nout Wellink has signalled his interest in the presidency of the European Central Bank, saying in an interview that his decades of international experience and record for fighting inflation qualify him for the job.</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cdbc/1425498445/VEsCAw/" target="_blank" title="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB40001424052748703529004576159923135573288.html#mod=todays_europe_front_section">WSJ</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cdbd/1425498445/VEsCAg/" target="_blank" title="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB40001424052748704071304576160421252398498.html#mod=todays_europe_front_section">WSJ 2</a><br />
<strong>A <em>WSJ</em> editorial notes that “Iceland's voters will once again get to have their say over whether they should bear the cost of the 2008 bailouts of British and Dutch depositors in Icelandic banks…But it's unclear why Iceland should bear the costs of bailing out the Dutch and British at all.”</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cdb2/1425498445/VEsCDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703529004576160120851847668.html#mod=todays_europe_opinion">WSJ: Editorial</a><br />
<strong>The <em>Telegraph</em> reports that member states yesterday voted to allow imports into Europe that consist of 0.1% genetically modified seed.</strong>No link<br />
<strong>An FSA director, Verena Ross, has been chosen as chief executive of the new EU financial services watchdog, the European Securities and Markets Authority. Despite being a German national it is likely that the appointment will ease fears over Britain not having any high ranking officials in the ESMA despite London being the EU’s financial capital.</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cdb3/1425498445/VEsCDA/" target="_blank">FT</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cdb0/1425498445/VEsDBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.cityam.com/news-and-analysis/fsa-boss-head-eu-watchdog">City AM</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cdb1/1425498445/VEsDBA/" target="_blank" title="http://blogs.ft.com/westminster/2011/02/top-europe-job-goes-to-london-financial-regulator/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ft%2Fwestminster+%28Westminster+Blog%29&utm_content=Google+Reader">FT: Westminster blog</a><br />
<strong>According to the official EU statute, European Commission officials are not allowed time off in order to make up for working overtime. Despite this, the Commission has introduced a new arrangement called ‘flexitime’ which allows officials to accrue hours and in return gives them time off.</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cdb6/1425498445/VEsDBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.bild.de/BILD/politik/2011/02/17/eu-beamte-schummeln-beim-abbau-von/ueberstunden.html blocked::http://www.bild.de/BILD/politik/2011/02/17/eu-beamte-schummeln-beim-abbau-von/ueberstunden.html http://www.bild.de/BILD/politik/2011/02/17/eu-beamte-s">Bild</a><br />
<strong>A European Parliament spokesman has responded to criticism on how the EP is hiring extra staff, claiming: "most of the proposed new posts are related to the accession of Croatia”</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cdb7/1425498445/VEsDBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.theparliament.com/latest-news/article/newsarticle/parliament-hits-back-at-claims-of-wasteful-spending-plans/">Parliament</a><br />
<strong>Writing in the name of the European Liberal Party (ELDR), Sweden’s Europe Minister Birgitta Ohlsson, has called for reforms of the EU budget, writing: "Rather than preserving past priorities, the EU should redirect expenditure”, which should be financed through “reduced expenditure on agriculture. (…) Structural funds should focus on the parts of the Union most in need. "</strong><br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cdb4/1425498445/VEsDAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.eldrfocus2011.eu/2011/02/aldepositionpaper/ blocked::http://www.eldrfocus2011.eu/2011/02/aldepositionpaper/ http://www.eldrfocus2011.eu/2011/02/aldepositionpaper/">ELDR 1</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cdb5/1425498445/VEsDAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.eldrfocus2011.eu/2011/02/back-to-growth-a-reform-agenda-for-the-eu-budget/ blocked::http://www.eldrfocus2011.eu/2011/02/back-to-growth-a-reform-agenda-for-the-eu-budget/ http://www.eldrfocus2011.eu/2011/02/back-to-growth-a-reform-agenda-for-the">ELDR 2</a><br />
<strong>The EU granted the Cornish pasty protected status yesterday, meaning only those produced in Cornwall, to a specific recipe, can be described as ‘Cornish’.</strong><br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cdca/1425498445/VEsDAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/news/official-only-pasties-from-cornwall-are-cornish-2222815.html blocked::http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/news/official-only-pasties-from-cornwall-are-cornish-2222815.html http">Independent</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cdcb/1425498445/VEsDAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/uk/article2923045.ece blocked::http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/uk/article2923045.ece http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/uk/article2923045.ece">Times</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0f/1ba8c0bb/809499b/7c55cdc8/1425498445/VEsDDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2011/feb/22/cornish-pasty-earns-protected-food-status?INTCMP=SRCH">Guardian</a></div>David Ben-Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02271443642557427428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19528757.post-40467967820027483872011-02-18T06:55:00.001-08:002011-02-18T06:55:41.043-08:00The Vatican versus the Fourth Commandment<div style="font-size: 14px; margin: 25px; width: 550px;"> <div style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 5px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=EO6o3&m=1ax_SD21fbqwrj&b=OetS14P3H6oKmmM7_H20eg" style="color: #000033; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Commentary: The Vatican versus the Fourth Commandment</a></div><div style="color: #336699; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: left;">By Wyatt Ciesielka | Saturday, February 12, 2011</div><div style="color: black; text-align: left;">On January 25, Pope Benedict XVI again proclaimed his desire "to ignite a fervent missionary movement in the Catholic Church," stating he wants to advance "the entire Catholic Church into a new missionary age" in 2011 (catholic.org, January 28, 2011). While this movement will ultimately contribute to fulfilling prophecies such as Isaiah 47:8-9 and Revelation 17:2-5, an aspect of this rejuvenated "fervent missionary movement" already affects billions. This is the growing emphasis on Sunday observance. <a href="http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=EO6o3&m=1ax_SD21fbqwrj&b=9UbETGcG.rEYHWz1YUubJA" style="color: #336699; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Read more <img align="middle" alt="Read More" border="0" class="emptyExternalImage" height="12" src="http://mail.buckeye-express.com/eonapps/images/grayfiller.gif" width="12" /></a></div></div>David Ben-Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02271443642557427428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19528757.post-50427351980030630342011-02-17T06:36:00.001-08:002011-02-17T06:36:38.474-08:00Open Europe<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.3;"> <strong>Reminder: Fundación para el Análisis y los Estudios Sociales (FAES) and Open Europe are hosting a seminar in Madrid tomorrow on the eurozone. For more information, please contact Siân Herbert by email:</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0b/1ba8c0bb/809b151/7c55caaa/2402000489/VEsH/" target="_blank"><br />
sian@openeurope.org.uk</a><br />
<h2> Europe</h2><strong>Lords criticise failure of EU’s €55m-a-year police training mission in Afghanistan</strong><em>EUobserver </em>notes that in a report published yesterday the House of Lords EU Committee concluded that the EU’s police training mission in Afghanistan has achieved “very little” in the past four years due to understaffing. The mission, which will cost €54.6m for the year 2010-11, is described as “woefully inadequate” and “has the wider effect of bringing EU Common Security and Defence Policy missions as a whole into disrepute.” The report notes that after four years of work, around 70% of Afghan police cannot read or write and process basic paperwork.<br />
The report also highlights “the slowness of EU bureaucracy” to get the project off the ground and the lack of cooperation with NATO forces. The Committee's Chairman, Lord Teverson, is quoted by the <em>BBC </em>saying, “there is no formal agreement between the EU and NATO in Afghanistan, which we find utterly unacceptable.”<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0b/1ba8c0bb/809b151/7c55caab/2402000489/VEsE/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/13/31825">EUobserver</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0b/1ba8c0bb/809b151/7c55caa8/2402000489/VEsF/" target="_blank" title="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12484754">BBC</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0b/1ba8c0bb/809b151/7c55caa9/2402000489/VEsC/" target="_blank" title="http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld201011/ldselect/ldeucom/87/87.pdf">House of Lords report</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0b/1ba8c0bb/809b151/7c55caae/2402000489/VEsD/" target="_blank" title="http://openeuropeblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/lords-blast-eus-afghan-police-mission.html">Open Europe blog</a><br />
<strong>Conservatives may pledge to leave European Court of Human Rights at next election</strong>The<em>Times</em> reports that David Cameron is preparing to fight the 2015 general election with a pledge on pulling out of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). A Conservative policy review will examine whether the party can back withdrawing from the Court, but party figures admitted that they would not be able to pursue such a move while in coalition with the Liberal Democrats. The <em>FT</em> reports that the President of the ECHR, Jean-Paul Costa, has warned it would be a “disaster” for Britain if it failed to let prisoners vote or left the jurisdiction of the Court.<br />
Meanwhile, <em>The Parliament </em>reports that MEPs yesterday demanded increased protection for prisoners’ rights, including "minimum common standards" for all prisoners across member states, overseen and enforced by the Fundamental Rights Agency.<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0b/1ba8c0bb/809b151/7c55caaf/2402000489/VEsA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/politics/article2916641.ece blocked::http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/politics/article2916641.ece http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/politics/article2916641.ece">Times</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0b/1ba8c0bb/809b151/7c55caac/2402000489/VEsB/" target="_blank" title="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/telegraph-view/8329348/Common-sense-needed-in-human-rights-review.html blocked::http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/telegraph-view/8329348/Common-sense-needed-in-human-rights-review.html http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment">Telegraph: Leader</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0b/1ba8c0bb/809b151/7c55caad/2402000489/VEsO/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/06d900a4-3a00-11e0-a441-00144feabdc0.html%23axzz1DvHdOb5w blocked::http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/06d900a4-3a00-11e0-a441-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1DvHdOb5w">FT</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0b/1ba8c0bb/809b151/7c55caa2/2402000489/VEsP/" target="_blank" title="http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/229495">Express: Leader</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0b/1ba8c0bb/809b151/7c55caa3/2402000489/VEsHBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.openeurope.org.uk/media-centre/pressrelease.aspx?pressreleaseid=159">Open Europe press release</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0b/1ba8c0bb/809b151/7c55caa0/2402000489/VEsHBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.openeurope.org.uk/research/EUECHRprisoners.pdf">Open Europe research</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0b/1ba8c0bb/809b151/7c55caa1/2402000489/VEsHBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.theparliament.com/latest-news/article/newsarticle/meps-demand-improved-conditions-for-prisoners/">TheParliament.com</a><br />
<strong>Merkel’s sister party: the introduction of “a European State through the back door” must be avoided</strong><em>FAZ </em>reports that the leadership of the Bavarian CSU party, has attacked German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble "in an unusually critical way" over the level of the permanent European bailout fund, which would see Germany bear a considerably higher burden. CSU General Secretary Alexander Dobrint said: “the introduction of a centralised European state through the back door” must be avoided. He added that it appears “that all European states want German money” and he argued “this cannot be the path we chose”.<br />
In an interview with <em>Die Zeit </em>Jean-Claude Trichet, President of the European Central Bank, argues that eurozone members should make greater use of fiscal policy to atone for any economic differences. He said: “individual member states need to take monetary policy as given and adjust their national policies accordingly”. He added: “If a country is experiencing a boom, it has to make its own national policies – such as the fiscal, wage and structural policies and financial regulation – more restrictive, so that the economy does not become overheated or speculation gets out of control”.<br />
Yesterday Portugal bought back €215m of €9.5bn bonds expiring in April and June. The purchase, which was expected to be higher, was described by traders as “insignificant”. Portugal also held an auction of €1bn of 12 month bills, which saw borrowing costs increase to 3.987% and demand fall. Separately, the ECB may have bought nearly €18 billion of Portuguese bonds since May according to Societe Generale. This would amount to15% of Portugal’s total debt outstanding.<br />
The <em>Irish Times </em>reports that Irish banks are issuing bonds to themselves under a government guarantee to use as collateral in order to borrow cheaply from the ECB. Four banks issued bonds worth €17bn to themselves last month. “What you have here is micro-quantitative easing, or money printing,” said Cathal O’Leary, head of fixed-income sales at NCB Stockbrokers. “The banks are issuing unsecured loans to themselves”.<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0b/1ba8c0bb/809b151/7c55caa6/2402000489/VEsHBg/" target="_blank">FT</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0b/1ba8c0bb/809b151/7c55caa7/2402000489/VEsHAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-02-16/portugal-s-borrowing-costs-climb-demand-falls-at-12-month-bill-auction.html">Bloomberg</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0b/1ba8c0bb/809b151/7c55caa4/2402000489/VEsHAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2011/0217/1224290024749.html">Irish Times</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0b/1ba8c0bb/809b151/7c55caa5/2402000489/VEsHAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0216/breaking31.html">Irish Times 2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0b/1ba8c0bb/809b151/7c55caba/2402000489/VEsHAg/" target="_blank">Zeit</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0b/1ba8c0bb/809b151/7c55cabb/2402000489/VEsHDQ/" target="_blank">Dow Jones</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0b/1ba8c0bb/809b151/7c55cab8/2402000489/VEsHDA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.faz.net/p/Rub867F03D44419425ABE6DCC0E9D5A8505/Dx1~E340f731d587187820ef03931b2eb13f8~ATpl~Ecommon~Scontent.html">FAZ</a><br />
<strong>The <em>FT</em> reports that EU regional funds worth £155m destined for England were suspended between mid-October and mid-December 2010 while the Commission investigated “significant shortcomings” in the way the funds are spent by regional authorities. The funds have now been disbursed, but with a warning that greater supervision is required.</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0b/1ba8c0bb/809b151/7c55cab9/2402000489/VEsEBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/d0500b08-39f6-11e0-82aa-00144feabdc0.html%23axzz1DvHdOb5w blocked::http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/d0500b08-39f6-11e0-82aa-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1DvHdOb5w">FT</a><br />
<strong>Residents asked to use up to nine bins to meet EU recycling targets</strong>The <em>Telegraph</em> reports that local councils are asking residents to separate rubbish into up to nine different bins in order to meet EU recycling targets. Gary Porter, Chairman of the Local Government Association Environment Board said: “Taxpayers face huge European Union financial penalties if targets to reduce the amount of rubbish sent to landfill are not met”.<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0b/1ba8c0bb/809b151/7c55cabe/2402000489/VEsEBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/earthnews/8328644/Town-with-nine-bins-for-every-home.html">Telegraph</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0b/1ba8c0bb/809b151/7c55cabf/2402000489/VEsEBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/229587/Eco-drives-see-nine-rubbish-bins-/Eco-drives-see-nine-rubbish-bins-#ixzz1ECpBBaEq">Express</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0b/1ba8c0bb/809b151/7c55cabc/2402000489/VEsEBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1357810/Swamped-bins-How-average-family-FOUR-recycling-boxes.html#ixzz1ECu4OYvF">Mail</a><br />
<strong><em>Zita.be </em></strong><strong>reports that President of the Belgian Constitutional Court, Marc Bossuyt, has warned of the danger of a "government of judges" as the European Court of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights attribute more and more powers to themselves and overrule decisions made by elected politicians.</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0b/1ba8c0bb/809b151/7c55cabd/2402000489/VEsEAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.zita.be/nieuws/binnenland/1209418_bossuyt-waarschuwt-voor-regering-door-rechters.html">Zita.be</a><br />
<strong>The <em>BBC</em> reports that the EU has eased sanctions on Zimbabwe by removing 35 individuals from a list of people affected by visa bans and asset freezes. But sanctions on other people close to President Robert Mugabe were extended for another year.</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0b/1ba8c0bb/809b151/7c55cab2/2402000489/VEsEAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12471983">BBC</a><br />
<strong>An article in the <em>FT</em> notes that youth unemployment in the eurozone currently stands at 20.4% up from 14.6% in February 2008, before the start of the financial crisis.</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0b/1ba8c0bb/809b151/7c55cab3/2402000489/VEsEAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/8c907618-39ca-11e0-8dba-00144feabdc0.html%23axzz1DvHdOb5w">FT</a><br />
<strong>An article in the <em>IHT</em> notes that the difficulties currently faced by German publicly owned regional bank WestLB “are symptomatic of a larger problem in the German economy. Many of its biggest banks are still on government life support after making bad lending bets during the bubble years. And with their access to cheap capital long gone, their prospects of becoming profitable again are dubious.”</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0b/1ba8c0bb/809b151/7c55cab0/2402000489/VEsEAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/17/business/global/17westlb.html?_r=1&ref=global">IHT</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0b/1ba8c0bb/809b151/7c55cab1/2402000489/VEsEDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.faz.net/IN/INtemplates/faznet/default.asp?tpl=common/zwischenseite.asp&dx1=%7b23F3EA9C-77CD-9AEB-859F-753ACA0A59FB%7d&rub=%7b6C77E50C-FDFD-44AF-94BA-0EA12FECC2AD%7d">FAZ</a><br />
<strong>The <em>FT </em>reports that the ECJ has ruled that EU member states can ban the exclusive airing of World Cup and European football championship games on pay TV, as both these events can be considered of “major social importance” and must therefore be guaranteed wider public viewing on free TV channels.</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0b/1ba8c0bb/809b151/7c55cab6/2402000489/VEsEDA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/7abada00-3a79-11e0-9c65-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1Dw2Ig6fI">FT</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0b/1ba8c0bb/809b151/7c55cab7/2402000489/VEsFBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lemonde.fr/depeches/3214_236.html">AFP</a><br />
<strong>Timothy Garton Ash says if EU does not come up with “a generous, imaginative and strategic response [to events in North Africa], then that failure will one day come back to haunt us on all the Arab streets of Europe”.</strong><br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0b/1ba8c0bb/809b151/7c55cab4/2402000489/VEsFBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/feb/17/message-hope-europe-arabs-warning">Guardian: Garton Ash</a><br />
<strong>Hungary</strong><strong>'s government has agreed to amend a new media law after criticism from the EU that the legislation imposes unacceptable restrictions on freedom of expression.</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0b/1ba8c0bb/809b151/7c55cab5/2402000489/VEsFBw/" target="_blank" title="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB40001424052748703961104576148160084130304.html#mod=todays_europe_front_section">WSJ</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0b/1ba8c0bb/809b151/7c55caca/2402000489/VEsFBg/" target="_blank">EurActiv</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0b/1ba8c0bb/809b151/7c55cacb/2402000489/VEsFAQ/" target="_blank">European Voice</a><br />
<strong>The Irish Government faces a fine of at least €3.27 million over its failure to adopt a farming environmental directive.</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0b/1ba8c0bb/809b151/7c55cac8/2402000489/VEsFAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0217/1224290024448.html">Irish Times</a><br />
<strong>Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has approved a plan to establish a statutory register of practitioners supplying unlicensed herbal medicines in order to protect consumers from an EU ban on such products due to come into effect on the 1st May. The College of Medicine’s Kaye McIntosh said: “Without statutory regulation […] thousands of patients would be unable to make the choice to use herbal treatments”.</strong><br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0b/1ba8c0bb/809b151/7c55cac9/2402000489/VEsFAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1357653/Herbal-medicines-survive-ministers-approve-plan-bypasses-EU-directive.html#ixzz1ECuh7kY7 blocked::http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1357653/Herbal-medicines-survive-ministers-approve-plan-bypasses-">Mail</a><br />
<strong>MEPs have agreed to enact new legislation on the labelling of medicines, in order to counteract a surge in fake drugs sold in the EU.</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0b/1ba8c0bb/809b151/7c55cace/2402000489/VEsFAg/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31823 blocked::http://euobserver.com/9/31823 http://euobserver.com/9/31823">EUobserver</a><br />
<strong><em>Gazeta Wyborcza </em></strong><strong>reports that the European Commission is considering a change to the Working Time Directive, which could see employees losing some of their holiday allowance in the event of long term sick-leave. Poland’s Employment and Social Affairs minister Jolanta Fedak told tabloid newspaper <em>Fakt</em> that she will oppose the measures. </strong><br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0b/1ba8c0bb/809b151/7c55cacf/2402000489/VEsFDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://wyborcza.pl/1,75968,9119219,Albo_urlop__albo_choroba.html blocked::http://wyborcza.pl/1,75968,9119219,Albo_urlop__albo_choroba.html http://wyborcza.pl/1,75968,9119219,Albo_urlop__albo_choroba.html">Wyborcza</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0b/1ba8c0bb/809b151/7c55cacc/2402000489/VEsFDA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.fakt.pl/Fedak-Nie-pozwolimy-Unii-zabrac-nam-urlopow,artykuly,96286,1.html blocked::http://www.fakt.pl/Fedak-Nie-pozwolimy-Unii-zabrac-nam-urlopow,artykuly,96286,1.html http://www.fakt.pl/Fedak-Nie-pozwolimy-Unii-zabrac-nam-urlopow,artykuly,9628">Fakt</a><br />
<strong><em>EUobserver </em></strong><strong>reports that Belgium today marks 249 days of political deadlock, thereby hitting the world record for lack of government. No deal appears likely to emerge anytime soon in the country which hosts the EU’s institutions.</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0b/1ba8c0bb/809b151/7c55cacd/2402000489/VEsCBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31822 blocked::http://euobserver.com/9/31822 http://euobserver.com/9/31822">EUobserver</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0b/1ba8c0bb/809b151/7c55cac2/2402000489/VEsCBA/" target="_blank" title="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703373404576148190279537386.html blocked::http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703373404576148190279537386.html">WSJ</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0b/1ba8c0bb/809b151/7c55cac3/2402000489/VEsCBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.tijd.be/opinie/analyse/Onbestuurbaar_Belgie_op_weg_naar_splitsing-.9022066-2336.art blocked::http://www.tijd.be/opinie/analyse/Onbestuurbaar_Belgie_op_weg_naar_splitsing-.9022066-2336.art">Tijd: De Grauwe</a><br />
<h2> New on the Open Europe Blog</h2><strong>Rhetoric versus reality of EU foreign policy: Lords blast EU’s Afghan police mission</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0b/1ba8c0bb/809b151/7c55caae/2402000489/VEsCBg/" target="_blank" title="http://openeuropeblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/lords-blast-eus-afghan-police-mission.html">Open Europe blog</a></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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Open Europe is an independent think tank campaigning for radical reform of the EU. For information on our research, events and other activities, please visit our website: <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0b/1ba8c0bb/809b151/7c55cac0/2402000489/VEsCAQ/" target="_blank">openeurope.org.uk</a>, follow us on twitter <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f0b/1ba8c0bb/809b151/7c55cac1/2402000489/VEsCAA/" target="_blank">@OpenEurope</a> or call us on +44 (0) 207 1972333 (London) and +32 (0) 2 5408625 (Brussels).</span>David Ben-Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02271443642557427428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19528757.post-19444708666075555782011-02-15T05:17:00.000-08:002011-02-15T05:17:14.623-08:00Open Europe<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.3;"><h2> Europe</h2><b>Head of European Banking Authority: European banks will face more “top-down” regulation</b><br />
In an interview with the <i>FT</i>, Andrea Enria – chair of the European Banking Authority – said the EBA will use its new powers to impose more uniform oversight on European banks through the adoption of a single set of rules. He argued: “I think now it has to be a little bit more top-down […] The senior people here should engage in real policy discussions, take decisions and make things happen. The ‘single rulebook’ is the true power. If we start having regulatory competition again, it will be havoc.” A top London-based executive at a global bank is quoted by the paper saying: “In five years, we’ll be talking to the EBA and Brussels. The FSA will be an afterthought.”<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cbf6/2150939354/VEsH/" target="_blank" title="http://www.openeurope.org.uk/research/EUsupervisors.pdf">Open Europe research</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cbf7/2150939354/VEsE/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/e2571bb0-3885-11e0-959c-00144feabdc0.html%23axzz1DvHdOb5w">FT</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cbf4/2150939354/VEsF/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/d70dd886-3865-11e0-959c-00144feabdc0.html%23axzz1DvHdOb5w">FT 2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cbf5/2150939354/VEsC/" target="_blank" title="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/banksandfinance/8324776/Single-rule-book-for-Europes-banks.html">Telegraph</a><br />
<b>Eurozone finance ministers agree on €500bn permanent bailout fund but crucial details remain unclear</b>It is widely reported that eurozone finance ministers yesterday agreed that the permanent bailout mechanism would be able to lend €500bn. The details of the funding, in terms of contributions and capital buffers, are not yet clear; however, Jean-Claude Juncker, Luxembourg’s Prime Minister, confirmed it will be designed to lend the full amount unlike the current bailout fund. No agreement was reached on other details of the mechanism, such as whether it will be allowed to buy government bonds, a proposition which both Germany and the Netherlands oppose. <i>Elsevier</i> quotes a spokesman of the Dutch Finance Ministery saying: “there is no agreement at all. We’ll only have that when we have an agreement on everything.” <i>Euractiv</i> quotes Luxembourg Finance Minister Luc Frieden saying "We are probably too slow to take the relevant decisions”. The meeting also failed to yield an agreement on expanding the current bailout fund or the ‘pact for competitiveness’.<br />
During a meeting with Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor, yesterday Enda Kenny, Fine Gael leader, stated that a Fine Gael-lead government would “not contemplate, in any circumstances, moving” on the tax question. Despite this, German officials refused to rule out an agreement on taxes: “Everything depends on everything else and we’re not interested in one individual issue being factored out,” said a close political adviser to Merkel.<br />
Meanwhile, GDP figures released yesterday show sluggish growth in Q4 2010 across the eurozone. A contraction in the Portuguese economy increased fears that it will need a bailout and pushed bong yields higher. Zach Witton, an economist at Moody’s, the rating agency, forecast on Monday that “Portugal will seek assistance from the EU’s bail-out fund by the second quarter of this year at the latest”.<br />
In an interview with <i>FAZ</i> Mario Draghi, head of Italy’s Central Bank, suggested that “everyone should follow the German example” of prioritising stability politics and that he supports the Fraco-German notion of a competiveness pact. He also states that he opposes Eurobonds and does not regard the eurozone as a fiscal union. <i>Handelsblatt</i> reports that the French government would support a German for head of the ECB but does not see Draghi as a suitable candidate. In an interview with <i>Les Echos</i>, ECB President Jean-Claude Trichet has said that he would not extend his mandate if eurozone governments failed to agree on the name of his successor.<br />
ECB executive board member Lorenzo Bini-Smaghi said in a speech: “It would be risky for the euro area to move to greater fiscal and budgetary integration in order to avoid the instability associated with the current system … the new regime could import new problems which might be politically even more difficult to tackle.”<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb0a/2150939354/VEsD/" target="_blank">IHT</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb0b/2150939354/VEsA/" target="_blank">FT</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb08/2150939354/VEsB/" target="_blank">European Voice</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb09/2150939354/VEsO/" target="_blank" title="http://www.euractiv.fr/fonds-aide-zone-euro-porte-500-milliards-euros-article">Euractiv</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb0e/2150939354/VEsP/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lepoint.fr/economie/la-zone-euro-se-dote-d-un-filet-de-securite-de-500-milliards-d-euros-15-02-2011-1295474_28.php">Lepoint</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb0f/2150939354/VEsHBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12460527">BBC</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb0c/2150939354/VEsHBA/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31808">EUobserver</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb0d/2150939354/VEsHBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lemonde.fr/economie/article/2011/02/15/la-zone-euro-se-dote-d-un-fonds-de-500-milliards-d-euros-pour-soutenir-les-pays-en-difficulte_1480189_3234.html">Le Monde</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb02/2150939354/VEsHBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/series/today">BBC: Today</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb03/2150939354/VEsHAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lesechos.fr/economie-politique/monde/actu/0201149901353-zone-euro-le-fonds-de-soutien-sera-dote-de-500-milliards-d-euros.htm">Les Echos</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb00/2150939354/VEsHAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.latribune.fr/actualites/economie/international/20110215trib000601372/le-fonds-europeen-pour-les-pays-en-difficulte-porte-a-500-milliards-d-euros-.html">La Tribune</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb01/2150939354/VEsHAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lefigaro.fr/conjoncture/2011/02/14/04016-20110214ARTFIG00704-ue-travaux-laborieux-sur-le-pacte-de-competitivite.php">Le Figaro</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb06/2150939354/VEsHAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lemonde.fr/economie/article/2011/02/14/qui-achete-encore-de-la-dette-publique_1479704_3234.html">Le Monde</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb07/2150939354/VEsHDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ecb.int/press/key/date/2011/html/sp110214.en.html">ECB: Bini-Smaghi</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb04/2150939354/VEsHDA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.elpais.com/articulo/economia/fondo/rescate/europeo/contara/500000/millones/2013/elpepueco/20110215elpepieco_5/Tes">El Pais</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb05/2150939354/VEsEBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.elpais.com/articulo/economia/dependencia/banca/credito/BCE/baja/minimo/2008/elpepieco/20110215elpepieco_1/Tes">El Pais 2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb1a/2150939354/VEsEBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.elpais.com/articulo/economia/economia/Portugal/sufre/recaida/cierre/2010/elpepueco/20110215elpepieco_4/Tes">El Pais 3</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb1b/2150939354/VEsEBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/frontpage/2011/0215/1224289832401.html">Irish Times</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb18/2150939354/VEsEBg/" target="_blank">Irish Independent </a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb19/2150939354/VEsEAQ/" target="_blank">Irish Independent 2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb1e/2150939354/VEsEAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/feb/14/ireland-fine-gael-corporation-tax?INTCMP=SRCH">Guardian</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb1f/2150939354/VEsEAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.wirtschaftspresse.biz/psepp/fn/pcc/sfn/showedetail/DocID/1147026/EditionID/4/SectionID/2/PageID/1146662/pDay/15.02.2011%2000:00:00/showtyp/1/SH/47c422a3fd0585b7ea85745a20cbce/index.html">Handelsblatt</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb1c/2150939354/VEsEAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.elsevier.nl/web/Nieuws/Economie/289365/De-Jager-Bijdrage-EU-aan-noodfonds-nog-niet-duidelijk.htm">Elsevier</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb09/2150939354/VEsEDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.euractiv.fr/fonds-aide-zone-euro-porte-500-milliards-euros-article blocked::http://www.euractiv.fr/fonds-aide-zone-euro-porte-500-milliards-euros-article">Euractiv 2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb0e/2150939354/VEsEDA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lepoint.fr/economie/la-zone-euro-se-dote-d-un-filet-de-securite-de-500-milliards-d-euros-15-02-2011-1295474_28.php blocked::http://www.lepoint.fr/economie/la-zone-euro-se-dote-d-un-filet-de-securite-de-500-milliards-d-euros-15-02-2011-1295474_2">Lepoint</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb1d/2150939354/VEsFBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.faz.net/p/Rub6C77E50CFDFD44AF94BA0EA12FECC2AD/Dx1~EC83FD4FF909D3B9AB84E2FD026EA5A3E~ATpl~Ecommon~Scontent.html">Frankfurter Allgemeine </a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb12/2150939354/VEsFBA/" target="_blank">FT 2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb13/2150939354/VEsFBw/" target="_blank">FT 3</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb10/2150939354/VEsFBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.jornaldenegocios.pt/home.php?template=SHOWNEWS_V2&id=468351">Jornal de Negocios</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb11/2150939354/VEsFAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.focus.de/finanzen/news/staatsverschuldung/eu-krisenfonds-das-doppelte-rettungspolster_aid_600019.html">Focus</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb16/2150939354/VEsFAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.fr-online.de/wirtschaft/500-milliarden-euro-im-neuen-krisenfonds/-/1472780/7192942/-/index.html">Frankfurter Rundschau</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb17/2150939354/VEsFAw/" target="_blank">FT 4</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb14/2150939354/VEsFAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0215/1224289832747.html">Irish Times 2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb15/2150939354/VEsFDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2011/0215/1224289831861.html">Irish Times 3</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb2a/2150939354/VEsFDA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/opinion/2011/0215/1224289816780.html">Irish Times 4</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb2b/2150939354/VEsCBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/15/world/europe/15iht-politicus15.html?ref=europe">IHT: Politicus</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb28/2150939354/VEsCBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lesechos.fr/entreprises-secteurs/finance-marches/interview/0201149957165-jean-claude-trichet-il-appartient-aux-gouvernements-d-assumer-leurs-responsabilites-.htm">Les Echos: Trichet</a><br />
<b>A leader in the <i>WSJ</i> argues, “Governments in Athens, Dublin or Madrid may be cheering that they won't have to deal with Mr. Weber at the helm of the ECB. But his isolation at the governing council and his premature departure suggest a worrisome philosophical shift at the European Central Bank”. “A eurozone that Mr. Weber doesn't feel comfortable leading is one that should make anyone with a stake in the success of the single currency nervous”, the article concludes.<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb29/2150939354/VEsCBw/" target="_blank" title="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703584804576143763431647514.html?mod=googlenews_wsj">WSJ: leader</a></b><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb2e/2150939354/VEsCBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.intereconomia.com/noticias-negocios/finanzas-personales/politica-economica/eurogrupo-elige-peter-praet-comite-ejecutiv">Intereconomia</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb2f/2150939354/VEsCAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.hln.be/hln/nl/942/Economie/article/detail/1222405/2011/02/14/Peter-Praet-nieuwe-directeur-bij-Europese-Centrale-Bank.dhtml">HLN</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb2c/2150939354/VEsCAA/" target="_blank" title="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB40001424052748703584804576144432226415882.html">WSJ</a><br />
<b>Judges at the European Court of Human Rights will not have the final say on whether prisoners should be given the vote, Attorney General Dominic Grieve said last night.</b><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb2d/2150939354/VEsCAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1357074/Euro-judges-final-say-prisoner-vote-vows-Attorney-General-hints--withdrawal-European-court.html blocked::http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1357074/Euro-judges-final-say-prisoner-vote-vows-Attorney-Gene">Mail</a><br />
<b>The Council of Ministers yesterday agreed on an EU wide patent, but due to opposition from Spain and Italy the decision was made under ‘enhanced cooperation’, meaning that not all 27 member states will take part.</b><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb22/2150939354/VEsCAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.elpais.com/articulo/economia/patente/comun/europea/sigue/adelante/pese/rechazo/espanol/italiano/elpepuinteur/20110214elpepueco_8/Tes">El Pais</a><br />
<b>Catherine Ashton proposes mobilising €2bn from the European Investment Bank to support democratic reforms in Tunisia and Egypt</b>Writing in the <i>FT, </i>the EU’s Foreign Minister Baroness Catherine Ashton proposes reviewing the EU’s neighbourhood policy, mobilising up to €1bn this year, a potential further €1bn from the European Investment Bank and providing a possible €1bn of financing through the existing resources of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to support democratic reforms in Tunisia and Egypt.<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb23/2150939354/VEsCDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/6f5fcc40-387d-11e0-959c-00144feabdc0.html%23axzz1DvHdOb5w">FT: Ashton</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb20/2150939354/VEsCDA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2011/0215/1224289826656.html">Irish Times: Beesley</a> <b><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb21/2150939354/VEsDBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.spiked-online.com/index.php/site/article/10198/">Spiked: Prengel</a></b><br />
<b><i>Il Corriere della Sera </i></b><b>reports that Italian Interior Minister Roberto Maroni has accused the EU of “not doing anything” to help Italy cope with the thousands of Tunisian refugees arriving on its shores.</b><br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb26/2150939354/VEsDBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.corriere.it/cronache/11_febbraio_13/lampedusa-arrivi-mille-immigrati-tunisia_28551b72-374a-11e0-b09a-4e8b24b9a7d0.shtml">Corriere della Sera</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb27/2150939354/VEsDBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.repubblica.it/cronaca/2011/02/14/news/maroni_ue-12443818/?ref=HRER2-1">Repubblica</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb24/2150939354/VEsDBg/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31802">EUobserver</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb25/2150939354/VEsDAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31803">EUobserver 2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb3a/2150939354/VEsDAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12460906">BBC</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb3b/2150939354/VEsDAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2011/0215/1224289826679.html">Irish Times</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb38/2150939354/VEsDAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/article12547398/SPD-und-Gruene-fuer-Aufnahme-afrikanischer-Migranten.html">Welt</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb39/2150939354/VEsDDQ/" target="_blank">Tagesschau</a><br />
<b><i>Trouw</i></b><b> reports that this week a motion will be presented to the Dutch Parliament, calling for the Dutch PM to take a tougher stance on EU affairs. <i>FD Selections</i> reports that there is a large majority in the Dutch Parliament who fear that the Netherlands is being dragged into a political union. <i>Elsevier</i> quotes Dutch Finance Minister Jan Kees de Jager saying that the Franco-German ‘pact for competitiveness’ "shouldn't be a diktat".</b><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb3e/2150939354/VEsDDA/" target="_blank" title="http://bit.ly/gjaXZP">Spiegel</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb3f/2150939354/VEsABQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.trouw.nl/nieuws/politiek/article3424203.ece/_rsquo_Principieel_nee_tegen_politieke_unie_rsquo__.html blocked::http://www.trouw.nl/nieuws/politiek/article3424203.ece/_rsquo_Principieel_nee_tegen_politieke_unie_rsquo__.html">Trouw</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb3c/2150939354/VEsABA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.fdselections.nl/pensioen/Nieuws/UithetFD/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/18678/Tweede-Kamer-vreest-EU-zeggenschap-over-pensioen.aspx blocked::http://www.fdselections.nl/pensioen/Nieuws/UithetFD/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/18678/Tweede-K">FD Selections</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb3d/2150939354/VEsABw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.elsevier.nl/web/Nieuws/Europese-Unie/289330/De-Jager-DuitsFrans-plan-niet-onverkort-overnemen.htm blocked::http://www.elsevier.nl/web/Nieuws/Europese-Unie/289330/De-Jager-DuitsFrans-plan-niet-onverkort-overnemen.htm">Elsevier</a><br />
<b>The <i>Mail</i> reports David Cameron is “furious” that Business Secretary Vince Cable has failed to find a way of halting EU legislation giving temporary staff the same salaries, holidays and overtime pay as their full-time counterparts after 12 weeks in employment. The measures, agreed by the previous government, are due to come into force in October, and a report by the British Chambers of Commerce has estimated they will cost businesses around £1.5billion a year.</b><br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb32/2150939354/VEsABg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1357050/Camerons-anger-Cable-failure-halt-EU-worker-rules.html#ixzz1E17SOZ4z blocked::http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1357050/Camerons-anger-Cable-failure-halt-EU-worker-rules.html#ixzz1E17SOZ4z">Mail</a><br />
<b>The <i>FT</i> reports that Prime Minister David Cameron has been warned by his coalition partners that adopting an “empty chair” policy, while eurozone countries led by France and Germany take key economic decisions, could lead to Britain being “sidelined in a two-speed Europe”.</b><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb33/2150939354/VEsAAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/76a5c874-38a5-11e0-959c-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1E1SUsdWH">FT</a><br />
<b>The <i>FT’s</i> chief political commentator Philip Stevens challenges the widespread conviction among most politicians that not adopting the euro has better enabled Britain to cope with the consequences of the global economic recession, saying that economic indicators point to an “uncomfortable reality […] that eurozone countries against which Britain more naturally measures its performance have suffered less as a consequence of the crash”.</b><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb30/2150939354/VEsAAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/9323e120-387d-11e0-959c-00144feabdc0.html%23axzz1DvHdOb5w blocked::http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/9323e120-387d-11e0-959c-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1DvHdOb5w">FT</a><br />
<b>The EU’s Commissioner for Telecommunications Neelie Kroes has said that she would probably seek new regulations to end the high charges Europeans face when using data services on smartphones outside their home countries.</b><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb31/2150939354/VEsAAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/15/technology/15roaming.html?ref=europe blocked::http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/15/technology/15roaming.html?ref=europe">IHT</a><br />
<b><i>FT Deutschland</i></b><b> reports that rating agency Moody’s is about to conduct a thorough review of the credit rating assigned to banks and financial institutions. This could have serious consequences for many state assisted institutions, as the review will only take into account the institutions’ own financial strength, which could lead to downgrades for many banks around Europe.</b><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb36/2150939354/VEsAAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ftd.de/unternehmen/finanzdienstleister/:bevorstehende-herabstufungen-moody-s-nimmt-staatlich-gestuetzte-banken-ins-visier/60012251.html blocked::http://www.ftd.de/unternehmen/finanzdienstleister/:bevorstehende-herabstufungen-moody-s-nimmt-staat">FT Deutschland</a><br />
<b><i>EUobserver </i></b><b>reports that EU finance ministers will today discuss a coordinated freeze of assets belonging to members of ousted Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak’s regime.</b><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb37/2150939354/VEsADQ/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31805">EUobserver</a><br />
<b><i>La Repubblica </i></b><b>reports that the Milan court has announced that Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi’s trial will start on 6 April. Berlusconi is charged with abuse of power and aiding and abetting underage prostitution.</b><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb34/2150939354/VEsADA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.repubblica.it/politica/2011/02/15/news/ruby_berlusconi_rinviato_a_giudizio-12482899/">Repubblica </a></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
<hr /><br />
Open Europe is an independent think tank campaigning for radical reform of the EU. For information on our research, events and other activities, please visit our website: <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb35/2150939354/VEsBBQ/" target="_blank">openeurope.org.uk</a>, follow us on twitter <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f08/1ba8c0bb/808a60d/7c55cb4a/2150939354/VEsBBA/" target="_blank">@OpenEurope</a> or call us on +44 (0) 207 1972333 (London) and +32 (0) 2 5408625 (Brussels).<br />
</span>David Ben-Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02271443642557427428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19528757.post-65563259931062184822011-02-14T06:10:00.000-08:002011-02-14T06:10:04.680-08:00Open Europe<h2> Europe</h2><strong>Ken Clarke: </strong><strong>“</strong><strong>I don’t see how we can say that we don’t obey courts if we don’t want to” </strong><br />
The <em>Sunday Times</em> featured a special on the European Court of Human Rights. The paper reported that sex offenders and violent criminals could be freed from jail after the ECHR ruled that a defendant should not be convicted on the basis of written statements, but should be given the right to cross-examine witnesses. Another article highlighted that Strasbourg judges enjoy tax-free salaries of €180,000, despite the fact that 23 out of 47 members of the Court had no judicial experience before their appointment. They are also entitled to final salary pensions and three months’ holiday a year.<br />
Meanwhile, Saturday’s <em>Mail</em> reported that, following demands from senior Tory MPs, Prime Minister David Cameron is expected to announce over the next weeks plans to draw up a new British Bill of Rights to re-balance human rights laws. However, in an interview with Saturday’s <em>Telegraph</em>, Justice Secretary Ken Clarke warned against provoking a clash with the Strasbourg Court and argued: “I don’t see how we can say that we don’t obey courts if we don’t want to. It would be pretty startling if a British government introduced a motion or Bill which said: ‘Let’s break the law’.”<br />
Writing in Saturday’s <em>Mail</em>, Tim Montgomerie argued: “The jurisdiction of the European Court in Strasbourg is only one part of a much wider question of Britain’s relationship with European institutions. A new generation of Eurosceptic MPs understands that Europe energises voters when it becomes connected with real, bread-and-butter issues.”<br />
On the <em>Spectator</em>’s Coffee House blog, Fraser Nelson argues, although the prisoners’ votes was an ECHR issue, “A healthy precedent was established last week. Britain has rejected that old argument that we have no choice. We do. Parliament is sovereign.”<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbb6/4278483104/VEsH/" target="_blank" title="http://www.openeurope.org.uk/research/EUECHRprisoners.pdf">Open Europe research</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbb7/4278483104/VEsE/" target="_blank" title="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-1356214/TIM-MONTGOMERIE-Is-time-disloyal-pro-Europe-old-bruiser-boot.html">Saturday’s Mail: Montgomerie</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbb4/4278483104/VEsF/" target="_blank" title="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/columnists/charlesmoore/8319768/If-Strasbourg-has-its-way-we-will-all-end-up-as-prisoners.html">Saturday’s Telegraph: Moore</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbb5/4278483104/VEsC/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/50733608-361d-11e0-9b3b-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1DY1pIHZt">FT Weekend: Leader</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbca/4278483104/VEsD/" target="_blank" title="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/8320026/Kenneth-Clarke-interview.html">Saturday’s Telegraph: Clarke</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbcb/4278483104/VEsA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1356037/We-expect-better-oldest-democracy-Brussels-bites-defiant-MPs-reject-votes-prisoners.html">Saturday’s Mail</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbc8/4278483104/VEsB/" target="_blank" title="http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/228590">Saturday’s Express</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbc9/4278483104/VEsO/" target="_blank" title="http://www.express.co.uk/ourcomments/view/228639">Saturday’s Express: O’Flynn</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbce/4278483104/VEsP/" target="_blank" title="http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/228925/Now-European-court-acts-to-set-free-violent-criminals">Express</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbcf/4278483104/VEsHBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.spectator.co.uk/coffeehouse/6695453/britains-coming-crunch-with-europe.thtml">Spectator: Coffee House blog</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbcc/4278483104/VEsHBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-1356380/Oliver-Letwin-calls-Britain-leave-European-Union.html#ixzz1DvK3Esgz">Mail on Sunday: Forsyth</a><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbcd/4278483104/VEsHBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1356689/How-human-rights-cases-clog-courts-EVERY-DAY.html">Mail</a><br />
<strong>EU spent €153m on travel and a further €121m on staff missions in 2010 </strong><br />
Saturday’s <em>Times</em> reported on Open Europe research revealing that the EU spent €153m on travel and a further €121m on staff missions in 2010. The total of €274m exceeded the amount spent on the budget line ‘food aid’, which comes under the Commission’s humanitarian aid budget. 2010’s travel budget paid for various junkets, including a trip by MEPs to the Seychelles costing £50,000 in hotels and flights, and a trip by 45 MEPs to the Democratic Republic of Congo costing £77,000. Open Europe’s Siân Herbert was quoted saying, “While boosting trade with developing nations is a noble objective, far too often these trips simply send out the wrong message to European taxpayers”. The research also featured in Saturday’s <em>Mail</em> and Saturday’s <em>Irish Independent</em>.<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbc2/4278483104/VEsHBg/" target="_blank">Saturday’s Times</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbc3/4278483104/VEsHAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1356193/Seychelles-trip-fuels-230m-EU-junketeers-Bureaucrats-MEPs-enjoy-exotic-visit-taxpayers-expense.html?ito=feeds-newsxml">Saturday’s Mail</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbc0/4278483104/VEsHAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.independent.ie/world-news/eu-spent-more-on-travel-than-food-aid-in-2010-2537333.html">Saturday’s Irish Independent </a><br />
<strong>Axel Weber to step down from the Bundesbank at the end of April;<br />
Slovak candidate for ECB board of directors rejected because of her country’s opposition to Greek bail-out </strong><br />
The German government confirmed on Friday that German Bundesbank President Axel Weber will leave his post at the end of April for “personal reasons.” In an interview with <em>Der Spiegel</em>, Weber also explained that he had decided to withdraw his candidacy for European Central Bank President because his “clear position” on issues such as the ECB bond purchases from struggling countries risked putting him on a collision course with some eurozone governments. The front page of <em>Handelsblatt</em> notes that German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble has agreed to give up Germany’s demands for the chairmanship of the ECB, but only under the condition that German Chancellor Angela Merkel successfully pushes ahead with her ideas for an EU economic government with France, something which Weber reportedly opposed. <br />
The frontpage of German magazine <em>Wirtschaftswoche</em> carries the headline, "Axel Weber goes, inflation arrives". The paper warns that "the departure of Axel Weber endangers trust in the stability of the euro." Former German SPD Finance Minister Peer Steinbrück has denied claims that he could replace Weber as Germany’s candidate for the ECB top post. In an interview with <em>Bild</em>, German Economy Minister Rainer Brüderle has suggested that the next ECB President does not necessarily have to be German, provided that they consider price stability as a priority to achieve growth and prosperity.<br />
Meanwhile, <em>FAZ</em> reports that diplomatic sources have confirmed that Belgian Central Bank official Peter Praet will be appointed to the ECB board of directors at the expense of the Slovak candidate, Elena Kohútiková, who may have been rejected because of her country's resistance to the Greek bail-out.<em> De Morgen </em>quotes ECB President Jean-Claude Trichet saying that he "couldn't understand why a country that refused to show solidarity with the Greeks would want a top position at the ECB." <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbc1/4278483104/VEsHAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/weber-to-leave-bundesbank-2212544.html"><br />
Saturday’s Independent</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbc6/4278483104/VEsHAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/feb/11/axel-weber-quits-bundesbank">Saturday’s Guardian</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbc7/4278483104/VEsHDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/4e388020-35f8-11e0-b67c-00144feabdc0.html">FT Weekend</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbc4/4278483104/VEsHDA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.wirtschaftspresse.biz/psepp/fn/pcc/sfn/showedetail/DocID/1146522/EditionID/4/SectionID/2/PageID/1146127/pDay/14.02.2011%2000:00:00/showtyp/1/SH/471902816490a790268eca7520bcf5/index.html">Handelsblatt</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbc5/4278483104/VEsEBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.bild.de/BILD/politik/2011/02/13/ezb-nachfolge-zoff/steinbrueck-sauer-stehe-nicht-zur-verfuegung.html">Bild</a><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbda/4278483104/VEsEBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/0,1518,745294,00.html">Spiegel</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbdb/4278483104/VEsEBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.stern.de/politik/deutschland/ezb-chef-debatte-steinbrueck-hat-keine-interesse-an-kandidatur-1653310.html">Stern</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbc5/4278483104/VEsEBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.bild.de/BILD/politik/2011/02/13/ezb-nachfolge-zoff/steinbrueck-sauer-stehe-nicht-zur-verfuegung.html">Bild</a><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbd8/4278483104/VEsEAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.bild.de/BILD/politik/2011/02/14/wirtschaftsminister-rainer-bruederle/interview-wann-endlich-hartz-iv-erhoehung.html blocked::http://www.bild.de/BILD/politik/2011/02/14/wirtschaftsminister-rainer-bruederle/interview-wann-endlich-hartz-iv-erhoehu">Bild: Brüderle</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbd9/4278483104/VEsEAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=eurozone-clash-led-to-resignation-weber-says-2011-02-13">Bloomberg</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbde/4278483104/VEsEAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lemonde.fr/europe/article/2011/02/14/succession-a-la-tete-de-la-bce-berlin-essaie-de-sortir-de-l-impasse_1479597_3214.html">Le Monde</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbdf/4278483104/VEsEAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.economist.com/blogs/freeexchange/2011/02/axel_webers_decision_not_run_ecb_top_job">Economist</a><br />
<strong>Irish bank losses could outstrip rescue funds;<br />
2/3 majority needed in German parliament to pass permanent bail-out fund</strong><br />
The <em>WSJ </em>suggests that the €85bn Irish bail-out agreed in November will fall short of the €133.9bn needed by the Irish government and banks over the next three years. Meanwhile Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny will meet with German Chancellor Angela Merkel with discussions likely to focus on a possible renegotiation of the bailout terms.<br />
The <em>FT Weekend</em> reported that a proposed EU-IMF privatization planm, which could see Greece raise €50bn over the next four years, has met with a hostile response from the Greek government with a spokesman saying: “We asked them for help...not to meddle in our internal affairs”.<br />
According to diplomatic sources in Brussels, negotiations over the structure of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) are entering their final phase, and are due to be concluded at the EU summit on 25 March. It is reported the ESM is to have a total volume of €500bn, and a capital stock of €100bn. Meanwhile, the German Parliament’s research service has concluded that due to the constitutional implications of the measures, a two-thirds majority will be required, meaning the government will have to rely on support from the opposition.<br />
In an interview with <em>La Tribune</em>, German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble argues, “One day, all EU member states will also be members of the European Monetary Union”.<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbdc/4278483104/VEsEDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/b00a3540-360d-11e0-9b3b-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1DY1pIHZt"><br />
FT Weekend</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbdd/4278483104/VEsEDA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/0eed99b2-35cd-11e0-b67c-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1DY1pIHZt">FT Weekend 2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbd2/4278483104/VEsFBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704329104576138334082512672.html?KEYWORDS=irish+bailout+hits+snags">WSJ</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbd3/4278483104/VEsFBA/" target="_blank" title="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703786804576137970877519428.html?KEYWORDS=emese+bartha">WSJ 2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbd0/4278483104/VEsFBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/frontpage/2011/0214/1224289739556.html">Irish Times</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbd1/4278483104/VEsFBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.welt.de/print/die_welt/wirtschaft/article12535398/Die-Euro-Rettung-wird-konkret.html">Welt</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbd6/4278483104/VEsFAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.independent.ie/national-news/eu-says-low-growth-will-blow-euro5bn-hole-in-states-finances-2538899.html">Irish Independent</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbd7/4278483104/VEsFAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/610eb2e4-3799-11e0-b91a-00144feabdc0.html%23axzz1DvHdOb5w">FT</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbd4/4278483104/VEsFAw/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31800">EUobserver</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbd5/4278483104/VEsFAg/" target="_blank" title="http://de.reuters.com/article/topNews/idDEBEE71C08120110213">Reuters</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbea/4278483104/VEsFDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.finanznachrichten.de/nachrichten-2011-02/19350875-fdp-permanenter-euro-rettungsschirm-koennte-ohne-zweidrittel-mehrheit-beschlossen-werden-003.htm">Finanznachrichten.de</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbeb/4278483104/VEsFDA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.wirtschaftspresse.biz/psepp/fn/pcc/sfn/showedetail/DocID/1146283/EditionID/4/SectionID/2/PageID/1146274/pDay/14.02.2011%2000:00:00/showtyp/1/SH/471902816490a790268eca7520bcf5/index.html">Handelsblatt</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbe8/4278483104/VEsCBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.latribune.fr/actualites/economie/international/20110214trib000601031/wolfang-schauble-le-pacte-de-competitivite-n-est-pas-un-diktat-.html">La Tribune: Schäuble</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbe9/4278483104/VEsCBA/" target="_blank" title="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704329104576138681527976002.html">WSJ Blog</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbee/4278483104/VEsCBw/" target="_blank" title="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704657104576141931699411532.html">WSJ</a><br />
<strong><em>NOTW</em></strong><strong> investigation: One sixth of MEPs leave work after clocking in to get expenses</strong><br />
An exposé carried out by the <em>NOTW</em> and UKIP MEP Nikki Sinclaire revealed that about a sixth of MEPs check in for work on a Friday, in order to receive the £258 daily allowance, before leaving shortly after for the weekend. A third of MEPs turned up for work with luggage for the weekend. Conservative MEP Robert Sturdy and Labour MEP Peter Skinner were both filmed signing in to work and then arriving at the Eurostar, in a chauffeur driven car, to catch the 8:29am journey to London.<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbef/4278483104/VEsCBg/" target="_blank"><br />
NOTW</a><br />
<strong>French government rejects MEPs’ call to scrap the Strasbourg seat</strong><br />
Saturday’s <em>WSJ</em> reported that in reply to MEPs’ calls to scrap the European Parliament’s second seat in Strasbourg, the French Foreign Ministry released a statement saying, “the seat is legally fixed by the treaties. This initiative is not a formal parliamentary action, and certainly does not implicate its president, Jerzy Buzek”.<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbec/4278483104/VEsCAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://blogs.ft.com/brusselsblog/2011/02/france-to-meps-enjoy-strasbourg/">FT Brussels Blog</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbed/4278483104/VEsCAA/" target="_blank" title="http://blogs.wsj.com/brussels/2011/02/11/france-to-meps-strasbourg-stays-deal/?mod=rss_WSJBlog&mod=brussels">WSJ</a><br />
<strong>Following criticism of the European Court of Auditors by its former Dutch member Maarten Engwirda, <em>Stern</em> writes about a similar case from 1998, when the ECA’s former President Bernhard Friedmann was pressured by his colleagues not to investigate the circumstances surrounding French company Fléchard’s let-off from paying a previously imposed €14 million fine.</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbe2/4278483104/VEsCAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.stern.de/politik/ausland/eu-rechnungshof-ein-problem-namens-aufrichtigkeit-1646493.html"><br />
Stern</a><br />
<strong>The <em>Sunday Times</em> reported that Foreign Office Ministers are pushing through a law, via the European Union Bill, to appoint a new Conservative MEP for the West Midlands, at the cost of £1.2mn a year. Critics say the Government should wait until the next elections.</strong><br />
No link<br />
<strong>The <em>Mail on Sunday</em> reported that Britain’s only specialist nettle beer family brewery may be forced to close because of EU rules stating that it does not qualify as a beer for tax purposes since it does not contain malt. As a result, the brewery may face a bill of almost £10,000 in backdated duty because the drink now falls within a higher tax band.</strong><br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbe3/4278483104/VEsCAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1356461/Family-brewery-facing-axe-EU-says-Your-nettle-beers-beer.html#ixzz1DvKHm1Ml">Mail on Sunday</a><br />
<strong>The <em>Guardian</em> reports that MEPs are due to vote on a new measure which could compel EU member states to inform publishers of child pornography that their images are to be deleted from the internet. Child pornographers will also have to be informed of their right to appeal against any removal. The move has been accused by charities of prioritising the rights of child pornographers over victims.</strong><br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbe0/4278483104/VEsCDQ/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/feb/13/child-pornography-internet-laws">Guardian</a><br />
<strong><em>Het Laatste Nieuws </em></strong><strong>reports that Derk-Jan Eppink MEP, who sits with the European Conservative and Reformists, has launched a Citizen’s Initiative campaign with several taxpayer associations against the introduction of an EU tax.</strong><br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbe1/4278483104/VEsCDA/" target="_blank">HLN</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbe6/4278483104/VEsDBQ/" target="_blank">Telegraaf</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbe7/4278483104/VEsDBA/" target="_blank">Vlanetax</a><br />
<strong>The <em>Guardian</em> notes that an unpublished report by consultancy firm McKinsey challenges the idea that renewables are the cheapest way of cutting carbon emissions. The report argues that new technologies, such as shale gas, may save more money than wind farms.</strong><br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbe4/4278483104/VEsDBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/feb/13/gas-firms-lobby-europe-on-emissions">Guardian</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbe5/4278483104/VEsDBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/14/business/energy-environment/14green.html">IHT</a><br />
<strong>The <em>Sunday Times</em> reported that the European Court of Justice is expected to rule shortly on a case examining if insurance firms are breaking EU gender equality rules by providing variable annual pension rates according to gender.</strong><br />
No link<br />
<strong><em>FD </em></strong><strong>reports that the Dutch Court of Audit’s 2009 Annual Report notes that errors in EU spending are increasing.</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbfa/4278483104/VEsDAQ/" target="_blank"><br />
FD</a><br />
<strong><em>EUobserver</em></strong><strong> reports that </strong><strong>the Italian government has declared a state of emergency and has asked the EU for help in managing thousands of illegal immigrants arriving from Tunisia.</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbfb/4278483104/VEsDAA/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31797"><br />
EUobserver</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbf8/4278483104/VEsDAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lastampa.it/_web/cmstp/tmplrubriche/giornalisti/grubrica.asp?ID_blog=113&ID_articolo=935&ID_sezione=&sezione=">Straneuropa</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbf9/4278483104/VEsDAg/" target="_blank" title="lhttp://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/italy/8321427/Italy-declares-state-of-emergency-over-influx-of-5000-Tunisian-immigrants.html">Telegraph</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbfe/4278483104/VEsDDQ/" target="_blank">Guardian</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f07/1ba8c0bb/808d25f/7c55cbff/4278483104/VEsDDA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2011/0214/1224289738417.html">Irish Times</a>David Ben-Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02271443642557427428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19528757.post-13338899832433121732011-02-10T17:26:00.001-08:002011-02-10T17:26:59.093-08:00Beyond Babylon<a href="http://www.publishamerica.com/greetingcardpro/createcard1.asp?PostCardID=7004" style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" src="http://www.publishamerica.com/shopping/images/1413750575.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1413750575?tag=beyondbabyl01-20&camp=14573&creative=327641&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=1413750575&adid=1R300GWDHJRHJPZGSAP9&" style="font-family: verdana;" target="_blank">Beyond Babylon: Europe's Rise and Fall</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"> is destined to become a national debate and an international controversy because it dares to speak the plain truth in a world of lies!<br />
<br />
<b>Beyond Babylon</b><br />
</span><a href="http://beyondbabylon.blogspot.com/2006/11/beyond-babylon-europes-rise-and-fall.html" style="font-family: verdana;">Introduction</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
<br />
<b>Beyond Babylon<br />
</b></span><a href="http://beyondbabylon.blogspot.com/2006/11/beyond-babylon-europes-rise-and-fall_04.html" style="font-family: verdana;">Chapter 1</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
</span><a href="http://beyondbabylon.blogspot.com/2006/11/beyond-babylon-europes-rise-and-fall_04.html" style="font-family: verdana;">Survival Guaranteed!</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
<br />
The DEVASTATION unleashed against America and her British allies was without precedent. Destruction was everywhere and a body count impossible. The catastrophe was beyond calculation.<br />
<br />
Europe - gripped with a messianic furor - justified this mass destruction of the body to "save the soul." Besides, they have the blessing of the pope. His white robes are stained with the blood of many martyrs.<br />
<br />
<b>Beyond Babylon<br />
</b></span><a href="http://beyondbabylon.blogspot.com/2006/11/beyond-babylon-europes-rise-and-fall_06.html" style="font-family: verdana;">Chapter 2</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
</span><a href="http://beyondbabylon.blogspot.com/2006/11/beyond-babylon-europes-rise-and-fall_06.html" style="font-family: verdana;">Why National Defeat?</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
<br />
Why are we in mortal danger? Why will the American, British and Jewish people SUFFER national defeat? How could Europe ever turn against us?<br />
<br />
<b>Beyond Babylon<br />
</b></span><a href="http://beyondbabylon.blogspot.com/2006/11/beyond-babylon-europes-rise-and-fall_10.html" style="font-family: verdana;">Chapter 3</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
</span><a href="http://beyondbabylon.blogspot.com/2006/11/beyond-babylon-europes-rise-and-fall_10.html" style="font-family: verdana;">Truth or Consequences</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
<br />
As global tensions increase, and threats of confrontation escalate, we might very well wonder whether humanity will survive. <i>Unless</i> there’s a GOD to intervene, we have a bleak future indeed: a DEAD PLANET! Will earth become a nuclear fireball? Will charred bones - aftermath of unleashed atomic fires - and the smoldering ruins of a suicidal civilization be all that’s left?<br />
<br />
<b>Beyond Babylon<br />
</b></span><a href="http://beyondbabylon.blogspot.com/2007/01/beyond-babylon-europes-rise-and-fall.html" style="font-family: verdana;">Chapter 4</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
</span><a href="http://beyondbabylon.blogspot.com/2007/01/beyond-babylon-europes-rise-and-fall.html" style="font-family: verdana;">Victims of Tradition</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
<br />
Whenever our behavior gets out of control, <i>God lets us loose control! </i>When we’re held hostage to bad habits, and refuse to let them go, we go into captivity! A national lack of discipline results in God sending corrective punishment! Then we wake up and get with it, and beg God to save us. The whole purpose is to bring us to our knees and senses.<br />
<br />
<b>Beyond Babylon<br />
</b></span><a href="http://beyondbabylon.blogspot.com/2007/03/beyond-babylon-europes-rise-and-fall.html" style="font-family: verdana;">Chapter 5</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
</span><a href="http://beyondbabylon.blogspot.com/2007/03/beyond-babylon-europes-rise-and-fall.html" style="font-family: verdana;">Europe's Fate</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
<br />
What’s going to happen to Europe? We know what’s going to happen to the American and British peoples, as well as to our Jewish brethren. The coming WORLD CRISIS is prophesied to fall especially hard on them. Why?<br />
<br />
<b>Beyond Babylon<br />
</b></span><a href="http://beyondbabylon.blogspot.com/2007/04/beyond-babylon-europes-rise-and-fall.html" style="font-family: verdana;">Chapter 6</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
</span><a href="http://beyondbabylon.blogspot.com/2007/04/beyond-babylon-europes-rise-and-fall.html" style="font-family: verdana;">Jesus and the Jews</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
<br />
Why don't the Jews accept Jesus?" I've been asked that so many times. My usual reply? "Why haven't the Christians?" At least the Jews are waiting for the proper imperial restoration. The Messiah's coming to sit on DAVID'S THRONE - not Caesar's or "St. Peter's." The Anointed One's going to rule from JERUSALEM - not Rome!<br />
<br />
<b>Beyond Babylon<br />
</b></span><a href="http://beyondbabylon.blogspot.com/2007/05/beyond-babylon-europes-rise-and-fall_31.html" style="font-family: verdana;">Chapter 7</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
</span><a href="http://beyondbabylon.blogspot.com/2007/05/beyond-babylon-europes-rise-and-fall_31.html" style="font-family: verdana;">Elijah's Key Role</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
<br />
Israel's about to host the greatest showdown on earth! A spiritual conflict of interests will create such a scene in Jerusalem that the whole world will watch! Zion will be an arena of prophets and sorcerers, warriors and kings! The forces of good and evil are set to duel: the sons of light will battle the sons of darkness, and truth will confront error head-on!<br />
<br />
</span><br />
<div align="center" style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 85%;"><img border="0" src="http://www.publishamerica.com/greetingcardpro/images/big/1413750575.jpg" /> </span></div><a href="http://www.publishamerica.com/greetingcardpro/createcard1.asp?PostCardID=7004" style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
</a>David Ben-Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02271443642557427428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19528757.post-70596202271525026492011-02-10T17:16:00.001-08:002011-02-10T17:16:41.800-08:00Beyond Babylon<a href="http://www.publishamerica.com/greetingcardpro/createcard1.asp?PostCardID=7004" style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" src="http://www.publishamerica.com/shopping/images/1413750575.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1413750575?tag=beyondbabyl01-20&camp=14573&creative=327641&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=1413750575&adid=1R300GWDHJRHJPZGSAP9&" style="font-family: verdana;" target="_blank">Beyond Babylon: Europe's Rise and Fall</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"> is destined to become a national debate and an international controversy because it dares to speak the plain truth in a world of lies!<br />
<br />
<b>Beyond Babylon</b><br />
</span><a href="http://beyondbabylon.blogspot.com/2006/11/beyond-babylon-europes-rise-and-fall.html" style="font-family: verdana;">Introduction</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
<br />
<b>Beyond Babylon<br />
</b></span><a href="http://beyondbabylon.blogspot.com/2006/11/beyond-babylon-europes-rise-and-fall_04.html" style="font-family: verdana;">Chapter 1</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
</span><a href="http://beyondbabylon.blogspot.com/2006/11/beyond-babylon-europes-rise-and-fall_04.html" style="font-family: verdana;">Survival Guaranteed!</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
<br />
The DEVASTATION unleashed against America and her British allies was without precedent. Destruction was everywhere and a body count impossible. The catastrophe was beyond calculation.<br />
<br />
Europe - gripped with a messianic furor - justified this mass destruction of the body to "save the soul." Besides, they have the blessing of the pope. His white robes are stained with the blood of many martyrs.<br />
<br />
<b>Beyond Babylon<br />
</b></span><a href="http://beyondbabylon.blogspot.com/2006/11/beyond-babylon-europes-rise-and-fall_06.html" style="font-family: verdana;">Chapter 2</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
</span><a href="http://beyondbabylon.blogspot.com/2006/11/beyond-babylon-europes-rise-and-fall_06.html" style="font-family: verdana;">Why National Defeat?</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
<br />
Why are we in mortal danger? Why will the American, British and Jewish people SUFFER national defeat? How could Europe ever turn against us?<br />
<br />
<b>Beyond Babylon<br />
</b></span><a href="http://beyondbabylon.blogspot.com/2006/11/beyond-babylon-europes-rise-and-fall_10.html" style="font-family: verdana;">Chapter 3</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
</span><a href="http://beyondbabylon.blogspot.com/2006/11/beyond-babylon-europes-rise-and-fall_10.html" style="font-family: verdana;">Truth or Consequences</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
<br />
As global tensions increase, and threats of confrontation escalate, we might very well wonder whether humanity will survive. <i>Unless</i> there’s a GOD to intervene, we have a bleak future indeed: a DEAD PLANET! Will earth become a nuclear fireball? Will charred bones - aftermath of unleashed atomic fires - and the smoldering ruins of a suicidal civilization be all that’s left?<br />
<br />
<b>Beyond Babylon<br />
</b></span><a href="http://beyondbabylon.blogspot.com/2007/01/beyond-babylon-europes-rise-and-fall.html" style="font-family: verdana;">Chapter 4</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
</span><a href="http://beyondbabylon.blogspot.com/2007/01/beyond-babylon-europes-rise-and-fall.html" style="font-family: verdana;">Victims of Tradition</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
<br />
Whenever our behavior gets out of control, <i>God lets us loose control! </i>When we’re held hostage to bad habits, and refuse to let them go, we go into captivity! A national lack of discipline results in God sending corrective punishment! Then we wake up and get with it, and beg God to save us. The whole purpose is to bring us to our knees and senses.<br />
<br />
<b>Beyond Babylon<br />
</b></span><a href="http://beyondbabylon.blogspot.com/2007/03/beyond-babylon-europes-rise-and-fall.html" style="font-family: verdana;">Chapter 5</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
</span><a href="http://beyondbabylon.blogspot.com/2007/03/beyond-babylon-europes-rise-and-fall.html" style="font-family: verdana;">Europe's Fate</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
<br />
What’s going to happen to Europe? We know what’s going to happen to the American and British peoples, as well as to our Jewish brethren. The coming WORLD CRISIS is prophesied to fall especially hard on them. Why?<br />
<br />
<b>Beyond Babylon<br />
</b></span><a href="http://beyondbabylon.blogspot.com/2007/04/beyond-babylon-europes-rise-and-fall.html" style="font-family: verdana;">Chapter 6</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
</span><a href="http://beyondbabylon.blogspot.com/2007/04/beyond-babylon-europes-rise-and-fall.html" style="font-family: verdana;">Jesus and the Jews</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
<br />
Why don't the Jews accept Jesus?" I've been asked that so many times. My usual reply? "Why haven't the Christians?" At least the Jews are waiting for the proper imperial restoration. The Messiah's coming to sit on DAVID'S THRONE - not Caesar's or "St. Peter's." The Anointed One's going to rule from JERUSALEM - not Rome!<br />
<br />
<b>Beyond Babylon<br />
</b></span><a href="http://beyondbabylon.blogspot.com/2007/05/beyond-babylon-europes-rise-and-fall_31.html" style="font-family: verdana;">Chapter 7</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
</span><a href="http://beyondbabylon.blogspot.com/2007/05/beyond-babylon-europes-rise-and-fall_31.html" style="font-family: verdana;">Elijah's Key Role</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
<br />
Israel's about to host the greatest showdown on earth! A spiritual conflict of interests will create such a scene in Jerusalem that the whole world will watch! Zion will be an arena of prophets and sorcerers, warriors and kings! The forces of good and evil are set to duel: the sons of light will battle the sons of darkness, and truth will confront error head-on!<br />
<br />
</span><br />
<div align="center" style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 85%;"><img border="0" src="http://www.publishamerica.com/greetingcardpro/images/big/1413750575.jpg" /> </span></div><a href="http://www.publishamerica.com/greetingcardpro/createcard1.asp?PostCardID=7004" style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
</a>David Ben-Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02271443642557427428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19528757.post-73106020379405650672011-02-10T05:12:00.000-08:002011-02-10T05:12:02.492-08:00Open Europe<span style="color: #02243d; font-family: trebuchet ms,arial,sans-serif;">Open <span style="color: white;">Europe</span></span> <br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.3;"> <h2> Europe</h2><strong>Axel Weber pulls out of race to become ECB President</strong><br />
It is widely reported that German Bundesbank Chief Axel Weber has decided to withdraw his candidacy for the position of President of the European Central Bank, although the <em>FT</em> reports that, according to Bundesbank sources, Weber has only announced that he will not serve a second term as Germany’s Central Bank governor, while keeping the ECB option open. An article in the <em>WSJ</em> quotes an EU official saying that he might opt for a top job at Deutsche Bank.<br />
The reasons for the withdrawal remain unclear. <em>Reuters</em> reports that Weber has ruled himself out after being told by the German government that he didn’t have the support of enough countries. <em>La Tribune</em> suggests that Germany might have agreed to give up the ECB’s top post in exchange for France’s support for the “pact for competitiveness” and quotes a senior German official saying: “We can’t deal with the ECB presidency now: we first want to reinforce the stability of the euro by the end of March.”<br />
<em>FAZ</em> quotes a German government source saying that Merkel “will not send another German into the arena.” Italy’s Central Bank Governor Mario Draghi is widely seen as Trichet’s likely successor.<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c81c/4258551728/VEsH/" target="_blank" title="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB40001424052748704858404576134492318054356.html#mod=todays_europe_front_section"><br />
WSJ</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c81d/4258551728/VEsE/" target="_blank" title="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB40001424052748704858404576134342184410396.html#mod=todays_europe_front_section">WSJ: Smith</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c812/4258551728/VEsF/" target="_blank" title="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB40001424052748704858404576133791059156816.html#mod=todays_europe_front_section">WSJ</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c813/4258551728/VEsC/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/b1d5e804-3493-11e0-9ebc-00144feabdc0.html%23axzz1DGHFifGD">FT</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c810/4258551728/VEsD/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/7a469610-3450-11e0-993f-00144feabdc0.html%23axzz1DGHFifGD">FT 2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c811/4258551728/VEsA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.europeanvoice.com/article/imported/weber-not-seeking-role-as-ecb-president/70194.aspx">European Voice</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c816/4258551728/VEsB/" target="_blank" title="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/10/business/global/10weber.html?_r=1&ref=global">IHT</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c817/4258551728/VEsO/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2011/0210/1224289431264.html">Irish Times</a><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c814/4258551728/VEsP/" target="_blank" title="http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/feb/09/ecb-succession-axel-weber-jean-claude-trichet">Guardian</a><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c815/4258551728/VEsHBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/business/economics/article2905734.ece">Times</a><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c82a/4258551728/VEsHBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.elpais.com/articulo/economia/Aleman/malo/aleman/bueno/elpepieco/20110210elpepieco_2/Tes">El Pais: Vidal-Folch</a><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c82b/4258551728/VEsHBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.elpais.com/articulo/economia/pelea/presidencia/BCE/abre/posible/retirada/Weber/elpepieco/20110210elpepieco_4/Tes">El Pais</a><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c828/4258551728/VEsHBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.latribune.fr/actualites/economie/international/20110209trib000600057/berlin-sacrifie-axel-weber-pour-pousser-son-pacte-de-competitivite.html">La Tribune</a><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c829/4258551728/VEsHAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.independent.ie/business/european/euro-market-in-chaos-as-webers-ecb-presidential-ambitions-fade-2533330.html">Irish Independent</a><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c82e/4258551728/VEsHAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lesechos.fr/economie-politique/monde/actu/0201138054450-bce-axel-weber-ne-serait-pas-candidat-a-la-succession-de-trichet.htm http://www.independent.ie/business/european/euro-market-in-chaos-as-webers-ecb-presidential-ambitions-fade-2533330.html">Les Echos</a><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c82f/4258551728/VEsHAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lemonde.fr/economie/article/2011/02/10/succession-a-la-bce-berlin-embarrasse-par-la-defection-de-son-candidat_1477774_3234.html http://www.independent.ie/business/european/euro-market-in-chaos-as-webers-ecb-presidential-ambitions-fade-2533330.h">Le Monde</a><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c82c/4258551728/VEsHAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.faz.net/s/Rub0E9EEF84AC1E4A389A8DC6C23161FE44/Doc~EC9B1A9B287EC42BE9C7546549799E027~ATpl~Ecommon~Scontent.html">FAZ</a><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c82d/4258551728/VEsHDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.sueddeutsche.de/geld/axel-weber-abgang-ohne-glanz-1.1057884">Süddeutsche Zeitung</a><br />
<strong>Writing on <em>Conservative Home, </em>David Davis MP argues that “Today's vote on prisoners' rights is an historic opportunity to draw a line in the sand on European power.” In the <em>Times</em>, Jack Straw MP writes, “There is no democratic override of [the] Strasbourg [Court of Human Rights’] decisions; no practical way in which its unilateral extension of jurisdiction can be corrected.”</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c822/4258551728/VEsHDA/" target="_blank" title="http://openeuropeblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/what-will-be-consequences-of-legal.html"><br />
Open Europe blog</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c823/4258551728/VEsEBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.openeurope.org.uk/research/EUECHRprisoners.pdf">Open Europe briefing</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c820/4258551728/VEsEBA/" target="_blank" title="http://conservativehome.blogs.com/platform/2011/02/david-davis-todays-vote-on-prisoners-rights-is-an-historic-opportunity-to-draw-a-line-in-the-sand-on.html blocked::http://conservativehome.blogs.com/platform/2011/02/david-davis-todays-vote-on-prisoners-r">Conservative Home: Davis</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c821/4258551728/VEsEBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.johnredwoodsdiary.com/2011/02/10/votes-for-prisoners-and-parliamentary-sovereignty/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+JohnRedwoodsDiary+%28John+Redwood%27s+Diary%29&utm_content=Google+Reader blocked::http://www.johnredw">John Redwood's diary</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c826/4258551728/VEsEBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/opinion/columnists/article2905435.ece blocked::http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/opinion/columnists/article2905435.ece">Times: Straw</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c827/4258551728/VEsEAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/law/columnists/article2905299.ece blocked::http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/law/columnists/article2905299.ece">Times: Pannick</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c824/4258551728/VEsEAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/gavinhewitt/2011/02/human_rights_and_the_will_of_t.html blocked::http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/gavinhewitt/2011/02/human_rights_and_the_will_of_t.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/gavinhewitt/20">BBC: Hewitt</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c825/4258551728/VEsEAw/" target="_blank" title="http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_9393000/9393013.stm blocked::http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_9393000/9393013.stm http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_9393000/9393013.stm">BBC: Today</a><br />
<strong>Merkel accused of bypassing German MPs on 'competitiveness pact'</strong><br />
<em>Die Welt</em> reports that Germany’s CDU ruling party has drafted a position paper on the single currency in an attempt to counter growing internal divisions on how to stabilise the euro. While the coalition’s junior partner, the FDP, has long opposed expanding the rescue package, tensions are now also building within the CDU itself, which reportedly resulted in a “heavy exchange of blows” within the party. The paper notes that FDP finance spokesman Hermann Otto Solms has warned the government that if new proposals for the eurozone go too far, it will not be guaranteed a majority in the Bundestag.<br />
<em>EurActiv</em> reports that opposition MPs and MPs from junior coalition partner FDP are claiming that German Chancellor Angela Merkel broke the law by proposing the ‘pact for competitiveness’ at the EU summit last Friday. A German Constitutional Court ruling on the Lisbon Treaty in 2009 stated that the Bundestag has a right to be more involved in EU affairs.<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c83a/4258551728/VEsEAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/article12491734/Der-Versuch-den-Euro-zu-retten-macht-Merkel-nervoes.html"><br />
Welt</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c83b/4258551728/VEsEDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.euractiv.com/en/euro-finance/merkel-faces-internal-critics-competitiveness-pact-news-502042">EurActiv</a><br />
<strong>EU’s two parliaments cost taxpayers €180m with an annual carbon footprint of 19,000 tonnes</strong><br />
A report commissioned by MEPs released today reveals that the European Parliament’s second Strasbourg seat costs taxpayers €180m a year with an annual carbon footprint of 19.000 tonnes. A survey of MEPs and assistants by Zurich University shows that 88% want the EP to have the right to decide where it meets, with 91% preferring the Brussels building. If the European Parliament had a single seat, 317 full-time staff posts could be abolished, according to the report. Hotels in Strasbourg have also been accused of profiteering by increasing prices when MEPs are in town.<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c838/4258551728/VEsEDA/" target="_blank" title="http://brusselsstrasbourgstudy.eu/3.html"><br />
Brussels-Strasbourg Seat Study Group report</a><br />
<strong>Markets’ need for EFSF news raises stakes around EU talks</strong><br />
The <em>WSJ</em> reports that the decision by eurozone leaders to meet on 11 March has increased market expectations that a concrete eurozone rescue package will be agreed. “By calling the extra meeting, they are really putting pressure on themselves," said Simon Penn, market analyst at UBS<br />
Meanwhile, the first IMF review of Ireland’s progress following its bailout agreement was broadly positive, stating that Ireland was experiencing an “export lead recovery” but noted that the banks remained “under stress”. In an interview with the <em>FT,</em> Lorenzo Bini Smaghi, an ECB executive board member, has said that a debt default “would be quite dramatic for the Greek people”. He recommended that Greece stick to the current plan but did not rule out a renegotiation of the bailout terms.<br />
Portuguese bond yields hit a record high of 7.63% yesterday, following a recent rally, amid growing fears that eurozone leaders will fail to create a credible eurozone rescue plan by the March deadline. The ECB restarted its purchases of Portuguese bonds today.<br />
An editorial in the <em>Irish Times</em> argues, “The European troika should realise that we live in a parliamentary democracy and politicians do compete for votes in elections. In a State where our independence was hard won, the bailout is not simply a financial issue. We have to be given space to come to terms with our loss of economic sovereignty”. An article in the <em>Irish Independent</em> by columnist Brendan Keenan argues, “Forget the election, we know who will really be in charge”.<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c839/4258551728/VEsFBQ/" target="_blank">Irish Times: editorial</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c83e/4258551728/VEsFBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/emmet-oliver-europeans-are-missing-the-real-corporation-tax-battle-2533468.html">Irish Independent: Oliver</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c83f/4258551728/VEsFBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.independent.ie/opinion/columnists/brendan-keenan/brendan-keenan-forget-the-election-we-know-who-will-really-be-in-charge-2533318.html">Irish Independent: Keenan</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c83c/4258551728/VEsFBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/state-of-emergency-some-truths-on-the-funds-keeping-our-banks-afloat-2533375.html">Irish Independent</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c83d/4258551728/VEsFAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lefigaro.fr/mon-figaro/2011/02/09/10001-20110209ARTFIG00634-pacte-de-competitivite-gage-de-paix-sociale.php">Le Figaro: Robin</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c832/4258551728/VEsFAA/" target="_blank" title="http://lecercle.lesechos.fr/node/33294">Les Echos: Verhofstadt</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c833/4258551728/VEsFAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.euractiv.fr/verhofstadt-denonce-directoire-franco-allemand-article">Euractiv France</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c830/4258551728/VEsFAg/" target="_blank" title="http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20110209-706901.html">Dow Jones</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c831/4258551728/VEsFDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lemonde.fr/depeches/2011/02/09/zone-euro-le-pacte-de-competitivite-suscite-l-ire-des-deputes-allemands_3214_236_44357266.html">AFP</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c836/4258551728/VEsFDA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.independent.ie/national-news/bailout-targets-threatened-by-political-squabbling-2533423.html">Irish Independent</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c837/4258551728/VEsCBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/frontpage/2011/0210/1224289432277.html">Irish Times</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c834/4258551728/VEsCBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/opinion/2011/0210/1224289432457.html">Irish Times 2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c835/4258551728/VEsCBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2011/0210/1224289431308.html">Irish Times 3</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c84a/4258551728/VEsCBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2011/0210/1224289431300.html">Irish Times 4</a><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c84b/4258551728/VEsCAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/660edbae-3468-11e0-993f-00144feabdc0.html%23axzz1DGHFifGD">FT</a><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c848/4258551728/VEsCAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.openeurope.org.uk/research/greekrestructuring.pdf">Open Europe research</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c849/4258551728/VEsCAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/a04f8e08-3472-11e0-9ebc-00144feabdc0,s01=1.html%23axzz1DGHFifGD">FT 2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c84e/4258551728/VEsCAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/02/10/markets-bonds-portugal-idUSLDE7190G020110210">Reuters</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c84f/4258551728/VEsCDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.expansion.com/2011/02/10/mercados/1297326767.html">Expansión</a><br />
<strong>Northern Ireland</strong><strong> policing powers to be overhauled following European Court of Justice ruling</strong><br />
The <em>Irish Times</em> reports the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s (PSNI) powers to search people at random are to be overhauled by Northern Ireland Secretary of State Owen Paterson, after they were ruled illegal by the European Court of Justice last year. In 2009, the PSNI stepped up searches as efforts to tackle dissident republicans intensified.<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c84c/4258551728/VEsCDA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0210/1224289432568.html">Irish Times</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c822/4258551728/VEsDBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://openeuropeblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/what-will-be-consequences-of-legal.html">Open Europe blog</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c823/4258551728/VEsDBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.openeurope.org.uk/research/EUECHRprisoners.pdf">Open Europe briefing</a><br />
<strong>The <em>Mail</em> reports on the “UK’s most useless wind turbine” which cost £130,000 in subsidies last year despite only generating electricity worth £100,000. Britain has around 3,000 wind turbines. Another 10,000 will go up over the next nine years to meet EU climate change targets.</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c84d/4258551728/VEsDBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1355419/Britains-useless-wind-turbine-Costs-30-000-raise-electricity.html#ixzz1DXtVkj4o"><br />
Mail</a><br />
<strong>Egypt rejects visit from Baroness Ashton</strong><br />
<em>EUobserver </em>reports that according to a senior EU official, the Egyptian authorities have requested that EU Foreign Minister Baroness Catherine Ashton not visit Egypt saying, "The foreign minister has said he doesn't want visitors in Cairo in February because their calendar is too heavily loaded”. Meanwhile, <em>EUobserver</em> reports on a recent survey by Burson Marsteller revealing that 62% of respondents rate the Barroso II Commission’s overall performance as “average or below” average. The <em>Times</em> reports that EU Foreign Minister Baroness Catherine Ashton came bottom of a list rating EU Commissioners according to “overall performance” and “achievement of commitments”. 25% of respondents identified themselves as EU officials.<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c842/4258551728/VEsDBg/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31782"><br />
EUobserver</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c843/4258551728/VEsDAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/katherine-butler-europes-betrayal-of-the-arab-awakening-2209675.html">Independent: Butler </a><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c840/4258551728/VEsDAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/world/europe/article2905478.ece">Times</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c841/4258551728/VEsDAw/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31780">EUobserver</a><br />
<strong>The EU is planning to introduce tougher capital rules for OTC derivatives trading, according to a consultation paper presented by EU Internal Market Commissioner Michel Barnier in Brussels yesterday.</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c846/4258551728/VEsDAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.boerse-express.com/pages/936924"><br />
Boerse-Express</a><br />
<strong>The <em>WSJ</em> reports that EU Internal Market Commissioner Michel Barnier has said the EU will use its new supervisory powers to ensure that banks do not return to a risky bank-bonus culture. Barnier also said he is considering measures to increase female representation on boards of financial sector companies.</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c847/4258551728/VEsDDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB40001424052748704858404576134471128330408.html#mod=todays_europe_front_section"><br />
WSJ</a><br />
<strong>Speaking at the European Parliament yesterday, the UK’s Prince Charles argued that climate change sceptics are playing “a reckless game of roulette with the future inheritance of those who come after us".</strong><br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c844/4258551728/VEsDDA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12403292">BBC</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c845/4258551728/VEsABQ/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31778">EUobserver</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c85a/4258551728/VEsABA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/228200/Anger-over-Prince-Charles-s-climate-change-blast">Express</a><br />
<h2> New on the Open Europe blog</h2><strong>What will be the consequences of the legal patchwork of European human rights?</strong><br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c822/4258551728/VEsABw/" target="_blank">Open Europe blog</a><br />
<strong>Van Rompuy’s comments reminiscent of the Politburo?</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c85b/4258551728/VEsABg/" target="_blank"><br />
Open Europe blog</a></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
<hr /><br />
Open Europe is an independent think tank campaigning for radical reform of the EU. For information on our research, events and other activities, please visit our website: <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c858/4258551728/VEsAAQ/" target="_blank">openeurope.org.uk</a>, follow us on twitter <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f04/1ba8c0bb/80b41c5/7c55c859/4258551728/VEsAAA/" target="_blank">@OpenEurope</a> or call us on +44 (0) 207 1972333 (London) and +32 (0) 2 5408625 (Brussels).<br />
</span>David Ben-Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02271443642557427428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19528757.post-53572386208423296782011-02-09T05:31:00.001-08:002011-02-09T05:31:55.218-08:00Open Europe<span style="color: #02243d; font-family: trebuchet ms,arial,sans-serif;">Open <span style="color: white;">Europe</span></span> <br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.3;"> <h2> Europe</h2><strong>New Open Europe briefing: Prisoners’ right to vote. The blurred line between the European Convention on Human Rights and the European Union</strong>Open Europe has published a new briefing highlighting how human rights law is now locked at the European level in two separate, but linked, forms: the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and the EU. The briefing shows that even if the UK decided to withdraw from the ECHR, it may still remain subject to the rulings of Strasbourg judges, since the EU has its own Charter of Fundamental Rights and is set to join the ECHR as a separate entity.<br />
If it wanted to avoid potential conflicts between national law and European human rights law – including on prisoners’ voting rights – the Government would therefore have to seek cast-iron opt-outs from both the ECHR and the EU’s Charter of Fundamental Rights.<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f03/1ba8c0bb/80b6e08/7c55c8fa/2980916262/VEsH/" target="_blank">Open Europe briefing</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f03/1ba8c0bb/80b6e08/7c55c8fb/2980916262/VEsE/" target="_blank">Open Europe press release </a><br />
<strong>Special eurozone meeting set for mid-March;<br />
EU Commissioner to propose common corporate tax base “very soon”</strong>It is widely reported that an extraordinary meeting of eurozone leaders will take place around 11 March. The meeting has been set as the deadline for the group to reach a consensus on issues such as the expansion of the eurozone rescue fund and the Franco-German “pact for competitiveness”, with the final proposal due to be unveiled at the end of March.<br />
<em>EUobserver </em>reports that yesterday, following a speech by European Council President Herman Van Rompuy in the European Parliament, German Green MEP Rebecca Harms likened his declarations to the statements made by the “Politbureau”, the main decision-making body in the Soviet Union. "No matter how meagre the results are, we always get reports of how smooth everything went. We need more honest declarations which pinpoint the problems," she said.<br />
The <em>Irish Independent</em> reports that the new government-appointed chairman of Anglo Irish Bank, Alan Dukes, warned yesterday that Ireland will have to go to the IMF or EU for another €15bn to sure up the banking system.<em>El País</em> reports that, according to figures published yesterday by the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Trade, in 2010 Spain lost 0.3% of its competitiveness relative to its eurozone partners.<br />
A report released on Monday by the Bruegel think-tank concludes “that Greece has become insolvent and that further lending without a significant enough debt reduction is not a viable strategy.” The report suggests that the current proposals on the table for restructuring Greek debt would be insufficient.<br />
Meanwhile, EU Taxation Commissioner Algirdas Semeta said yesterday that he intends to table proposals “very soon” to introduce a common corporate tax base in the EU.<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f03/1ba8c0bb/80b6e08/7c55c8f8/2980916262/VEsF/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31777">EUobserver</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f03/1ba8c0bb/80b6e08/7c55c8f9/2980916262/VEsC/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31772">EUobserver 2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f03/1ba8c0bb/80b6e08/7c55c8fe/2980916262/VEsD/" target="_blank" title="http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5i0NvqofSVplYSzh4VwXXg7P3WLcQ?docId=CNG.6bd2b84f308e02c65ed7cf30cebc7a1a.a01">AFP</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f03/1ba8c0bb/80b6e08/7c55c8ff/2980916262/VEsA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2011/0209/1224289344807.html">Irish Times</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f03/1ba8c0bb/80b6e08/7c55c8fc/2980916262/VEsB/" target="_blank" title="http://blogs.ft.com/money-supply/2011/02/08/bruegel-sees-greece-rescheduling-debt/">FT Money Supply Blog</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f03/1ba8c0bb/80b6e08/7c55c8fd/2980916262/VEsO/" target="_blank" title="http://blogs.ft.com/brusselsblog/2011/02/greek-debt-and-the-grand-bargain/">FT Brussels Blog</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f03/1ba8c0bb/80b6e08/7c55c8f2/2980916262/VEsP/" target="_blank" title="http://www.independent.ie/national-news/dukes-we-need-euro15bn-more-to-save-the-banks-anglo-chief-warns-we-face-asking-imf-for-extra-40pc-2531404.html">Irish Independent</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f03/1ba8c0bb/80b6e08/7c55c8f3/2980916262/VEsHBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/02/08/ireland-ecb-idUSLDE7172ER20110208">Reuters</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f03/1ba8c0bb/80b6e08/7c55c8f0/2980916262/VEsHBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/imfeu-plan-forces-state-to-come-clean-on-its-loans-2531487.html">Irish Independent 2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f03/1ba8c0bb/80b6e08/7c55c8f1/2980916262/VEsHBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.euractiv.com/en/euro-finance/berlin-paris-open-compromise-economic-pact-news-502003">EurActiv</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f03/1ba8c0bb/80b6e08/7c55c8f6/2980916262/VEsHBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/frontpage/2011/0209/1224289346502.html">Irish Times</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f03/1ba8c0bb/80b6e08/7c55c8f7/2980916262/VEsHAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lemonde.fr/depeches/2011/02/08/junker-l-euro-va-survivre-et-la-grece-sera-parmi-les-survivants_3214_236_44349347.html">AFP: Juncker</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f03/1ba8c0bb/80b6e08/7c55c8f4/2980916262/VEsHAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lemonde.fr/depeches/2011/02/08/pacte-economique-franco-allemand-la-belgique-critique-la-methode_3214_236_44348213.html">AFP: Vanackere</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f03/1ba8c0bb/80b6e08/7c55c8f5/2980916262/VEsHAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lemonde.fr/depeches/2011/02/08/impot-sur-les-societes-bruxelles-proposera-bientot-une-assiette-commune_3214_236_44350297.html">AFP: Semeta</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f03/1ba8c0bb/80b6e08/7c55c80a/2980916262/VEsHAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.elpais.com/articulo/economia/Espana/pierde/competitividad/respecto/socios/euro/elpepieco/20110209elpepieco_9/Tes">El Pais 2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f03/1ba8c0bb/80b6e08/7c55c80b/2980916262/VEsHDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.faz.net/p/Rub867F03D44419425ABE6DCC0E9D5A8505/Dx1~E6421063714bac5cb14663a77d7407b25~ATpl~Ecommon~Scontent.html blocked::http://www.faz.net/p/Rub867F03D44419425ABE6DCC0E9D5A8505/Dx1~E6421063714bac5cb14663a77d7407b25~ATpl~Ecommon~Scontent.html">FAZ</a><br />
<strong>Eurozone comment round-up</strong>In the <em>Irish Independent</em>, economic commentator David McWilliams argues: “Germany and France want to introduce a common corporate tax rate and rules about government spending. They are trying to make Europe look more and more like Germany. But these are the concerns of creditor countries, with old populations who are in the business of wealth preservation. Countries like this need slow steady growth and low or no inflation – both designed to make savers richer. This is all very well if you are owed money. In contrast, if you owe money these policies will make your predicament untenable.”<br />
In the <em>Times</em>, Anatole Kaletsky writes: “The proposed harmonisation of tax, labour and pension policies has no direct relevance to the euro crisis and will do nothing to make Greece or Ireland more credit-worthy […] In short, last week’s proposals were not so much an attempt to solve the euro crisis as an effort to exploit it to advance the eurofederalist agenda that had been stalled for years.”<br />
In an interview with <em>Der Spiegel</em>, Mohamed El-Erian – CEO of Pimco, the world’s largest bond investor – suggests that Greece will be unable to finance its current debt requirements due to the “typical debt trap” it finds itself in.<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f03/1ba8c0bb/80b6e08/7c55c808/2980916262/VEsHDA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/0,1518,744297,00.html">Spiegel: El-Erian</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f03/1ba8c0bb/80b6e08/7c55c809/2980916262/VEsEBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/opinion/columnists/anatolekaletsky/article2904197.ece">Times: Kaletsky</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f03/1ba8c0bb/80b6e08/7c55c80e/2980916262/VEsEBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.independent.ie/opinion/analysis/forget-the-tv-sideshow-we-must-focus-on-europe-2531342.html">Irish Independent: McWilliams</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f03/1ba8c0bb/80b6e08/7c55c80f/2980916262/VEsEBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/gavinhewitt/2011/02/frayed_nerves_despite_eurozone.html">BBC: Hewitt</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f03/1ba8c0bb/80b6e08/7c55c80c/2980916262/VEsEBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/08/opinion/08tue2.html">IHT: leader</a><br />
<strong>Commissioner calls for limited increase in EU institutions’ administrative expenditure</strong><br />
EU Budget Commissioner Janusz Lewandowski has sent a letter to all EU institutions and agencies calling for them to cap the nominal increase in internal expenses in 2012 to less than 1%. <em>La Tribune</em> quotes Patrizio Fiorilli, a spokesman for Commissioner Lewandowski, admitting: “This is above all a symbolic measure, because we can’t touch cohesion funds or farm subsidies.”<br />
<em>EUobserver</em> reports that MEPs intend to write back to Lewandowski arguing that they will not be able to meet the 1% target because they need to hire extra staff to carry out new duties under the Lisbon Treaty.<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f03/1ba8c0bb/80b6e08/7c55c80d/2980916262/VEsEAQ/" target="_blank">EUobserver</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f03/1ba8c0bb/80b6e08/7c55c802/2980916262/VEsEAA/" target="_blank">La Tribune</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f03/1ba8c0bb/80b6e08/7c55c803/2980916262/VEsEAw/" target="_blank">Euractiv France</a><br />
<strong>Brazil's Ambassador to the EU says CAP is a “drain” on EU budget</strong><em>The Parliament </em>magazine reports that Ricardo Neiva Tavares, Brazil's Ambassador to the EU, has strongly criticised the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy, arguing: "Currently, agricultural policy takes up about half of the EU budget even though it accounts for only 4% of EU GDP. This is a real drain on the budget and the EU's ability to invest in those areas that will lead to a more competitive economy in Europe.”<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f03/1ba8c0bb/80b6e08/7c55c800/2980916262/VEsEAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.theparliament.com/latest-news/article/newsarticle/eu-common-agricultural-policy-branded-a-drain/ blocked::http://www.theparliament.com/latest-news/article/newsarticle/eu-common-agricultural-policy-branded-a-drain/ http://www.theparliament.com/l">Parliament</a><br />
<strong>Lobbying continues for Croatia’s EU accession despite rampant political corruption</strong>In a comment piece for <em>EUobserver</em>, Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy of the Adriatic Institute for Public Policy note that Austria and Germany are lobbying hard to accelerate Croatia’s accession to the EU, despite the fact that the 2010 EU Progress Report warns of rampant political corruption and an unreformed judiciary. They argue: “Nearly €4 billion of EU taxpayer funds are being prepared as a hand-out for Croatia's politicians to spend when the candidate country joins the EU. Brussels is sending an unconditional €472 million in pre-accession aid to Croatia. Funds would be better used by deploying visiting judges and prosecutors from countries with a strong rule of law tradition to assist in creating Croatia's independent judiciary.”<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f03/1ba8c0bb/80b6e08/7c55c801/2980916262/VEsEDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31743">EUobserver</a><br />
<strong>EU Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Füle said yesterday that the Commission’s review of the EU’s Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy will consider the recent Tunisian revolution, with a possible increase in funds in return for pledges of reform, reports <em>El País</em>.</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f03/1ba8c0bb/80b6e08/7c55c806/2980916262/VEsEDA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Union/Europea/ultima/programa/ayuda/transicion/Tunez/Egipto/elpepiint/20110209elpepiint_11/Tes">El Pais</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f03/1ba8c0bb/80b6e08/7c55c807/2980916262/VEsFBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/921746b4-33aa-11e0-b1ed-00144feabdc0.html%23axzz1DGHFifGD">FT</a><br />
<strong>Writing in the <em>Express</em>, former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe urges caution in the debate about whether Britain ought to leave the EU, arguing: “I know what we would be running from but not what we would be embracing. A planned and regretful divorce is one thing but an impetuous departure leaving the future to chance is quite another.”</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f03/1ba8c0bb/80b6e08/7c55c804/2980916262/VEsFBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/227948/Convince-me-that-it-s-right-to-quit-Europe blocked::http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/227948/Convince-me-that-it-s-right-to-quit-Europe">Express: Widdecombe</a><br />
<strong><em>Il Corriere della Sera </em></strong><strong>reports that prosecutors in Milan will today make a formal request that Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi immediately go on trial for allegedly having relations with an underage prostitute.</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f03/1ba8c0bb/80b6e08/7c55c805/2980916262/VEsFBw/" target="_blank">Corriere della Sera</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f03/1ba8c0bb/80b6e08/7c55c81a/2980916262/VEsFBg/" target="_blank">La Repubblica</a><br />
<h2> New on the Open Europe blog</h2><strong>EU leaders’ reactions to the Franco-German plan for stronger economic governance in the eurozone: Saying ‘nein’ to Angie - Part II</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f03/1ba8c0bb/80b6e08/7c55c81b/2980916262/VEsFAQ/" target="_blank">Open Europe blog</a></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
<hr /><br />
Open Europe is an independent think tank campaigning for radical reform of the EU. For information on our research, events and other activities, please visit our website: <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f03/1ba8c0bb/80b6e08/7c55c818/2980916262/VEsFAA/" target="_blank">openeurope.org.uk</a>, follow us on twitter <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f03/1ba8c0bb/80b6e08/7c55c819/2980916262/VEsFAw/" target="_blank">@OpenEurope</a> or call us on +44 (0) 207 1972333 (London) and +32 (0) 2 5408625 (Brussels).</span>David Ben-Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02271443642557427428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19528757.post-18500838568770841072011-02-08T05:30:00.000-08:002011-02-08T05:30:28.181-08:00Open Europe<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">Europe</span><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Tensions continue over Franco-German eurozone pact;</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Polish PM to Merkel: “Are the rest of us standing in your way?”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s proposal for more fiscal and economic harmonisation within the eurozone continues to provoke resistance. <i>Spiegel</i> reports that yesterday </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that Poland has “fundamental doubts regarding the method” of the plan. The paper notes that Tusk “personally attacked” Merkel saying, “Why do you have to demonstrate a division? Are the rest of us standing in your way?” <i><span style="color: black;">Reuters</span></i><span style="color: black;"> quotes Bundesbank Head Axel Weber saying the plan <span class="apple-style-span">left "too much room for discretion in interpreting and applying the rules of the [Growth and Stability Pact].”</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">European Voice</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> reports that yesterday European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet told MEPs that forcing investors to take losses by restructuring national debt would only benefit speculators. He also <span style="color: black;">reiterated that renegotiation of the terms of the Greek and Irish bail-outs is unlikely. </span><span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Open Europe’s Pieter Cleppe appeared on <i>CNBC</i> arguing, "Basically what you see is a discussion between the German and the French bloc within the Eurozone. France represents Spain and other periphery countries and wants more transfers." He continued, "Inflation in Germany is the big story and this will raise calls in Germany for higher interest rates, putting the eurozone more under strain”. An article in <i>Forbes</i> magazine notes that Open Europe calls the EU “a de facto debt union”.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite said Lithuania <span class="highlightedsearchterm">could</span> <span class="highlightedsearchterm">delay</span> its <span class="highlightedsearchterm">euro</span>zone entry beyond its <span class="highlightedsearchterm">2014</span> <span class="highlightedsearchterm">target</span> to avoid having to cut state pensions, reports <i>EUbusiness</i>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f02/1ba8c0bb/80b9a50/7c55c8ca/1455053261/VEsH/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lesechos.fr/entreprises-secteurs/finance-marches/actu/0201131338857-le-portugal-lance-un-emprunt-obligataire-a-5-ans.htm"><span style="color: blue;">Les Echos</span></a> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f02/1ba8c0bb/80b9a50/7c55c8cb/1455053261/VEsE/" target="_blank" title="http://www.cnbc.com/id/15839263/site/14081545/?tabid=15839797&tabheader=false"><span style="color: blue;">CNBC</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f02/1ba8c0bb/80b9a50/7c55c8c8/1455053261/VEsF/" target="_blank" title="http://www.elpais.com/articulo/economia/Merkel/augura/duras/negociaciones/cerrar/pacto/competitividad/elpepieco/20110208elpepieco_4/Tes"><span style="color: blue;">El Pais 2</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f02/1ba8c0bb/80b9a50/7c55c8c9/1455053261/VEsC/" target="_blank" title="http://www.europeanvoice.com/article/2011/february/trichet-pledges-to-share-risk-data-with-meps/70179.aspx"><span style="color: blue;">European Voice</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f02/1ba8c0bb/80b9a50/7c55c8ce/1455053261/VEsD/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/080e54fc-32ed-11e0-9a61-00144feabdc0.html%23axzz1DGHFifGD"><span style="color: blue;">FT</span></a> <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f02/1ba8c0bb/80b9a50/7c55c8cf/1455053261/VEsA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/02/07/ecb-weber-pact-idUSFLA7DE7JN20110207"><span style="color: blue;">Reuters</span></a> </span><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f02/1ba8c0bb/80b9a50/7c55c8cc/1455053261/VEsB/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/db740ea6-32e6-11e0-9a61-00144feabdc0.html%23axzz1DGHFifGD"><span style="color: blue;">FT</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f02/1ba8c0bb/80b9a50/7c55c8cd/1455053261/VEsO/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0208/breaking8.html"><span style="color: blue;">Irish Times</span></a> <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f02/1ba8c0bb/80b9a50/7c55c8c2/1455053261/VEsP/" target="_blank" title="http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/banks-pay-less-than-3pc-interest-on-euro51bn-of-emergency-funding-2529378.html"><span style="color: blue;">Irish Independent </span></a><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f02/1ba8c0bb/80b9a50/7c55c8c3/1455053261/VEsHBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/ireland-must-press-ahead-with-cuts-says-trichet-2529475.html"><span style="color: blue;">Irish Independent 2</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f02/1ba8c0bb/80b9a50/7c55c8c0/1455053261/VEsHBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/country-will-not-benefit-from-new-corporate-tax-system-2529380.html"><span style="color: blue;">Irish Independent 3</span></a> </span><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f02/1ba8c0bb/80b9a50/7c55c8c1/1455053261/VEsHBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2011/0208/1224289258019.html"><span style="color: blue;">Irish Times</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f02/1ba8c0bb/80b9a50/7c55c8c6/1455053261/VEsHBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.elpais.com/articulo/economia/Trichet/pide/abrir/debate/quitas/deuda/soberana/elpepieco/20110208elpepieco_3/Tes"><span style="color: blue;">El Pais</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f02/1ba8c0bb/80b9a50/7c55c8c7/1455053261/VEsHAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/lithuania-economy.8ie"><span style="color: blue;">EUbusiness</span></a> <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f02/1ba8c0bb/80b9a50/7c55c8c4/1455053261/VEsHAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lemonde.fr/depeches/2011/02/07/l-adoption-de-l-euro-par-la-lituanie-possible-apres-2014-presidente_3214_236_44341218.html"><span style="color: blue;">AFP</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f02/1ba8c0bb/80b9a50/7c55c8c5/1455053261/VEsHAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.euractiv.fr/pacte-competitivite-paris-berlin-pressent-varsovie-article"><span style="color: blue;">Euractiv France</span></a> </span><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f02/1ba8c0bb/80b9a50/7c55c8da/1455053261/VEsHAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2011/0208/1224289258067.html"><span style="color: blue;">Irish Times</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f02/1ba8c0bb/80b9a50/7c55c8db/1455053261/VEsHDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.rp.pl/artykul/606623.html"><span style="color: blue;">Rzeczpospolita</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f02/1ba8c0bb/80b9a50/7c55c8d8/1455053261/VEsHDA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/soziales/0,1518,743731,00.html"><span style="color: blue;">Spiegel</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f02/1ba8c0bb/80b9a50/7c55c8d9/1455053261/VEsEBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://blogs.wsj.com/new-europe/2011/02/07/france-germany-defend-separate-euro-zone-summits/?mod=rss_WSJBlog&mod=neweurope"><span style="color: blue;">WSJ blog: Sobczyk</span></a> <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f02/1ba8c0bb/80b9a50/7c55c8de/1455053261/VEsEBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lemonde.fr/depeches/2011/02/07/zone-euro-le-socialiste-hollande-refuse-d-abolir-l-indexation-des-salaires_3214_236_44340881.html"><span style="color: blue;">AFP 2</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f02/1ba8c0bb/80b9a50/7c55c8cf/1455053261/VEsEBw/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/02/07/ecb-weber-pact-idUSFLA7DE7JN20110207 http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/02/07/ecb-weber-pact-idUSFLA7DE7JN20110207"><span style="color: blue;">Reuters</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f02/1ba8c0bb/80b9a50/7c55c8df/1455053261/VEsEBg/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Forbes</span></a> </span><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f02/1ba8c0bb/80b9a50/7c55c8d8/1455053261/VEsEAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/soziales/0,1518,743731,00.html"><span style="color: blue;">Spiegel</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">The Foreign and Commonwealth Office launches ‘EU Careers Month’</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) today launches ‘EU Careers Month’. Europe Minister David Lidington is quoted on the FCO website saying, “This campaign aims to increase the number of UK graduates applying for the next round of the EU Civil Service’s recruitment competition. The UK only makes up 6% of the EU’s workforce despite representing 12% of the EU’s population.<span> </span>In last year’s recruitment competition – the assessment taken by graduates to secure a job in one of the EU institutions - the UK produced the lowest number of applicants of all EU member states”.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f02/1ba8c0bb/80b9a50/7c55c8dc/1455053261/VEsEAA/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Telegraph: EU careers site</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f02/1ba8c0bb/80b9a50/7c55c8dd/1455053261/VEsEAw/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">FCO website</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f02/1ba8c0bb/80b9a50/7c55c8d2/1455053261/VEsEAg/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Telegraph</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Nurse skill tests to be overhauled to meet EU freedom of movement rules</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">An article in the <i>Mail</i> notes that skill tests for EU nurses aiming to work in the UK will be overhauled, as they are currently contrary to EU freedom of movement laws. The <i>Telegraph</i> reports that the Health Select Committee has warned that the General Medical Council must ensure that GPs have competent English language skills. The Committee noted, however, it is unclear if language testing can be included as part of regular checks, under EU rules.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f02/1ba8c0bb/80b9a50/7c55c8d3/1455053261/VEsEDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1354695/EU-controls-foreign-nurses-axed-Allowed-work-2-days-testing.html#ixzz1DMCz6Lrs"><span style="color: blue;">Mail</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f02/1ba8c0bb/80b9a50/7c55c8d0/1455053261/VEsEDA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/8308666/Medical-watchdog-must-ensure-that-doctors-can-speak-good-English-MPs-say.html"><span style="color: blue;">Telegraph</span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Environmental groups have attacked the EU over giving loans of €750 to Slovenia’s Sostanj coal-powered energy plant, arguing it is inconsistent with EU policy on carbon emissions. Slovenian officials confirmed that, if built, the plant will likely use up all of Slovenia's permitted emission quota under 2050 goals, reports<i> EUobserver.</i></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f02/1ba8c0bb/80b9a50/7c55c8d1/1455053261/VEsFBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31764 blocked::http://euobserver.com/9/31764 http://euobserver.com/9/31764"><span style="color: blue;">EUobserver</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Le Figaro</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> columnist: the euro weighs on the growth of the Old Continent;</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Eurozone comment round-up</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">In a comment piece in <i>Le Figaro</i>, columnist Yves de Kerdrel argues that the euro “remains a handicap for manufacturers trying to conquer the world. It continues to weigh on the growth of the Old Continent […] Above all, it is increasingly rejected by public opinions, which see it as the cause of the austerity plans they are subject to. But in Paris, as in Berlin, everyone is determined to defend the single currency, not for its usefulness, but for what it represents.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">In an opinion piece in <i>Handelsblatt</i>, Czech President Vaclav Klaus argues, “<span class="longtext">Everyone wanted the opening of Europe, the general liberalisation of life and the economy and the removal of the barriers […] What happened after that - the artificial unification, harmonisation and centralisation from above - not all us wanted this. </span>Europe will never become a nation, and it is pointless to try to eliminate the nation-states”.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Handelsblatt’s</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> Brussels correspondent Ruth Berschens notes that many people mistakenly are not taking the Franco-German pact for competitiveness seriously. “In Europe, the last bastions of national sovereignty in economic and social policy will fall”, she concludes.<span style="color: black;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">An editorial in the <i>WSJ</i> argues, “Angela Merkel wants the nations of Europe to get competitive. But the German Chancellor would rather get there without any of these nations competing with each other”. An editorial in the <i>FT</i> argues, “Regrettably, the proposals have nothing to say about expanding the European single market, the most important motor of economic growth and integration that the EU has ever designed.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f02/1ba8c0bb/80b9a50/7c55c8d6/1455053261/VEsFBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/94f150c2-32fc-11e0-9a61-00144feabdc0.html%23axzz1DGHFifGD"><span style="color: blue;">FT: editorial</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f02/1ba8c0bb/80b9a50/7c55c8d7/1455053261/VEsFBw/" target="_blank" title="http://ftalphaville.ft.com/blog/2011/02/07/480586/efsf-mission-creep-a-collateral-story/"><span style="color: blue;">FT Alphaville</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f02/1ba8c0bb/80b9a50/7c55c8d4/1455053261/VEsFBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lefigaro.fr/mon-figaro/2011/02/07/10001-20110207ARTFIG00602-la-chronique-d-yves-de-kerdrel.php"><span style="color: blue;">Le Figaro: de Kerdrel</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f02/1ba8c0bb/80b9a50/7c55c8d5/1455053261/VEsFAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lemonde.fr/idees/article/2011/02/07/l-euro-selon-angela-merkel_1476123_3232.html"><span style="color: blue;">Le Monde: Pisani-Ferry</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f02/1ba8c0bb/80b9a50/7c55c8ea/1455053261/VEsFAA/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">WSJ: editorial</span></a> <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f02/1ba8c0bb/80b9a50/7c55c8eb/1455053261/VEsFAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.handelsblatt.com/meinung/kommentar-politik/euro-gipfel-merkel-und-sarkozy-meinen-es-ernst;2747410 blocked::http://www.handelsblatt.com/meinung/kommentar-politik/euro-gipfel-merkel-und-sarkozy-meinen-es-ernst;2747410 http://www.handelsblatt.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Handelsblatt: Berschens</span></a></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">During yesterday’s hearing of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, a retired Swedish judge Brita Sundberg-Weitman said she believes the issuing of a European Arrest Warrant for his arrest is “disproportionate”, reports the <i>Guardian</i>.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f02/1ba8c0bb/80b9a50/7c55c8e8/1455053261/VEsFAg/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Guardian</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">In the <i>Irish Times</i>, Arthur Beesley notes that the eurozone crisis is overshadowing the EU’s urgent energy supply problem, reporting that the EU currently imports more than half of its oil and gas supplies, a proportion that would rise to 70% in 2030 if nothing changes.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f02/1ba8c0bb/80b9a50/7c55c8e9/1455053261/VEsFDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2011/0208/1224289258154.html"><span style="color: blue;">Irish Times</span></a> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Polish President Bronisław Komorowski has invited Russia to join future meetings of the Weimar Triangle group, comprising of Poland, Germany and France, as a way of strengthening Moscow's ties with the EU.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f02/1ba8c0bb/80b9a50/7c55c8ee/1455053261/VEsFDA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.euractiv.com/en/future-eu/poland-invites-russia-weimar-triangle-news-501974 blocked::http://www.euractiv.com/en/future-eu/poland-invites-russia-weimar-triangle-news-501974 http://www.euractiv.com/en/future-eu/poland-invites-russia-weimar-triang"><span style="color: blue;">EurActiv</span></a> <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f02/1ba8c0bb/80b9a50/7c55c8ef/1455053261/VEsCBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31768 blocked::http://euobserver.com/9/31768 http://euobserver.com/9/31768"><span style="color: blue;">EUobserver</span></a></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Le Monde</span></i></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> reports that the Hungarian government has accepted to amend its new media law. A first draft of alterations is expected to be presented to the European Commission by 10 February. </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f02/1ba8c0bb/80b9a50/7c55c8ec/1455053261/VEsCBA/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31767"><span style="color: blue;">EUobserver</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f02/1ba8c0bb/80b9a50/7c55c8ed/1455053261/VEsCBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lemonde.fr/europe/article/2011/02/07/la-hongrie-accepte-d-amender-sa-loi-sur-les-medias_1476552_3214.html"><span style="color: blue;">Le Monde</span></a> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f02/1ba8c0bb/80b9a50/7c55c8e2/1455053261/VEsCBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Hungria/somete/Bruselas/reforma/ley/mordaza/elpepuint/20110207elpepuint_12/Tes"><span style="color: blue;">El Pais</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">The <i>Mail</i> reports that the total number of cases pending against the UK at the Strasbourg-based European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) rose from 1,690 in 2009 to 3,172 last year. </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f02/1ba8c0bb/80b9a50/7c55c8e3/1455053261/VEsCAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1354713/7-new-human-rights-cases-UK-day-cost-taxpayer-2bn-year.html#ixzz1DMCSo7Zl"><span style="color: #003399;">Mail</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Under new EU regulations, from Monday factories must equip new cars and small vans with Daytime Running Lights, which automatically switch on when the engine starts, reports <i>El Mundo</i>.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f02/1ba8c0bb/80b9a50/7c55c8e0/1455053261/VEsCAA/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">El Mundo</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">The European Parliament's international trade committee gave its backing yesterday to the EU's free-trade agreement with South Korea.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f02/1ba8c0bb/80b9a50/7c55c8e1/1455053261/VEsCAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.europeanvoice.com/article/2011/february/ep-trade-committee-clears-south-korea-deal/70178.aspx"><span style="color: blue;">European Voice</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
<hr /><br />
Open Europe is an independent think tank campaigning for radical reform of the EU. For information on our research, events and other activities, please visit our website: <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f02/1ba8c0bb/80b9a50/7c55c8e6/1455053261/VEsCAg/" target="_blank">openeurope.org.uk</a>, follow us on twitter <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f02/1ba8c0bb/80b9a50/7c55c8e7/1455053261/VEsCDQ/" target="_blank">@OpenEurope</a> or call us on +44 (0) 207 1972333 (London) and +32 (0) 2 5408625 (Brussels).</span>David Ben-Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02271443642557427428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19528757.post-89912245147150221142011-02-07T04:48:00.000-08:002011-02-07T04:48:51.534-08:00Open Europe<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">Europe</span><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Franco-German “pact for competitiveness” faces resistance</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">It is widely reported that the set of proposals put forward by France and Germany at the EU summit on Friday – the so-called “pact for competitiveness” – was met with significant hostility from other eurozone members and seems unlikely to form the basis of any agreement. After Belgian Prime Minister Yves Leterme, Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker also voiced his opposition to scrapping the link between wage increases and the level of inflation across the eurozone, arguing that he did not see “how abolishing wage indexation would increase the competitiveness of [Luxembourg] or the eurozone.” Mariano Rajoy, leader of Spain’s opposition Partido Popular, is quoted in <i>Expansión</i> saying: “As a Spaniard, I don’t like to be told what I have to do by the outside.” Austria, Poland and the Netherlands were also said to have criticised the initiative’s attempts to reach into policy areas normally the reserve for national parliaments. "There were 18, 19 countries who spoke up to make known their regret on the way it was presented and also on the content […] It was truly a surreal summit," Leterme commented. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">EU leaders also failed to reach an agreement on expanding the eurozone’s rescue fund, as they only stated that it must have the “necessary effectiveness” to tackle any eurozone problems. Without an agreement on the “pact for competitiveness”, German support for expansion of the bailout fund remains unlikely. European Council President Herman Van Rompuy is now expected to hold bilateral discussions with eurozone leaders in an attempt to form a consensus by March – widely seen as the deadline for a deal in order to calm the markets.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">On the UK’s position in the discussions, Prime Minister David Cameron said: "I have made Britain's position on this very clear: we are not in the euro, we will not be joining the euro, nor will we be drawn into further measures to support the euro.” </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c88a/1571374930/VEsH/" target="_blank">Open Europe research</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c88b/1571374930/VEsE/" target="_blank" title="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12368401">BBC</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c888/1571374930/VEsF/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/792a5ace-306c-11e0-8d80-00144feabdc0.html?ftcamp=rss%23axzz1DGHFifGD">FT</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c889/1571374930/VEsC/" target="_blank" title="http://www.euractiv.com/en/euro-finance/franco-german-fiscal-pact-faces-opposition-news-501932">EurActiv</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c88e/1571374930/VEsD/" target="_blank" title="http://www.europeanvoice.com/article/2011/february/franco-german-economic-plan-hits-opposition-/70173.aspx">European Voice</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c88f/1571374930/VEsA/" target="_blank" title="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704709304576123751044549920.html">WSJ</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c88c/1571374930/VEsB/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31755">EUobserver</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c88d/1571374930/VEsO/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lemonde.fr/international/article/2011/02/04/gouvernance-de-la-zone-euro-une-reponse-globale-qui-tarde-a-venir_1475016_3210.html">Le Monde</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c882/1571374930/VEsP/" target="_blank" title="http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/feb/04/merkel-european-union-economic-policy-row?INTCMP=SRCH">Guardian</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c883/1571374930/VEsHBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/792a5ace-306c-11e0-8d80-00144feabdc0.html">FT Weekend</a> </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c880/1571374930/VEsHBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.expansion.com/2011/02/05/portada/1296922234.html">Expansion 2</a> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c881/1571374930/VEsHBw/" target="_blank" title="http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20110204-711986.html">WSJ</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c886/1571374930/VEsHBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lemonde.fr/depeches/2011/02/04/le-luxembourg-et-la-belgique-refusent-d-abolir-l-indexation-des-salaires_3214_236_44329606.html">AFP</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c887/1571374930/VEsHAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/5c640d4a-3215-11e0-a820-00144feabdc0.html%23axzz1DGHFifGD">FT</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c884/1571374930/VEsHAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/frontpage/2011/0205/1224289077668.html">Irish Times</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c885/1571374930/VEsHAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.independent.ie/national-news/eu-summit-government-will-only-have-days-to-save-corporate-tax-2526611.html">Irish Independent</a> </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c89a/1571374930/VEsHAg/" target="_blank" title="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB40001424052748704709304576123751044549920.html">WSJ</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c89b/1571374930/VEsHDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.expansion.com/2011/02/07/economia/1297069532.html">Expansion</a> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c898/1571374930/VEsHDA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/christine-lagarde-there-should-never-be-too-much-testosterone-in-one-room-2206357.html">Independent: Lagarde</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><span> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Eurozone comment round-up</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">In the <i>FT</i>, Wolfgang Münchau argues that the current approach taken by EU leaders, including the “pact for competitiveness”, is failing to tackle the crisis of the banking sector, the eurozone’s biggest problem. He also expects both Greece and Ireland to need some form of debt restructuring (sovereign and banking respectively) in the near future.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">In an interview with <i>FAZ</i>, Citigroup’s chief economist Willem Buiter argues that a rescheduling of Greek and Irish debt is virtually unavoidable.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">A comment piece in the <i>Irish Times</i> argues that the constitutional cap on government borrowing (aka “debt brake”), which Germany is trying to push through, would have done little to help Ireland in the current crisis. It would have done nothing to prevent or predict the banking collapse and may have made the ensuing bailout illegal, leaving Ireland in dire straits.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Writing in Sunday’s <i>FAZ</i>, Economics Editor Christian Siedenbiedel criticised the Franco-German plans to harmonise wage and tax policies in the eurozone. He argued that “more central economic planning is not only harmful, but it contradicts the European idea, in which Europeans saw competition as the engine of prosperity.” “A single economic policy deprives weak countries of their greatest opportunity: to lower wages and taxes more than other countries – thereby making their products cheaper on world markets,” he added.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c899/1571374930/VEsEBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/ef5a3cea-322a-11e0-a820-00144feabdc0.html%23axzz1DGHFifGD">FT: Münchau</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c89e/1571374930/VEsEBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/opinion/2011/0207/1224289182379.html">Irish Times: Leader</a> </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c89f/1571374930/VEsEBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.faz.net/s/Rub3ADB8A210E754E748F42960CC7349BDF/Doc~E7E824AE931234EDD9B4D7E34802FEEE6~ATpl~Ecommon~Sspezial.html blocked::http://www.faz.net/s/Rub3ADB8A210E754E748F42960CC7349BDF/Doc~E7E824AE931234EDD9B4D7E34802FEEE6~ATpl~Ecommon~Sspezial.html ht">FAZ: Buiter</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c89c/1571374930/VEsEBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.elpais.com/articulo/economia/restos/modelo/europeo/elpepieco/20110207elpepieco_6/Tes">El Pais: Estefania</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c89d/1571374930/VEsEAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704858404576127960989229174.html">WSJ: leader</a> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c892/1571374930/VEsEAA/" target="_blank" title="http://blogs.wsj.com/brussels/2011/02/05/merkel-and-the-surreal-eu-summit/">WSJ: Real Time Brussels blog</a> </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c893/1571374930/VEsEAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.faz.net/s/Rub4D8A76D29ABA43699D9E59C0413A582C/Doc~E9F9BA8A6D7444155AA51613F83671ED7~ATpl~Ecommon~Scontent.html blocked::http://www.faz.net/s/Rub4D8A76D29ABA43699D9E59C0413A582C/Doc~E9F9BA8A6D7444155AA51613F83671ED7~ATpl~Ecommon~Scontent.html ht">FAZ: Siedenbiedel</a> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c890/1571374930/VEsEAg/" target="_blank" title="http://bruxelles.blogs.liberation.fr/coulisses/2011/02/avec-son-pacte-berlin-s%C3%A8me-la-zone.html">Coulisses de Bruxelles</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c891/1571374930/VEsEDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.economist.com/blogs/charlemagne/2011/02/saving_euro">Economist: Charlemagne</a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Third robbery in two years at the European Parliament</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">It is widely reported that, during the European Council summit on Friday, two men – one of them armed – entered the European Parliament’s post office in Brussels and got away with at least €8,000. It is the third robbery over the last two years. <i>EUobserver</i> quotes a senior EP official involved in the investigations, saying: “Obviously this is coming from people within the EU community. We are convinced […] It could be assistants, there are dozens of companies that come in and out, journalists. Technically, it could even be MEPs.”<span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c896/1571374930/VEsEDA/" target="_blank">BBC</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c897/1571374930/VEsFBQ/" target="_blank">EUobserver</a> </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c894/1571374930/VEsFBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2011/02/04/union_europea/1296832811.html">El Mundo</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Policy Exchange: UK should leave the European Court of Human Rights</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">A report by think-tank Policy Exchange has urged the Government to leave the Strasbourg-based European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), warning that the UK has become “subservient” to a "virtually unaccountable supra-national bureaucracy.” The author of the report, former Government adviser </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Dr. Michael Pinto-Duschinsky, noted that “</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">there is strong evidence to suggest that the UK's membership of the European Union and of the Council of Europe does not require continued adherence to the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights should the UK opt for such a withdrawal.”</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Speaking on the <i>BBC’s</i> Today programme, Policy Exchange Director Neil O’Brien said: "Although it is not an easy or simple thing to cut our ties with the court, it is possible, and we argue that for a whole series of reasons we should now cut our ties with the court because it is, increasingly by trivialising and over-extending the concept of human rights into areas where it really doesn't belong [...] it's really undermining support for human rights." </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c895/1571374930/VEsFBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12338931">BBC</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c8aa/1571374930/VEsFBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1353860/Named-shamed-The-European-human-rights-judges-wrecking-British-law.html#ixzz1D6wMVx2I">Mail</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c8ab/1571374930/VEsFAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-1353900/Europe-gives-human-rights-bad-name.html">Mail: comment</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c8a8/1571374930/VEsFAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/columnists/alasdair-palmer/8306076/Lets-say-goodbye-to-Strasbourg-and-its-daft-decisions.html">Sunday Telegraph: Palmer</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c8a9/1571374930/VEsFAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/comment/regulars/briefing/article535015.ece">Sunday Times</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c8ae/1571374930/VEsFAg/" target="_blank" title="http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_9389000/9389326.stm">BBC: Today</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c8af/1571374930/VEsFDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.policyexchange.org.uk/images/publications/pdfs/PX_Keeping_Human_Rights_at_Home_WEB_07_02_11.pdf"><span style="color: purple;">Policy Exchange report</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c8ac/1571374930/VEsFDA/" target="_blank" title="http://conservativehome.blogs.com/thinktankcentral/2011/02/exit-plan-from-european-court-of-human-rights-proposed-by-policy_exchange.html">Conservative Home: Montgomerie</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">The <i>Telegraph</i> reports that a three-day junket by 75 MEPs to Uruguay will cost the taxpayer £1.2m. The trip will come out of the European Parliament’s £10m fund for overseas visits.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c8ad/1571374930/VEsCBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/eu/8306994/MEPs-on-1.2m-junket-to-Uruguay.html">Telegraph</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Writing in the <i>Sunday Telegraph</i> to mark the paper’s 50th anniversary, its longest-serving columnist Christopher Booker looks back on his 21 years of campaigning against the EU. He argues that EU legislation has “amounted to a mutation in the nature of our governance […] The consequence is that we are now ruled by a vast maze of bureaucratic structures, not answerable to Parliament […] The power of elected politicians at all levels of government has been immeasurably diminished.”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c8a2/1571374930/VEsCBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/columnists/christopherbooker/8306012/My-long-crusade-for-common-sense.html blocked::http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/columnists/christopherbooker/8306012/My-long-crusade-for-common-sense.html http://www.telegraph.co.uk">Sunday Telegraph: Booker</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c8a3/1571374930/VEsCBw/" target="_blank">Open Europe research</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">An article in the <i>FT Weekend</i> looked at the European Court of Justice’s expected ruling on whether “gender-based pricing” for pension annuities amounts to unlawful discrimination and noted: “No matter that women’s greater longevity is a biological fact. No matter that annuities ultimately pay the same to women as to men over their lifetimes. It seems that an unelected, unaccountable cabal of judges in Luxembourg has given itself the power to overturn basic principles of risk and insurance – and overrule the laws of nature.”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c8a0/1571374930/VEsCBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/833f3708-308c-11e0-9de3-00144feabdc0.html#ixzz1D77RD1s5">FT Weekend</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">The <i>Independent on Sunday</i> noted that the Conservative Party is not planning to opt in to a new EU Directive on human trafficking, despite it being voted by almost all UK MEPs – including Tories. A petition launched by the paper urging the Government to sign up to the Directive has so far collected more than 20,000 signatures.<span> </span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c8a1/1571374930/VEsCAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/coalition-to-scrap-sex-trafficking-safeguards-2205733.html">Independent on Sunday</a> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">It is widely reported that disagreements between EU leaders at last Friday’s summit meant that the declaration on Egypt did not demand President Hosni Mubarak's resignation. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that EU leaders “are of the opinion that we should not interfere on that particular issue.” </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c8a6/1571374930/VEsCAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/ab232f98-320f-11e0-a820-00144feabdc0.html%23axzz1DGHFifGD">FT</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c8a7/1571374930/VEsCAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.euractiv.com/en/global-europe/eu-leaders-shy-away-demanding-mubarak-resignation-news-501940">EurActiv</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c8a4/1571374930/VEsCAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.europeanvoice.com/article/2011/february/eu-leaders-refuse-to-demand-mubarak-s-immediate-resignation/70174.aspx">European Voice</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c8a5/1571374930/VEsCDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://blogs.ft.com/brusselsblog/2011/02/eu-summit-cameron-on-egypt/">FT Brussels Blog</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c8ba/1571374930/VEsCDA/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31754">EUobserver</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c8bb/1571374930/VEsDBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2011/02/03/union_europea/1296741635.html blocked::http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2011/02/03/union_europea/1296741635.html">El Mundo</a> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c8b8/1571374930/VEsDBA/" target="_blank">Le Figaro</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c8b9/1571374930/VEsDBw/" target="_blank">BBC: Hewitt</a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">EUobserver</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> reports that Romania has reached an agreement with the EU and the IMF over a new “precautionary” loan worth €5bn. </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c8be/1571374930/VEsDBg/" target="_blank">EUobserver</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Writing in <i>Gazeta Wyborcza</i>, Polish President Bronisław Komorowski has said he hopes cooperation of the Franco-German-Polish “Weimar group” will help Poland and Europe to achieve its objectives in terms of security, a good EU budget for the next seven years, and the development of Eastern Europe in “our desired direction.”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c8bf/1571374930/VEsDAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://wyborcza.pl/1,75515,9063803,Weimarska_dzwignia_dla_Polski_i_Europy.html">Gazeta Wyborcza: Komorowski</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">New on the Open Europe blog</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">When a “family photo” of EU leaders speaks: In need of an ice-breaker</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c8bc/1571374930/VEsDAA/" target="_blank">Open Europe blog</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">A look at the reactions to the Franco-German plan for a eurozone economic government: Saying “nein” to Angie </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660f00/1ba8c0bb/80bbdb8/7c55c8bd/1571374930/VEsDAw/" target="_blank">Open Europe blog</a> </span></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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</span>David Ben-Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02271443642557427428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19528757.post-77249305099253578162011-01-27T06:50:00.000-08:002011-01-27T06:50:13.092-08:00Open Europe<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.3;"> <h2> Europe</h2><strong>Government defeats crime, justice and immigration amendment to EU Bill</strong><br />
MPs last night voted, by 313 votes to 26, against an amendment that would have required the Government to get the approval of a referendum before it could waive the UK’s right to opt out of over 90 EU crime and policing laws in 2014. Amendments that would have required the Government to seek Parliamentary approval before opting in to new justice, policing and immigration laws were not pushed to a vote. As a result, under the Bill, Ministers will continue to have full discretion, without needing to seek a vote in Parliament, to decide to opt in to new EU justice and home affairs laws. Documents released last Friday revealed that out of the 13 times the new Coalition Government has had to decide whether to opt in or not to such laws, Ministers have opted in eight times.<br />
Europe Minister David Lidington conceded that that the UK’s 2014 opt out on crime and policing “is important and sensitive for the United Kingdom” and that the Government will announce plans to give Parliament a vote on this decision. He also pledged to consult with Parliament over giving MPs and Lords more power to scrutinise and potentially vote on “significant” new EU justice and immigration laws.<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6af/3629683870/VEsH/" target="_blank" title="http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm110126/debtext/110126-0004.htm"><br />
Hansard</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6ac/3629683870/VEsE/" target="_blank" title="http://openeuropeblog.blogspot.com/2011/01/this-is-why-eu-bill-should-be-amended.html">Open Europe blog</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6ad/3629683870/VEsF/" target="_blank" title="http://www.openeurope.org.uk/research/eubillbriefing.pdf">Open Europe briefing</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6a2/3629683870/VEsC/" target="_blank" title="http://www.johnredwoodsdiary.com/2011/01/27/the-eu-bill/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+JohnRedwoodsDiary+%28John+Redwood%27s+Diary%29&utm_content=Google+Reader blocked::http://www.johnredwoodsdiary.com/2011/01/27/the-eu-bill/?">John Redwood's diary</a><br />
<strong>Merkel’s coalition partners open to </strong><strong>Greece </strong><strong>restructuring;<br />
Soros: Eurozone crisis could lead to political disintegration of the EU</strong><br />
<em>Handelsblatt </em>reports that the Commission is currently looking into how Greece could restructure its debt. According to the paper, the German government has now acknowledged that the restructuring of Greek debt is unavoidable. <em>Reuters</em> quotes German FDP MEP Wolf Klinz, who chairs the Europan Parliament’s Special Committee on the Financial Crisis, saying: “Greece will not make it without restructuring.” He added that his colleagues in the German coalition government are not opposed to such a move.<br />
The <em>FT</em>’s Brussels blog notes that, at a dinner with Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso this week, German Chancellor Angela Merkel opposed demands to agree changes to the eurozone bail-out fund at next Friday’s EU summit, the deadline set by Barroso. Merkel is reportedly holding out until the scheduled March summit before agreeing any new short- or long-term bail-out arrangements. <em>Le Monde </em>suggests that Merkel cannot be expected to make significant concessions at the March summit, noting it will take place on the eve of crucial regional elections in Baden-Württemberg. Writing in <em>Handelsblatt</em>, Hermann Otto Solms, the FDP Deputy Speaker of the German Bundestag, argues: "We will continue to reject an economic government which goes into detailed government through unilateral orders of the Union."<br />
Speaking on the <em>BBC</em>’s Today Programme, George Soros warned: "There is a real danger that the common currency could lead to the political disturbance of the EU. The crisis could inflict such hardship on slow-speed Europe that it may lead to disintegration." <em>Expansión</em> reports that EU Competition Commissioner Joaquín Almunia has warned that Spanish savings banks – the cajas – could need more than the €20bn in capital injections estimated by the Spanish government.<br />
Meanwhile, the Irish Parliament’s lower house narrowly passed the government’s Finance Bill yesterday. The <em>Irish Independent </em>reports that independent MP Michael Lowry has revealed that he got “friendly advice” from a European Commission official that he would be doing his country a service by voting for the Bill. Meanwhile, in an interview with the <em>FT</em>, Irish main opposition party Fine Gael’s finance spokesman Michael Noonan said: “If you keep forcing such an expensive solution on to Ireland, despite our best efforts, we may not be able to make it”.<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6a3/3629683870/VEsD/" target="_blank" title="http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2011/01/26/as-europe-toils-on-debt-u-s-and-japan-watch-nervously/"><br />
IHT</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6a0/3629683870/VEsA/" target="_blank" title="http://blogs.ft.com/brusselsblog/2011/01/barroso-merkel-and-the-next-eu-summit/ blocked::http://blogs.ft.com/brusselsblog/2011/01/barroso-merkel-and-the-next-eu-summit/ http://blogs.ft.com/brusselsblog/2011/01/barroso-merkel-and-the-next-eu-summit/">FT: Brussles blog</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6a1/3629683870/VEsB/" target="_blank" title="http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE70P1VM20110126 blocked::http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE70P1VM20110126 http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE70P1VM20110126">Reuters: Dolan</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6a3/3629683870/VEsO/" target="_blank" title="http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2011/01/26/as-europe-toils-on-debt-u-s-and-japan-watch-nervously/ blocked::http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2011/01/26/as-europe-toils-on-debt-u-s-and-japan-watch-nervously/ http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2011/01/26/as-europe-toils-on-">IHT 2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6a6/3629683870/VEsP/" target="_blank" title="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB40001424052748703293204576106193241432446.html#mod=todays_europe_front_section blocked::http://online.wsj.com/article/SB40001424052748703293204576106193241432446.html#mod=todays_europe_front_section http://online.wsj.com/ar">WSJ: Nixon</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6a7/3629683870/VEsHBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.independent.ie/opinion/columnists/brendan-keenan/brendan-keenan-barroso-outburst-reflects-some-unease-at-eu-role-in-the-crisis-2512744.html blocked::http://www.independent.ie/opinion/columnists/brendan-keenan/brendan-keenan-barroso-outburst-ref">Irish Independent: Keenan</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6a4/3629683870/VEsHBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/stephanieflanders/2011/01/davos_a_new_reality.html">BBC: Flanders</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6a5/3629683870/VEsHBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12285988">BBC</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6ba/3629683870/VEsHBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lemonde.fr/depeches/2011/01/26/trichet-bce-trouverait-utile-que-le-fonds-europeen-achete-de-la-dette_3214_236_44268811.html">AFP</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6bb/3629683870/VEsHAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB40001424052748703293204576105874004025538.html#mod=todays_europe_front_section">WSJ: Noyer</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6b8/3629683870/VEsHAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.independent.ie/national-news/elections/lastminute-call-from-ec-urged-lowry-to-vote-for-bill-2512827.html">Irish Independent</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6b9/3629683870/VEsHAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.independent.ie/national-news/elections/martin-challenges-rivals-to-threeway-election-debate-2512796.html">Irish Independent 2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6be/3629683870/VEsHAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/ec9a3190-2979-11e0-bb9b-00144feab49a.html#axzz1CE1q86gV">FT: Noonan</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6bf/3629683870/VEsHDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.jornaldenegocios.pt/home.php?template=SHOWNEWS_V2&id=465265">Jornal de Negocios</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6bc/3629683870/VEsHDA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.dn.pt/inicio/economia/interior.aspx?content_id=1766793">Diario de Negocios</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6bd/3629683870/VEsEBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.jornaldenegocios.pt/home.php?template=SHOWNEWS_V2&id=465403">Jornal de Negocios</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6b2/3629683870/VEsEBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.rtve.es/rtve/20110126/salgado-tve-cajas-estan-buscando-capital-privado-si-no-consiguen-estado-aportara-capital-necesario/398358.shtml">RTVE</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6b3/3629683870/VEsEBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.expansion.com/2011/01/26/empresas/banca/1296082514.html">Expansion</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6b0/3629683870/VEsEBg/" target="_blank" title="http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20110127-703513.html">WSJ</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6b1/3629683870/VEsEAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_9377000/9377763.stm">BBC Today: Soros</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6b6/3629683870/VEsEAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE70P77420110126">Reuters</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6b7/3629683870/VEsEAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2011/0127/1224288397886.html">Irish Times</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6b4/3629683870/VEsEAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2011/0127/1224288398071.html">Irish Times 2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6b5/3629683870/VEsEDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2011/0127/1224288397995.html">Irish Times 3</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6ca/3629683870/VEsEDA/" target="_blank" title="http://blogs.ft.com/money-supply/2011/01/26/trichet-never-say-never/">FT Money Supply Blog</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6cb/3629683870/VEsFBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/article12292580/Chinas-Konjunktur-Boom-bedroht-die-ganze-Welt.html">Welt</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6c8/3629683870/VEsFBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/article12340461/Spanien-will-ohne-Euro-Rettungsschirm-auskommen.html">Welt 2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6c9/3629683870/VEsFBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/3e690888-296c-11e0-bb9b-00144feab49a.html#axzz1Btn6lCvR">El Pais</a><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6ce/3629683870/VEsFBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.wirtschaftspresse.biz/psepp/fn/pcc/sfn/showedetail/DocID/1140259/EditionID/4/SectionID/2/PageID/1139889/pDay/27.01.2011%2000:00:00/showtyp/1/SH/47a5028868b1f27a2acf0f511ff73c/index.html">Handelsblatt</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6cf/3629683870/VEsFAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.wirtschaftspresse.biz/psepp/fn/pcc/sfn/showedetail/DocID/1140239/EditionID/4/SectionID/255/PageID/1140235/pDay/27.01.2011%2000:00:00/showtyp/1/SH/47a5028868b1f27a2acf0f511ff73c/index.html">Handelsblatt: Solms</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6cc/3629683870/VEsFAA/" target="_blank" title="http://cash.rnews.be/nl/geld-en-beurs/nieuws/vooral-centrale-banken-geinteresseerd-in-efsf-obligatie/article-1194934905048.htm">Cash</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6cd/3629683870/VEsFAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.faz.net/p/Rub6C77E50CFDFD44AF94BA0EA12FECC2AD/Dx1~E169133278CBC26F46BCB585819BB8BD4~ATpl~Ecommon~Scontent.html">FAZ</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6c2/3629683870/VEsFAg/" target="_blank" title="http://blog.zeit.de/herdentrieb/2011/01/25/warum-der-ruckkauf-von-griechenlandanleihen-nichts-bringt_2704 blocked::http://blog.zeit.de/herdentrieb/2011/01/25/warum-der-ruckkauf-von-griechenlandanleihen-nichts-bringt_2704">Zeit: Schieritz</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6c3/3629683870/VEsFDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://openeuropeblog.blogspot.com/">Open Europe blog</a><br />
<strong><em>Time</em></strong><strong> magazine reports on the EU’s delayed and over budget Galileo project. Open Europe’s Mats Persson is quoted saying, "Everything that could have gone wrong has gone wrong".</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6c0/3629683870/VEsFDA/" target="_blank"><br />
Time</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6c1/3629683870/VEsCBQ/" target="_blank">Open Europe research</a><br />
<strong>In a speech to British MEPs, the US’ Ambassador to the UK Louis Susman said, "I want to stress that the UK needs to remain in the EU…we want to see a stronger EU, but also a stronger British participation within the EU… This is crucial if, together, we are going to meet all the global challenges facing us", reports the <em>Parliament</em>.</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6c6/3629683870/VEsCBA/" target="_blank"><br />
Parliament</a><br />
<strong>Working Time Directive compensation claims almost quadrupled in one year</strong><br />
The <em>Mail</em> reports that the number of compensation claims made by employees, involving the European Working Time Directive (WTD), almost quadrupled last year from 24,000 to 95,200. David Cameron is today launching an initiative to review laws on dismissal and compensation. Meanwhile, the <em>Times</em> reports that nearly three quarters of surgeons working in the NHS are contravening the WTD’s 48-hour week in order to cover for emergency operations, according to a report by the Royal College of Surgeons.<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6c7/3629683870/VEsCBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1350884/Cameron-aiming-crack-1bn-workers-compensation-sue-boss-culture.html"><br />
Mail</a><br />
<strong>In a letter to the <em>FT</em>, UK MEP Sajjad Karim argues against European Commission proposals to create a system of European contract law warning, “Businesses will be burdened with substantial costs in complying with a whole new regime of contract law. These proposals will also introduce “alien” concepts of civil law traditions into the UK’s common law system”.</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6c4/3629683870/VEsCBg/" target="_blank"><br />
FT letter</a><br />
<strong>Emission trading exchanges across Europe pushed back reopening dates to allow more time for increased security measures to the EU’s carbon trading scheme to be enforced, reports the <em>FT</em>.</strong><br />
<u><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6c5/3629683870/VEsCAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/d2adf73c-297c-11e0-bb9b-00144feab49a.html#axzz1CE1q86gV">FT</a></u><br />
<strong>The latest Stern-RTL poll reveals support for German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s CDU party has risen to 37%, its highest rating since December 2009. <em>FT Deutschland</em> suggests this is because Merkel appears bolder and more conservative than before.<br />
</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6da/3629683870/VEsCAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ftd.de/politik/deutschland/:union-im-aufwind-das-comebackchen-der-angela-merkel/60003119.html blocked::http://www.ftd.de/politik/deutschland/:union-im-aufwind-das-comebackchen-der-angela-merkel/60003119.html http://www.ftd.de/politik/deutschlan">FT Deutschland</a><br />
<strong><em>DPA </em></strong><strong>reports that German o</strong><strong>pposition parties and national energy companies oppose EU Commission plans to closer coordinate renewable energy production in member states.</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6db/3629683870/VEsCAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.eu-info.de/dpa-europaticker/182559.html blocked::http://www.eu-info.de/dpa-europaticker/182559.html http://www.eu-info.de/dpa-europaticker/182559.html"><br />
DPA</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6d8/3629683870/VEsCAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/aae679a2-29a1-11e0-bb9b-00144feab49a.html#axzz1CE1q86gV">FT</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6d9/3629683870/VEsCDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://biznes.onet.pl/oettinger-nord-stream-pozostanie-unijnym-priorytet,18494,4156124,1,news-detal blocked::http://biznes.onet.pl/oettinger-nord-stream-pozostanie-unijnym-priorytet,18494,4156124,1,news-detal">Onet.pl</a><br />
<strong>The Commission adopted a new initiative on ‘resource efficiency’ yesterday. <em>EurActiv</em> reports that setting national targets is currently under discussion in the Commission and could be proposed at the end of June.</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6de/3629683870/VEsCDA/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31704"><br />
EUobserver</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6df/3629683870/VEsDBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.euractiv.com/en/sustainability/commission-eyes-resource-efficiency-targets-eu-27-news-501626">EurActiv</a><br />
<strong>The Polish leader of the European Conservatives and Reformists group in the European Parliament, Michal Kaminski, has announced he will resign.</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6dc/3629683870/VEsDBA/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31707"><br />
EUobserver</a><br />
<strong>In the <em>Guardian</em>, Assistant Editor Simon Tisdall argues, “Mollycoddling the Uzbek leader behind mass killing in 2005 is typical of Brussels's mixed message on human rights”.</strong><br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6dd/3629683870/VEsDBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/jan/26/eu-dictators-islam-karimov?INTCMP=SRCH">Guardian: Comment</a><br />
<strong><em>Elsevier </em></strong><strong>reports that when Dutch PM Mark Rutte told Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso that the Netherlands wants to contribute less to the EU budget, Barroso responded that he should think about all the advantages the internal market has brought. A comment in <em>Elsevier</em> by its EU correspondent calls this “a strange remark: an internal market with rules about trade and services doesn’t necessitate pumping around billions of euros”.<br />
</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6d2/3629683870/VEsDBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.elsevier.nl/web/Opinie/Brussels-Blog/287603/Een-bedankje-voor-Europas-nettoost-betaler.htm blocked::http://www.elsevier.nl/web/Opinie/Brussels-Blog/287603/Een-bedankje-voor-Europas-nettoost-betaler.htm">Elsevier blog</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6d3/3629683870/VEsDAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.bnr.nl/artikel/21282185/rutte-bezoek-barosso blocked::http://www.bnr.nl/artikel/21282185/rutte-bezoek-barosso">BNR</a><br />
<h2> New on the Open Europe blog</h2><strong>Buying back eurozone bonds: Forever in your debt</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6d0/3629683870/VEsDAA/" target="_blank"><br />
Open Europe blog</a><br />
<strong>Latest poll in Germany: In the EU we do not trust</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6d1/3629683870/VEsDAw/" target="_blank"><br />
Open Europe blog</a><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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Open Europe is an independent think tank campaigning for radical reform of the EU. For information on our research, events and other activities, please visit our website: <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6d6/3629683870/VEsDAg/" target="_blank">openeurope.org.uk</a>, follow us on twitter <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef6/1ba8c0bb/80aa2d4/7c55d6d7/3629683870/VEsDDQ/" target="_blank">@OpenEurope</a> or call us on +44 (0) 207 1972333 (London) and +32 (0) 2 5408625 (Brussels).</span>David Ben-Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02271443642557427428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19528757.post-44712472989776564172011-01-26T06:35:00.000-08:002011-01-26T06:35:07.897-08:00Open Europe press summary: 26 January 2011<h2> Europe</h2><strong>MPs to discuss crucial crime, justice and immigration amendments to EU Bill<br />
</strong>MPs will today debate the Government’s EU Bill for the third consecutive day. Attention will turn to EU crime, justice and immigration laws, with MPs discussing amendments that could radically increase Parliament’s democratic control over which EU laws the Government can ‘opt in’ to. The UK’s 2014 right to opt out of around 100 EU crime and policing laws is also expected to be discussed. Open Europe has called for a referendum on the 2014 opt out and fully supports the amendments that would grant Parliament, and in some cases voters, via a referendum, more control over deciding which EU justice and immigration laws apply to the UK.<br />
Last night the Government helped to amend the Bill to close loopholes in the ‘referendum lock’ that could have potentially allowed referenda to be avoided on the UK taking part in a European Public Prosecutor and the loss of the UK’s vetoes over certain foreign policy decisions.<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef4/1ba8c0bb/80acf05/7c55d743/3341796552/VEsH/" target="_blank" title="http://openeuropeblog.blogspot.com/2011/01/this-is-why-eu-bill-should-be-amended.html">Open Europe blog</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef4/1ba8c0bb/80acf05/7c55d740/3341796552/VEsE/" target="_blank" title="http://www.openeurope.org.uk/media-centre/pressrelease.aspx?pressreleaseid=157">Open Europe press release</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef4/1ba8c0bb/80acf05/7c55d741/3341796552/VEsF/" target="_blank" title="http://www.openeurope.org.uk/research/eubillbriefing.pdf">Open Europe briefing</a><br />
<strong>Germans’ trust in the EU hits all-time low </strong><br />
<em>FAZ</em> reports on a poll conducted by the Allensbach Institute, showing that German citizens’ trust in the EU has fallen to an all-time low. 63% of respondents had "little or no trust" in the EU, up from 51% in March 2010. Only 25% had “very large or large trust" in European integration, down from 37% ten months ago. 68% of respondents had “little or no trust” in the single currency, almost back to the level of 16 years ago. Only 4% could correctly answer the question “Who is Herman Van Rompuy?”<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef4/1ba8c0bb/80acf05/7c55d746/3341796552/VEsC/" target="_blank" title="http://www.faz.net/p/RubA45F41F4BA9F426EAB0DDEFA6F962793/Dx1~E4ED11D4B17AF01E1E3EBC2E4EE2FCEC1~ATpl~Ecommon~Scontent.html">FAZ</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef4/1ba8c0bb/80acf05/7c55d747/3341796552/VEsD/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ifd-allensbach.de/">Allensbach Institute</a><br />
<strong>IMF: Eurozone crisis is the biggest threat to global economy;<br />
<em>Bloomberg</em> poll: 59% think one or more members of the eurozone will leave the currency by 2016<br />
</strong>An IMF report released yesterday warns that a deepening of the economic crisis in the eurozone is the biggest threat to the global economy. A poll conducted by <em>Bloomberg</em>, of 1,000 investors, analysts and traders, reveals that 59% think one or more members of the eurozone will leave the currency by 2016, 11% think this will happen within 12 months.<br />
The <em>WSJ</em> reports that yesterday’s debut bond auction to fund the EFSF was nine times oversubscribed; bids were received for over €40bn at yields of 2.89%. <em>El Pais</em> reports that the Spanish government’s decision to inject only €20bn into the cajas yesterday has been received critically by investors. Rating agency Moody's has estimated that the cajas lacks €89bn in capital, reports <em>FAZ</em>.<br />
The <em>Irish Times</em> reports that, ahead of today’s vote in the Irish Parliament, three independent MPs, crucial to the government’s majority, have threatened to withdraw their support for the Finance Bill unless changes are made. A separate article in the paper reports that Germany may concede on lower-interest loans to Ireland and other peripheral eurozone countries if they agree to establish a cap on budget deficit in their constitutions.<br />
<em>Les Echos</em> reports that yesterday EU Economic and Monetary Affairs Commissioner Olli Rehn travelled to Berlin to discuss the possibility of increasing the size and scope of the EFSF with some high-profile members of the FDP, the junior partner of German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s coalition government. However, <em>FAZ</em> notes that Rehn failed to persuade German Foreign Minister and FDP leader Guido Westerwelle. <br />
Meanwhile, writing in <em>Wirtschaftswoche</em>, Director of the IFO Institute Hans-Werner Sinn argues that calls for an increase of the EFSF are dangerous, adding that they hide the EU’s desire to take over a part of the old debt of troubled member states.<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef4/1ba8c0bb/80acf05/7c55d744/3341796552/VEsA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.cityam.com/news-and-analysis/spanish-bank-input-below-expectations blocked::http://www.cityam.com/news-and-analysis/spanish-bank-input-below-expectations http://www.cityam.com/news-and-analysis/spanish-bank-input-below-expectations">City AM</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef4/1ba8c0bb/80acf05/7c55d745/3341796552/VEsB/" target="_blank" title="http://www.cityam.com/news-and-analysis/bottom-line/it%E2%80%99s-going-take-more-%E2%82%AC20bn blocked::http://www.cityam.com/news-and-analysis/bottom-line/it’s-going-take-more-€20bn blocked::http://www.cityam.com/news-and-analysis/bottom-line/it’s-">City AM Bottom Line</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef4/1ba8c0bb/80acf05/7c55d75a/3341796552/VEsO/" target="_blank" title="http://www.cityam.com/markets-and-investments/efsf-bonds-do-not-address-the-main-problem blocked::http://www.cityam.com/markets-and-investments/efsf-bonds-do-not-address-the-main-problem http://www.cityam.com/markets-and-investments/efsf-bonds-do-not-addr">City AM</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef4/1ba8c0bb/80acf05/7c55d75b/3341796552/VEsP/" target="_blank" title="http://www.euractiv.com/en/euro-finance/euphoric-markets-rally-euro-debt-issue-news-501593 blocked::http://www.euractiv.com/en/euro-finance/euphoric-markets-rally-euro-debt-issue-news-501593 http://www.euractiv.com/en/euro-finance/euphoric-markets-rally-e">EurActiv</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef4/1ba8c0bb/80acf05/7c55d758/3341796552/VEsHBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.cityam.com/news-and-analysis/eu%E2%80%99s-bailout-bond-success blocked::http://www.cityam.com/news-and-analysis/eu’s-bailout-bond-success blocked::http://www.cityam.com/news-and-analysis/eu’s-bailout-bond-success http://www.cityam.com/news-">City AM</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef4/1ba8c0bb/80acf05/7c55d759/3341796552/VEsHBA/" target="_blank" title="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704698004576104111452246234.html blocked::http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704698004576104111452246234.html http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704698004576104111452246234.html">WSJ</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef4/1ba8c0bb/80acf05/7c55d75e/3341796552/VEsHBw/" target="_blank" title="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB40001424052748704698004576103472359589138.html#mod=todays_europe_front_section blocked::http://online.wsj.com/article/SB40001424052748704698004576103472359589138.html#mod=todays_europe_front_section http://online.wsj.com/ar">WSJ 2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef4/1ba8c0bb/80acf05/7c55d75f/3341796552/VEsHBg/" target="_blank" title="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704013604576104451509271420.html blocked::http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704013604576104451509271420.html http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704013604576104451509271420.html">WSJ 3</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef4/1ba8c0bb/80acf05/7c55d75c/3341796552/VEsHAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704698004576103562468947874.html blocked::http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704698004576103562468947874.html http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704698004576103562468947874.html">WSJ 4</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef4/1ba8c0bb/80acf05/7c55d75d/3341796552/VEsHAA/" target="_blank" title="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704698004576104084263096622.html blocked::http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704698004576104084263096622.html http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704698004576104084263096622.html">WSJ 5</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef4/1ba8c0bb/80acf05/7c55d752/3341796552/VEsHAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0126/breaking6.html blocked::http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0126/breaking6.html http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0126/breaking6.html">Irish Times</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef4/1ba8c0bb/80acf05/7c55d753/3341796552/VEsHAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lesechos.fr/economie-politique/monde/actu/0201100708448-reponse-a-la-crise-bruxelles-tente-de-convaincre-le-fdp-allemand.htm blocked::http://www.lesechos.fr/economie-politique/monde/actu/0201100708448-reponse-a-la-crise-bruxelles-tente-de-conva">Les Echos</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef4/1ba8c0bb/80acf05/7c55d750/3341796552/VEsHDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lemonde.fr/europe/article/2011/01/25/l-espagne-emet-pour-2-245-milliards-d-euros-de-bons-du-tresor_1470190_3214.html blocked::http://www.lemonde.fr/europe/article/2011/01/25/l-espagne-emet-pour-2-245-milliards-d-euros-de-bons-du-tresor_1470190_">Le Monde</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef4/1ba8c0bb/80acf05/7c55d751/3341796552/VEsHDA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/frontpage/2011/0126/1224288327446.html blocked::http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/frontpage/2011/0126/1224288327446.html http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/frontpage/2011/0126/1224288327446.html">Irish Times</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef4/1ba8c0bb/80acf05/7c55d756/3341796552/VEsEBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://jornal.publico.pt/noticia/25-01-2011/ue-facilita-reestruturacao-negociada-de-dividas-21122640.htm blocked::http://jornal.publico.pt/noticia/25-01-2011/ue-facilita-reestruturacao-negociada-de-dividas-21122640.htm">Público</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef4/1ba8c0bb/80acf05/7c55d757/3341796552/VEsEBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.cityam.com/news-and-analysis/irish-government-scraps-90-cent-bank-bonus-tax-plan blocked::http://www.cityam.com/news-and-analysis/irish-government-scraps-90-cent-bank-bonus-tax-plan http://www.cityam.com/news-and-analysis/irish-government-scrap">City AM</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef4/1ba8c0bb/80acf05/7c55d754/3341796552/VEsEBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/1a54da6e-273f-11e0-80d7-00144feab49a,s01=1.html#axzz1Bwp8HCrj blocked::http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/1a54da6e-273f-11e0-80d7-00144feab49a,s01=1.html#axzz1Bwp8HCrj http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/1a54da6e-273f-11e0-80d7-00144feab49a,s01=1.h">FT: Spiegel</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef4/1ba8c0bb/80acf05/7c55d755/3341796552/VEsEBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lemonde.fr/idees/article/2011/01/25/quand-la-crise-de-l-euro-redessine-l-europe_1470304_3232.html blocked::http://www.lemonde.fr/idees/article/2011/01/25/quand-la-crise-de-l-euro-redessine-l-europe_1470304_3232.html http://www.lemonde.fr/idees/">Le Monde: Ricard</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef4/1ba8c0bb/80acf05/7c55d76a/3341796552/VEsEAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/gavinhewitt/2011/01/the_eurozone_crisis_and_the_vo.html blocked::http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/gavinhewitt/2011/01/the_eurozone_crisis_and_the_vo.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/gavinhewitt/20">BBC: Hewitt</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef4/1ba8c0bb/80acf05/7c55d76b/3341796552/VEsEAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.independent.ie/opinion/analysis/party-is-now-over-for-ecb-and-bunga-bunga-banks-2510960.html blocked::http://www.independent.ie/opinion/analysis/party-is-now-over-for-ecb-and-bunga-bunga-banks-2510960.html http://www.independent.ie/opinion/anal">Irish Independent: McWilliams</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef4/1ba8c0bb/80acf05/7c55d768/3341796552/VEsEAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.elpais.com/articulo/economia/FMI/mantiene/Espana/alejada/recuperacion/2011/elpepueco/20110125elpepueco_1/Tes blocked::http://www.elpais.com/articulo/economia/FMI/mantiene/Espana/alejada/recuperacion/2011/elpepueco/20110125elpepueco_1/Tes http:/">El Pais</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef4/1ba8c0bb/80acf05/7c55d769/3341796552/VEsEAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.elpais.com/articulo/economia/cajas/problemas/creen/dificil/alcanzar/capital/minimo/exigido/elpepieco/20110126elpepieco_2/Tes blocked::http://www.elpais.com/articulo/economia/cajas/problemas/creen/dificil/alcanzar/capital/minimo/exigido/elpepiec">El Pais 2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef4/1ba8c0bb/80acf05/7c55d76e/3341796552/VEsEDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2011/0126/1224288325323.html blocked::http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2011/0126/1224288325323.html http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2011/0126/1224288325323.html">Irish Times</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef4/1ba8c0bb/80acf05/7c55d76f/3341796552/VEsEDA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-01-26/greece-default-with-ireland-to-break-euro-in-poll.html blocked::http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-01-26/greece-default-with-ireland-to-break-euro-in-poll.html http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-01-26/gree">Bloomberg</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef4/1ba8c0bb/80acf05/7c55d76c/3341796552/VEsFBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.jornaldenegocios.pt/home.php?template=SHOWNEWS_V2&id=465145 blocked::http://www.jornaldenegocios.pt/home.php?template=SHOWNEWS_V2&id=465145">Jornal de Negocios</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef4/1ba8c0bb/80acf05/7c55d76d/3341796552/VEsFBA/" target="_blank" title="http://economico.sapo.pt/noticias/como-ve-portugal-a-crise-politica-irlandesa_109557.html blocked::http://economico.sapo.pt/noticias/como-ve-portugal-a-crise-politica-irlandesa_109557.html">Económico</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef4/1ba8c0bb/80acf05/7c55d762/3341796552/VEsFBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.expansion.com/2011/01/26/empresas/banca/1296033395.html blocked::http://www.expansion.com/2011/01/26/empresas/banca/1296033395.html">Expansion</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef4/1ba8c0bb/80acf05/7c55d763/3341796552/VEsFBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ftd.de/politik/europa/:geplatzte-immobilienblase-spaniens-halbherzige-caja-reform/60002604.html blocked::http://www.ftd.de/politik/europa/:geplatzte-immobilienblase-spaniens-halbherzige-caja-reform/60002604.html http://www.ftd.de/politik/europa">FT Deutschland</a><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef4/1ba8c0bb/80acf05/7c55d760/3341796552/VEsFAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.faz.net/p/Rub6C77E50CFDFD44AF94BA0EA12FECC2AD/Dx1~E5B53BD79548E183917803F142E37F1FB~ATpl~Ecommon~Scontent.html">FAZ</a><br />
<strong><em>Die Welt </em></strong><strong>reports that Germany’s Federal</strong><strong>Association for Renewable Energies has claimed that it is untrue that an EU</strong><strong>-wide harmonised support system for green energy would mean lower prices for consumers. Managing Director Bjoern Klusmann notes that studies have estimated that the implementation costs of EU Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger’s favoured single support system could be between €50bn and €90bn across the EU.<br />
</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef4/1ba8c0bb/80acf05/7c55d761/3341796552/VEsFAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/energie/article12346197/Oekostrom-Branche-legt-sich-mit-EU-Kommission-an.html">Welt</a><br />
<strong>On his <em>EUobserver</em> blog, Bruno Waterfield cites Open Europe’s blog post criticising European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek for his comparison between the European Parliament’s two seats and national monarchies in terms of symbolic importance.<br />
</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef4/1ba8c0bb/80acf05/7c55d766/3341796552/VEsFAw/" target="_blank">OE blog</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef4/1ba8c0bb/80acf05/7c55d767/3341796552/VEsFAg/" target="_blank">EUobserver: Waterfield </a><br />
<strong><em>Handelsblatt</em></strong><strong> reports that EU Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding’s proposals to introduce a common EU system of contract law alongside that of the member states is facing cross-party opposition in the German Bundestag, as well as among businesses and consumers’ associations.<br />
</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef4/1ba8c0bb/80acf05/7c55d764/3341796552/VEsFDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.handelsblatt.com/rechtspolitiker-legen-sich-quer-stopp-fuer-eu-vertragsrecht;2739136">Handelsblatt</a><br />
<strong>In a comment piece in <em>Le Monde</em>, EU Competition Commissioner Joaquín Almunia argues: “To let people believe that ‘protecting’ our firms from competition, especially when it comes from non-European firms, we are making them more competitive internationally, is wrong and dangerous for the future of our economy.”<br />
</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef4/1ba8c0bb/80acf05/7c55d765/3341796552/VEsFDA/" target="_blank">Le Monde: Almunia</a><br />
<strong>The <em>Independent</em> reports that David Petrie, a Scottish lecturer at Verona University in Italy, has asked MEPs for support in opposing a new Italian law reforming the education system. Petrie claims that the new law will deprive non-Italian lecturers working in Italian universities of basic rights, including the right to equal treatment and the right to due process of law.<br />
</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef4/1ba8c0bb/80acf05/7c55d77a/3341796552/VEsCBQ/" target="_blank">Independent </a><br />
<strong><em>EUobserver</em></strong><strong> reports that EU Digital Agenda Commissioner Neelie Kroes has raised "serious doubts" about Hungary's new media law in a letter to Budapest and has given the government a two-week ultimatum to explain itself.<br />
</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef4/1ba8c0bb/80acf05/7c55d77b/3341796552/VEsCBA/" target="_blank">EUobserver</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef4/1ba8c0bb/80acf05/7c55d778/3341796552/VEsCBw/" target="_blank" title="http://blogs.ft.com/brusselsblog/2011/01/just-how-tough-is-the-eu-getting-with-hungary/">FT Brussels Blog</a><br />
<strong><em>Euractiv </em></strong><strong>reports that the European Parliament will fast-track the vote on the EU patent despite numerous unresolved issues and the fact that this process has never before been used for an internal market policy.<br />
</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef4/1ba8c0bb/80acf05/7c55d779/3341796552/VEsCBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.euractiv.com/en/enterprise-jobs/parliament-fast-track-vote-eu-patent-news-501590">EurActiv</a><br />
<h2> UK</h2><strong>The latest figures from the Office of National Statistics show that the UK economy contracted by 0.5% in the last quarter prompting fears of a double dip recession. UK Chancellor George Osborne put the fall chiefly down to the snow, however, the ONS suggested that GDP growth would likely have remained flat even without the impact of the bad weather.<br />
</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef4/1ba8c0bb/80acf05/7c55d77e/3341796552/VEsCAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/465193cc-2867-11e0-bfcc-00144feab49a.html%23axzz1BxGNQBkj">FT</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef4/1ba8c0bb/80acf05/7c55d77f/3341796552/VEsCAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/economics/8281864/UK-economys-shock-GDP-fall-reignites-fears-of-double-dip.html">Telegraph</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef4/1ba8c0bb/80acf05/7c55d77c/3341796552/VEsCAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/jan/25/uk-gdp-figures-what-the-analysts-say">Guardian</a><br />
<strong>An article in the <em>FT</em> suggests that, despite being a good first step, the Franco-British defence accord still leaves much to be desired when it comes to tackling global security issues.<br />
</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef4/1ba8c0bb/80acf05/7c55d77d/3341796552/VEsCAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/bd285b80-273f-11e0-80d7-00144feab49a,dwp_uuid=4460d6e4-2778-11e0-a327-00144feab49a.html#axzz1Bwp8HCrj">FT</a><br />
<h2> New on the Open Europe blog</h2><strong>The latest on the EU ‘referendum lock’: This is why the EU Bill should be amended<br />
</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef4/1ba8c0bb/80acf05/7c55d743/3341796552/VEsCDQ/" target="_blank">OE blog</a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
<hr /><br />
Open Europe is an independent think tank campaigning for radical reform of the EU. For information on our research, events and other activities, please visit our website: <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef4/1ba8c0bb/80acf05/7c55d772/3341796552/VEsCDA/" target="_blank">openeurope.org.uk</a>, follow us on twitter <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef4/1ba8c0bb/80acf05/7c55d773/3341796552/VEsDBQ/" target="_blank">@OpenEurope</a> or call us on +44 (0) 207 1972333 (London) and +32 (0) 2 5408625 (Brussels).</span>David Ben-Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02271443642557427428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19528757.post-44991098571551741952011-01-25T14:43:00.000-08:002011-01-25T14:43:35.982-08:00Open Europe<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.3;"> <h2> Europe</h2><strong>The Government’s EU Bill emerges unscathed after second committee day;<br />
MPs criticise lack of time to discuss contentious amendments<br />
</strong>MPs last night debated the so-called ‘referendum lock’ in the Government’s EU Bill in the House of Commons. Labour proposed amendments, tabled by leader Ed Miliband, that would have seen a Parliamentary committee decide on the need for referenda on EU treaty changes, but several MPs objected that this would give the government of the day the power to push through new treaties if it held the balance of power in Labour’s proposed committee. Labour’s amendments were defeated by 329 votes to 220.<br />
Conservative MP James Clappison’s amendment, which would have removed the so-called ‘significance condition’ from the Bill, was also defeated by 310 votes to 239. 18 Conservative MPs voted against the Government.<br />
Many MPs complained about the Government’s scheduling of the Bill, which did not leave enough time for many of the most contentious amendments tabled, including Conservative MP Peter Bone’s proposal for an in/out referendum, to be debated. If the Government had been serious about allowing scrutiny of the legislation it could have lifted last night’s 10pm deadline, Mr Bone said, according to the <em>Express</em>. “This was a very bad day for Parliament, for the Government and for politics. And it just builds up bad feeling in the party.” MPs continue to debate the Bill today and tomorrow.<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d708/1004393000/VEsH/" target="_blank" title="http://www.openeurope.org.uk/media-centre/pressrelease.aspx?pressreleaseid=157"><br />
Open Europe press release</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d708/1004393000/VEsE/" target="_blank" title="http://www.openeurope.org.uk/media-centre/pressrelease.aspx?pressreleaseid=157">Open Europe research</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d709/1004393000/VEsF/" target="_blank" title="http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/225104/Tory-fury-over-bid-to-block-EU-referendum blocked::http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/225104/Tory-fury-over-bid-to-block-EU-referendum http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/225104/Tory-fury-over-bid-to-block-EU-re">Express</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d70e/1004393000/VEsC/" target="_blank" title="http://conservativehome.blogs.com/parliament/2011/01/james-clappison-fails-in-his-attempt-to-make-parliament-not-ministers-decide-when-a-transfer-of-powe.html blocked::http://conservativehome.blogs.com/parliament/2011/01/james-clappison-fails-in-his-attem">Conservative Home</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d70f/1004393000/VEsD/" target="_blank">Open Europe blog</a><br />
<strong>IMF calls for EFSF increase;<br />
Spain </strong><strong>plans nationalisation of troubled savings banks</strong><br />
The eurozone €440bn bail-out fund, the EFSF, is expected to raise the maximum allotted amount of €5bn in five-year bonds in its first sale today. The <em>FT</em> notes that the bonds are likely to be bought mainly by European funds, although Asian and Middle Eastern investors are expected to buy about 30%. In a report released today, the IMF recommends that the effective size of the EFSF be increased and that the fund be given “a more flexible mandate” to ensure access to funding.<br />
Meanwhile, <em>Euractiv</em> reports on an EU committee made up of technocrats and lawyers from national finance ministries – called the Taskforce of the Eurogroup Working Group – which is currently rewriting EU rules on bail-outs and national debt without public scrutiny. Tax coordination and national debt are among the issues being discussed by the group. <br />
The <em>Irish Times</em> reports that German Chancellor Angela Merkel is meeting Commission President José Manuel Barroso in Berlin to discuss a package of measures including partial debt restructuring. According to <em>Reuters</em>, Merkel’s spokesman yesterday dismissed a proposal made by German Economy Minister Reiner Brüderle that the EFSF should lend at different interest rates.<br />
<em>Le Figaro</em> reports that French Economy Minister Christine Lagarde said yesterday she is considering an extension of the bail-out plan for Greece, so that it can follow the same timeline as Ireland. <em>FAZ</em>reports that eurozone member states have agreed that a possible Greek restructuring should not be considered before details have been agreed on the post-2013 permanent rescue mechanism. The article notes that Barroso has given up his demands for the EFSF to be expanded.<br />
The front-page of <em>El País</em> reports that the Spanish government will nationalise the cajas that have problems in financing themselves in September. The <em>Telegraph</em> notes that the Spanish government has also required that Spanish banks boost their core Tier One capital ratio to 8%. Spanish Economy Minster Elena Salgado is quoted saying that capital injections into the cajas would “in no way exceed €20bn”. However, <em>FAZ</em>features estimates from experts showing that the Spanish banking system faces write-downs of more than €100bn, with the cajas accounting for half that amount.<br />
According to the <em>Irish Times</em>, the Irish Government and main opposition parties have agreed to get the Finance Bill through both the Houses of Irish parliament by the end of this week, clearing the way for a general election on 25 February. The <em>Irish Independent</em> reports that European Trade Union Confederation Secretary-General John Monks has accused the Commission of traying to push down wages.<br />
Meanwhile, the <em>WSJ</em> reports that Yu Yongding, a former adviser to China's central bank, has written that China shouldn't buy eurozone government bonds directly until the euro zone works out a permanent crisis resolution mechanism, to avoid the risk of "turning good money bad."<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d70c/1004393000/VEsA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.zeit.de/wirtschaft/2011-01/westwerwelle-euro">Zeit</a><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d70d/1004393000/VEsB/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2011/0125/1224288248298.html">Irish Times</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d702/1004393000/VEsO/" target="_blank" title="http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0125/economy.html">RTE</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d703/1004393000/VEsP/" target="_blank" title="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financetopics/financialcrisis/8279872/Spain-tempts-fate-with-minimalist-bank-rescue.html">Telegraph: Evans-Pritchard</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d700/1004393000/VEsHBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.independent.ie/national-news/elections/eu-oversteps-bounds-to-seek-pay-cuts-2509054.html">Irish Independent</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d701/1004393000/VEsHBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/frontpage/2011/0125/1224288250745.html">Irish Times</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d706/1004393000/VEsHBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0125/1224288250551.html">Irish Times 2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d707/1004393000/VEsHBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/opinion/2011/0125/1224288248288.html">Irish Times: O'Brien</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d704/1004393000/VEsHAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/economics/interestrates/8279891/Inflation-as-great-a-threat-as-European-debt-crisis-warns-IMF.html">Telegraph</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d705/1004393000/VEsHAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/eb19f2f8-27ec-11e0-8abc-00144feab49a.html%23axzz1BxGNQBkj">FT</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d71a/1004393000/VEsHAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/84312ca2-27f4-11e0-8abc-00144feab49a.html%23axzz1BxGNQBkj">FT 2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d71b/1004393000/VEsHAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/8a783122-27f0-11e0-8abc-00144feab49a.html%23axzz1BxGNQBkj">FT 3</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d718/1004393000/VEsHDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/62940540-27e7-11e0-8abc-00144feab49a.html%23axzz1BxGNQBkj">FT 4</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d719/1004393000/VEsHDA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2011/01/25/business/business-uk-imf-financial.html?_r=1&ref=global-home">IHT</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d71e/1004393000/VEsEBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.euractiv.com/en/euro-finance/secret-committee-paving-way-euro-reform-news-501549">Euractiv</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d71f/1004393000/VEsEBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lemonde.fr/depeches/2011/01/25/la-zone-euro-s-engage-sur-la-voie-des-euro-obligations-sans-le-dire_3214_236_44255317.html">AFP</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d71c/1004393000/VEsEBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lemonde.fr/depeches/2011/01/24/la-solidarite-en-zone-euro-n-est-pas-une-voie-a-sens-unique-schauble_3214_236_44253406.html">AFP 2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d71d/1004393000/VEsEBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lefigaro.fr/flash-eco/2011/01/24/97002-20110124FILWWW00535-irlande-loi-de-finances-cruciale-pour-l-ue.php">Le Figaro</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d712/1004393000/VEsEAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://ftalphaville.ft.com/blog/2011/01/24/466731/buiter-on-europes-secret-liquidity-operations/">FT Alphaville</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d713/1004393000/VEsEAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.wirtschaftspresse.biz/psepp/fn/pcc/sfn/showedetail/DocID/1139095/EditionID/4/SectionID/2/PageID/1138728/pDay/25.01.2011%2000:00:00/showtyp/1/SH/470002e80955f0c3b10ea7961fdb22/index.html">Handelsblatt</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d710/1004393000/VEsEAw/" target="_blank" title="http://m.faz.net/Rub09A305833E12405A808EF01024D15375">FAZ</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d711/1004393000/VEsEAg/" target="_blank" title="http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20110124-716404.html">WSJ</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d716/1004393000/VEsEDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lefigaro.fr/flash-eco/2011/01/25/97002-20110125FILWWW00392-grece-le-plan-d-aide-etendu.php">Le Figaro 2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d717/1004393000/VEsEDA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.elpais.com/articulo/economia/Gobierno/abre/puerta/nacionalizacion/cajas/problemas/elpepueco/20110124elpepueco_6/Tes">El Pais</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d714/1004393000/VEsFBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/agresividad/Cavaco/victoria/complica/cohabitacion/Portugal/elpepiint/20110125elpepiint_14/Tes">El Pais 2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d715/1004393000/VEsFBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/world/europe/article2886958.ece">Times</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d72a/1004393000/VEsFBw/" target="_blank" title="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703555804576102002170691000.html">WSJ</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d72b/1004393000/VEsFBg/" target="_blank" title="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703555804576102103705407960.html">WSJ 2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d728/1004393000/VEsFAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704405704576063181110573142.html">WSJ 3</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d729/1004393000/VEsFAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.neurope.eu/articles/104189.php">New Europe</a><br />
<strong>UK and Netherlands to revive Services Directive and create a mini-free market<br />
</strong>The <em>Guardian</em> reports that UK PM David Cameron and Dutch PM Mark Rutte are trying to garner support to revive the EU’s Services Directive under enhanced co-operation which could see the Nordic countries, Baltic states, UK and Netherlands adopting the original, more liberal Services Direct on their own. In an interview with the paper Rutte said, "The services directive has been watered down, and nothing has been left, because countries could not agree."<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d72e/1004393000/VEsFAw/" target="_blank">Guardian</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d72f/1004393000/VEsFAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.spectator.co.uk/coffeehouse/6644083/the-government-must-continue-to-liberalise-europes-market.thtml">Spectator: Coffee House blog</a><br />
<strong><em>Die Zeit </em></strong><strong>reports that demonstrations are planned for next weekend to protest against unsustainable agricultural policies and EU export subsidies. Georg Häusler, Head of Cabinet for the EU’s Agricultural Commissioner, is quoted saying, “On the one hand the policy promises an ideal world but on the other German consumers now face a food scandal of major proportions”.<br />
</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d72c/1004393000/VEsFDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.zeit.de/2011/04/Landwirtschaft-Subventionen">Zeit</a><br />
<strong>€1.3m of EU funds will fund a project training up to 3000 Polish civil servants polite and efficient ways of serving clients, reports the <em>Parliament</em>.<br />
</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d72d/1004393000/VEsFDA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.theparliament.com/latest-news/article/newsarticle/meps-condemn-eu-funded-etiquette-courses-for-poles/ blocked::http://www.theparliament.com/latest-news/article/newsarticle/meps-condemn-eu-funded-etiquette-courses-for-poles/ http://www.theparlia">Parliament</a><br />
<strong>Dutch PM: Netherlands wants a permanent rebate on the EU budget<br />
</strong>Ahead of this year’s negotiations on the next EU multi-annual budget, Dutch PM Mark Rutte said that the Netherlands wants a permanent rebate on the EU budget, similar to the UK’s, reports <em>NOS</em>. Meanwhile, in an interview with <em>EurActiv.cz</em>, Czech Agriculture Minister, Ivan Fuksa, dismissed the Commission’s proposal to create an additional transition period to CAP payments to even out differences in payments between 'new' and 'old' EU members.<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d722/1004393000/VEsCBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.euractiv.com/en/regional-policy/regional-funding-reform-necessary-leading-expert-news-501553">Euractiv</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d723/1004393000/VEsCBA/" target="_blank">NOS</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d720/1004393000/VEsCBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.euractiv.com/en/cap/czech-minister-fairer-cap-good-news-501541">Euractiv</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d721/1004393000/VEsCBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2011/01/the_netherlands_to_press_for_e.php blocked::http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2011/01/the_netherlands_to_press_for_e.php http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2011/01/the_netherlands_to_press_for_e.php">Dutch News</a><br />
<strong>German Economics Minister warns EU renewable targets might lead to energy blackouts<br />
</strong><em>Focus Magazine</em> reports that the German Ministry of Economic Affairs has warned that Germany may in future experience energy blackouts, as the country doesn’t have the capacity to cope with the EU’s renewable energy targets, which oblige member states to source 20% of energy from renewables by 2020. Liberal MEP Holger Krahmer is quoted saying, “this shouldn’t surprise anybody given the irrational energy policies of excessive reliance on renewables”. Meanwhile, <em>FAZ</em> cites a Commission paper which claims that member states will only reach a 10% renewable share of their 2020.<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d726/1004393000/VEsCAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.focus.de/immobilien/energiesparen/stromversorgung-es-wird-dunkel-in-deutschland_aid_592633.html">Focus</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d727/1004393000/VEsCAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.welt.de/print/die_welt/wirtschaft/article12290177/Union-meutert-gegen-Roettgen.html">Welt</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d724/1004393000/VEsCAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.faz.net/s/Rub0E9EEF84AC1E4A389A8DC6C23161FE44/Doc~E68AF844DB4B140838B87F818018758FF~ATpl~Ecommon~Scontent.html">FAZ</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d725/1004393000/VEsCAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.wirtschaftspresse.biz/psepp/fn/pcc/sfn/showedetail/DocID/1139098/EditionID/4/SectionID/10/PageID/1138747/pDay/25.01.2011%2000:00:00/showtyp/1/SH/470002e80955f0c3b10ea7961fdb22/index.html">Handelsblatt</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d73a/1004393000/VEsCDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.openeurope.org.uk/research/carep.pdf">Open Europe Research</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d73b/1004393000/VEsCDA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ftd.de/politik/europa/:potenzial-fuer-oekostrom-eu-verlangt-einheitliche-energiepolitik/60002408.html blocked::http://www.ftd.de/politik/europa/:potenzial-fuer-oekostrom-eu-verlangt-einheitliche-energiepolitik/60002408.html http://www.ftd.de/po">FT Deutschland</a><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d73b/1004393000/VEsDBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ftd.de/politik/europa/:potenzial-fuer-oekostrom-eu-verlangt-einheitliche-energiepolitik/60002408.html blocked::http://www.ftd.de/politik/europa/:potenzial-fuer-oekostrom-eu-verlangt-einheitliche-energiepolitik/60002408.html http://www.ftd.de/po">FT Deutschland</a><br />
<strong>The <em>Express</em> reports that local councils are introducing maximum limits on the amount of rubbish collected from households in order to meet EU targets.<br />
</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d738/1004393000/VEsDBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/225146/EU-ruling-rations-families-to-80-bags-of-rubbish-a-year">Express</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d739/1004393000/VEsDBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1350218/Families-rationed-80-bags-rubbish-year.html#ixzz1C2NJdStn">Mail</a><br />
<strong>The Commission has signalled that Hungary's new media law may be in breach of the EU's Charter of Fundamental Rights, but concedes it has no powers to challenge Hungary's media council.<br />
</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d73e/1004393000/VEsDBg/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31695">EUobserver</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d73f/1004393000/VEsDAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.euractiv.fr/bruxelles-critique-fortement-loi-hongroise-medias-article">Euractiv France</a><br />
<strong><em>El Pais </em></strong><strong>criticises the EU for welcoming Islam Karímov, the Uzbek dictador accused of human rights abuses, to Brussels “with the red carpet”.<br />
</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d73c/1004393000/VEsDAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/25/world/europe/25uzbek.html?ref=global-home">IHT</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d73d/1004393000/VEsDAw/" target="_blank">El Pais</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d732/1004393000/VEsDAg/" target="_blank" title="http://bruxelles.blogs.liberation.fr/coulisses/2011/01/lhonneur-perdu-cest-%C3%A0-la-mode-de-barroso.html">Coulisses de Bruxelles</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d733/1004393000/VEsDDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lastampa.it/_web/cmstp/tmplrubriche/giornalisti/grubrica.asp?ID_blog=113&ID_articolo=921&ID_sezione=&sezione=">Straneuropa</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d730/1004393000/VEsDDA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.euractiv.com/en/east-mediterranean/human-rights-concerns-overshadow-eu-uzbek-summit-news-501532">Euractiv</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d731/1004393000/VEsABQ/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31692">EUobserver</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d736/1004393000/VEsABA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.europeanvoice.com/article/2011/january/barroso-raises-human-rights-with-uzbek-leader/70028.aspx">European Voice</a><br />
<strong><em>ORF </em></strong><strong>reports that "the EU wants to teach Facebook manners". EU Data Supervisor Peter Hustinx is quoted saying, "there should be stronger controls on applying data protection law. We need more muscles in the system. Laws should be harmonised more".<br />
</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d737/1004393000/VEsABw/" target="_blank" title="http://help.orf.at/stories/1673880/">ORF</a><br />
<strong><em>El Pais</em></strong><strong> reports that the EU has withdrawn €300,000 of agricultural subsidies from Valencia due to delays by the regional agricultural council that administers the payments.<br />
</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d734/1004393000/VEsABg/" target="_blank">El Pais</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d735/1004393000/VEsAAQ/" target="_blank">ABC</a><br />
<h2> New on the Open Europe blog</h2><strong>Is EMU a new rouble zone?<br />
</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d74a/1004393000/VEsAAA/" target="_blank">Open Europe blog</a><br />
<strong>European Parliament President’s position on Strasbourg: A royal extravagance</strong><br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d74b/1004393000/VEsAAw/" target="_blank">Open Europe blog</a></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
<hr /><br />
Open Europe is an independent think tank campaigning for radical reform of the EU. For information on our research, events and other activities, please visit our website: <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d748/1004393000/VEsAAg/" target="_blank">openeurope.org.uk</a>, follow us on twitter <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef2/1ba8c0bb/80af560/7c55d749/1004393000/VEsADQ/" target="_blank">@OpenEurope</a> or call us on +44 (0) 207 1972333 (London) and +32 (0) 2 5408625 (Brussels).</span>David Ben-Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02271443642557427428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19528757.post-53614018215681746142011-01-24T06:16:00.000-08:002011-01-24T06:16:48.655-08:00Open Europe press summary: 24 January 2011<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.3;"> <h2> Europe</h2><strong>New powers for EU to investigate crimes would not be covered by ‘referendum lock’<br />
</strong>MPs will start the first of three days of debate on the Government’s EU Bill today, with attention turning to the Bill’s so-called ‘referendum lock’. Open Europe has welcomed the Bill but has argued that it should be strengthened. The <em>NOTW</em> quoted Open Europe’s Stephen Booth arguing that loopholes in the referendum lock mean that Parliament and voters do not have a say over which EU crime, justice and immigration laws apply to the UK. He argued that people deserve to be consulted on the European Commission’s plans to grant Eurojust, the EU’s judicial body, the authority to launch criminal investigations. Stephen is quoted in the <em>Express</em> and Open Europe’s briefing on the loopholes in the Bill is also cited by <em>Euractiv</em>.<br />
On <em>Conservative Home</em>, Europe Minister David Lidington argues in favour of the Bill writing that it will “strengthen our democracy” and that he wants it to become “a natural part of our constitution.”<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7bd/2991107568/VEsH/" target="_blank" title="http://www.openeurope.org.uk/research/eubillbriefing.pdf">Open Europe briefing</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7b2/2991107568/VEsE/" target="_blank" title="http://www.openeurope.org.uk/media-centre/pressrelease.aspx?pressreleaseid=157">Open Europe press release</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7b3/2991107568/VEsF/" target="_blank" title="http://www.euractiv.com/en/future-eu/british-mps-vote-eu-referendum-lock-news-501494 blocked::http://www.euractiv.com/en/future-eu/british-mps-vote-eu-referendum-lock-news-501494">Euractiv</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7b0/2991107568/VEsC/" target="_blank" title="http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/224895/EU-bureaucrats-win-power-to-probe-UK-crime blocked::http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/224895/EU-bureaucrats-win-power-to-probe-UK-crime http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/224895/EU-bureaucrats-win-power-to-pro">Express</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7b1/2991107568/VEsD/" target="_blank" title="http://conservativehome.blogs.com/platform/2011/01/david-lidington-mp-why-every-conservative-can-be-proud-of-the-eureopan-union-bill.html blocked::http://conservativehome.blogs.com/platform/2011/01/david-lidington-mp-why-every-conservative-can-be-proud-of">Conservative Home: Lidington</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7b6/2991107568/VEsA/" target="_blank" title="http://conservativehome.blogs.com/platform/2011/01/peter-bone-mp-its-time-for-an-in-out-referendum-on-europe.html blocked::http://conservativehome.blogs.com/platform/2011/01/peter-bone-mp-its-time-for-an-in-out-referendum-on-europe.html http://conservativ">Conservative Home: Bone</a><br />
<strong>Details of Irish Finance Bill uncertain as PM resigns as head of party<br />
</strong>Irish PM Brian Cowen announced on Saturday that he is standing down as leader of Fianna Fáil, but will remain as Taoiseach until the general election. Fianna Fáil’s coalition partner, the Green party, formally withdrew from the coalition on Sunday, prompting calls for an earlier election to be called. The Greens confirmed they will still support the Finance Bill, which is crucial to secure the release of EU-IMF bail-out funds. The government is meeting with opposition leaders today to try to negotiate an agreement on the bill by the end of this week.<br />
Meanwhile, in an interview with Dutch TV program <em>Buitenhof</em>, ECB President Jean-Claude Trichet, dismissed fears of an Irish or Greek default as "absurd". <em>Het Financieele Dagblad</em> notes that he acknowledged implicitly that debt restructuring was an option by calling "hard consolidation" in some countries "the route we have in mind”. In an interview with the <em>WSJ</em>, Trichet voiced concerns over rising world inflation, indicating that the ECB could raise interest rates, a move which would threaten recovery in peripheral eurozone countries.<br />
The front-page of <em>Handelsblatt</em> reports that German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle rejects increasing the eurozone bail-out fund, saying that "making national debt common would take away the pressure for budget consolidation". In an interview with <em>Der Spiegel</em>, Eurogroup Chairman Jean-Claude Juncker suggested that “all European leaders are in agreement [on the eurozone’s €440bn rescue fund, the EFSF]. We don't want to expand the bailout fund, but we do want to make sure that it reaches its intended size”.<br />
In an interview with <em>FD</em>, ECB Chief Economist Jürgen Stark has said: "We need to strengthen economic governance. This is a next step towards greater political union [...] This is clearly stated in the Maastricht Treaty: all member states shall regard economic policies as a matter of common concern.”<br />
<em>Les Echos </em>reports that, following bilateral talks held in Paris on Friday, French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero have acknowledged their “complete identity of views on European issues, especially as regards the creation of a European economic government.”<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7b7/2991107568/VEsB/" target="_blank" title="http://www.cityam.com/news-and-analysis/finance-bill-safe-irish-coalition-fails blocked::http://www.cityam.com/news-and-analysis/finance-bill-safe-irish-coalition-fails http://www.cityam.com/news-and-analysis/finance-bill-safe-irish-coalition-fails">City AM</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7b4/2991107568/VEsO/" target="_blank" title="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jan/23/greens-quit-irish-government blocked::http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jan/23/greens-quit-irish-government http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jan/23/greens-quit-irish-government">Guardian</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7b5/2991107568/VEsP/" target="_blank" title="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ireland/8277048/Irish-Government-in-chaos-as-Greens-quit-Coalition.html blocked::http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ireland/8277048/Irish-Government-in-chaos-as-Greens-quit-Coalition.html http">Telegraph</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7ca/2991107568/VEsHBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.independent.ie/national-news/elections/early-election-looms-as-greens-pull-plug-2508071.html blocked::http://www.independent.ie/national-news/elections/early-election-looms-as-greens-pull-plug-2508071.html http://www.independent.ie/national-new">Irish Independent</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7cb/2991107568/VEsHBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.independent.ie/opinion/editorial/time-to-end-this-farce-2508145.html blocked::http://www.independent.ie/opinion/editorial/time-to-end-this-farce-2508145.html http://www.independent.ie/opinion/editorial/time-to-end-this-farce-2508145.html">Irish Independent: Leader</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7c8/2991107568/VEsHBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/jan/21/spain-part-nationalise-savings-banks-cajas blocked::http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/jan/21/spain-part-nationalise-savings-banks-cajas http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/jan/21/spain-part-national">Saturday’s Guardian</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7c9/2991107568/VEsHBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/1da901e4-2588-11e0-8258-00144feab49a.html#axzz1Blb7agJf blocked::http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/1da901e4-2588-11e0-8258-00144feab49a.html#axzz1Blb7agJf http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/1da901e4-2588-11e0-8258-00144feab49a.html#axzz1Blb7agJf">FT Weekend </a><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7ce/2991107568/VEsHAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/a37cf284-2543-11e0-93ae-00144feab49a.html#axzz1Blb7agJf blocked::http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/a37cf284-2543-11e0-93ae-00144feab49a.html#axzz1Blb7agJf http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/a37cf284-2543-11e0-93ae-00144feab49a.html#axzz1Blb7agJf">FT Weekend 2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7cf/2991107568/VEsHAA/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31685 blocked::http://euobserver.com/9/31685 http://euobserver.com/9/31685">EUobserver</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7cc/2991107568/VEsHAw/" target="_blank" title="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703398504576099680269779402.html?mod=WSJEurope_hps_LEFTTopStories blocked::http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703398504576099680269779402.html?mod=WSJEurope_hps_LEFTTopStories http://online.wsj.com/">WSJ</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7cd/2991107568/VEsHAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.euractiv.com/en/elections/portuguese-choose-experienced-captain-stormy-times-news-501503 blocked::http://www.euractiv.com/en/elections/portuguese-choose-experienced-captain-stormy-times-news-501503 http://www.euractiv.com/en/elections/portugues">Euractiv</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7c2/2991107568/VEsHDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.europeanvoice.com/article/2011/january/portugal-s-president-re-elected/70023.aspx blocked::http://www.europeanvoice.com/article/2011/january/portugal-s-president-re-elected/70023.aspx http://www.europeanvoice.com/article/2011/january/portugal-s">European Voice</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7c3/2991107568/VEsHDA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.cityam.com/news-and-analysis/portugal-puts-faith-silva blocked::http://www.cityam.com/news-and-analysis/portugal-puts-faith-silva http://www.cityam.com/news-and-analysis/portugal-puts-faith-silva">City AM</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7c0/2991107568/VEsEBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/portugal/8277492/Portuguese-president-on-course-to-win-second-term.html blocked::http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/portugal/8277492/Portuguese-president-on-course-to-win-second-term.html http">Telegraph</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7c1/2991107568/VEsEBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/fa91a204-2714-11e0-80d7-00144feab49a.html#axzz1BwVrKZPO blocked::http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/fa91a204-2714-11e0-80d7-00144feab49a.html#axzz1BwVrKZPO http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/fa91a204-2714-11e0-80d7-00144feab49a.html#axzz1BwVrKZPO">FT</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7c6/2991107568/VEsEBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/0d3f56f0-273b-11e0-80d7-00144feab49a.html#axzz1BwVrKZPO blocked::http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/0d3f56f0-273b-11e0-80d7-00144feab49a.html#axzz1BwVrKZPO http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/0d3f56f0-273b-11e0-80d7-00144feab49a.html#axzz1BwVrKZPO">FT 2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7c7/2991107568/VEsEBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/opposition-in-ireland-presses-for-snap-elections-2192169.html blocked::http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/opposition-in-ireland-presses-for-snap-elections-2192169.html http://www.independent.co.uk">Independent</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7c4/2991107568/VEsEAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.publico.pt/Pol%C3%ADtica/cavaco-e-o-presidente-eleito-com-menos-votos_1476752 blocked::http://www.publico.pt/PolÃtica/cavaco-e-o-presidente-eleito-com-menos-votos_1476752">Publico</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7c5/2991107568/VEsEAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/world/europe/article2885301.ece blocked::http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/world/europe/article2885301.ece http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/world/europe/article2885301.ece">The Times</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7da/2991107568/VEsEAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0124/politics.html blocked::http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0124/politics.html">RTE</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7db/2991107568/VEsEAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lesechos.fr/economie-politique/monde/actu/afp_00316046-sarkozy-et-zapatero-favorables-a-un-gouvernement-economique-europeen.htm blocked::http://www.lesechos.fr/economie-politique/monde/actu/afp_00316046-sarkozy-et-zapatero-favorables-a-un-gouve">Les Echos</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7d8/2991107568/VEsEDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/business/Economy/article519509.ece blocked::http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/business/Economy/article519509.ece http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/business/Economy/article519509.ece">Sunday Times</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7d9/2991107568/VEsEDA/" target="_blank" title="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704213404576099760598195684.html?mod=WSJEurope_hps_MIDDLETopStories blocked::http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704213404576099760598195684.html?mod=WSJEurope_hps_MIDDLETopStories http://online.wsj.">WSJ 2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7cc/2991107568/VEsFBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703398504576099680269779402.html?mod=WSJEurope_hps_LEFTTopStories blocked::http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703398504576099680269779402.html?mod=WSJEurope_hps_LEFTTopStories">WSJ</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7de/2991107568/VEsFBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.fd.nl/artikel/21261598/interview-jurgen-stark">FD</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7de/2991107568/VEsFBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.fd.nl/artikel/21261598/interview-jurgen-stark">FD English version</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7df/2991107568/VEsFBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.vpro.nl/programma/buitenhof/afleveringen/44404256/items/44404261/media/44405969/">Buitenhof</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7dc/2991107568/VEsFAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.wirtschaftspresse.biz/psepp/fn/pcc/sfn/showedetail/DocID/1138127/EditionID/4/SectionID/2/PageID/1138108/pDay/24.01.2011%2000:00:00/showtyp/1/SH/0/index.html">Handelsblatt</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7dd/2991107568/VEsFAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.wirtschaftspresse.biz/psepp/fn/pcc/sfn/showedetail/DocID/1138195/EditionID/4/SectionID/2/PageID/1138184/pDay/24.01.2011%2000:00:00/showtyp/1/SH/47650310075d1c5677cb57f21fcb17/index.html">Handelsblatt 2</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7d2/2991107568/VEsFAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/international/euro-krise-eu-kommission-schuert-angst-vor-wirtschaftsabsturz;2738264">Handelsblatt</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7d3/2991107568/VEsFAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.welt.de/print/die_welt/wirtschaft/article12319596/Bruessel-dringt-auf-mehr-Tempo.html">Welt</a><br />
<strong>Anibal Cavaco Silva was re-elected yesterday as Portuguese President. The election attracted the lowest turnout in the history of Portuguese democracy.<br />
</strong><a href="" target="_blank" title="outbind://151-00000000D1CE9797A08BC1458EF360065E1D971E07005EA8DEE0D7B6DA4F92CAEAD1508517D800000019FFD000005EA8DEE0D7B6DA4F92CAEAD1508517D80000006BC6490000/El%20Pais"><span title="outbind://151-00000000D1CE9797A08BC1458EF360065E1D971E07005EA8DEE0D7B6DA4F92CAEAD1508517D800000019FFD000005EA8DEE0D7B6DA4F92CAEAD1508517D80000006BC6490000/El%20Pais">El Pais</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7d1/2991107568/VEsFDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0124/1224288166085.html"><span title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0124/1224288166085.html">Irish Times</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7d6/2991107568/VEsFDA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.dn.pt/inicio/portugal/interior.aspx?content_id=1764986"><span title="http://www.dn.pt/inicio/portugal/interior.aspx?content_id=1764986">Diário de Notícias</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7d7/2991107568/VEsCBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.jornaldenegocios.pt/home.php?template=SHOWNEWS_V2&id=464449"><span title="http://www.jornaldenegocios.pt/home.php?template=SHOWNEWS_V2&id=464449">Journal de Notícias</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7d4/2991107568/VEsCBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.expansion.com/2011/01/24/economia/1295861841.html"><span title="http://www.expansion.com/2011/01/24/economia/1295861841.html">Expansion</span></a><br />
<strong>Eurozone comment round-up<br />
</strong>In the <em>FT</em>, Wolfgang Münchau argues that “the best solution [for the eurozone], as ever, is the least probable: a large but limited increase in the EFSF’s lending ceiling; and a large bond purchase programme accompanied by the restructuring of the financial sector. That would be a step towards crisis resolution that everybody would understand.”<br />
On his <em>Telegraph</em> blog, Ambrose Evans-Pritchard writes: “José Manuel Barroso, the ex-Maoist President of the European Commission, has told Ireland that it is entirely and alone responsible for the disaster that has befallen the Irish people […] Once a Maoist, always a Maoist, I suppose. Mr Barroso misrepresents what happened, falsely denies any EU culpability, and equally falsely misclaims a “solution” – unless you count the solution of the economic graveyard.”<br />
An op-ed in <em>Handelsblatt</em> by former Chief Editor Bernd Ziesemer warns against “the fatal side-effects of euro therapy” and asks “how do we prevent these measures leading to an even greater democratic deficit in Europe?”<br />
In a separate comment piece, <em>Handelsblatt</em>’s finance commentator Frank Wiebe warns that the idea of bond buy-backs "is only a variation on bundling all national debts together on the market into EU debts, thereby burdening the creditworthiness of the EU."<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7d5/2991107568/VEsCBw/" target="_blank">Handelsblatt: Ziesemer</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7ea/2991107568/VEsCBg/" target="_blank">WSJ: Stelzer</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7eb/2991107568/VEsCAQ/" target="_blank">FT: Münchau</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7e8/2991107568/VEsCAA/" target="_blank">Telegraph blog: Evans-Pritchard</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7e9/2991107568/VEsCAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/comment/hamish-mcrae/hamish-mcrae-yes-interest-rates-will-go-up-ndash-but-when-best-keep-an-eye-on-the-ecb-2191858.html">Independent on Sunday: McRae</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7ee/2991107568/VEsCAg/" target="_blank">Handelsblatt: Wiebe</a><br />
<strong>Swedish Europe Minister: Many elements in the EU budget do not add value<br />
</strong>In an op-ed for <em>Le Monde</em>, Swedish Europe Minister Birgitta Ohlsson argues: “The EU budget should finance activities which bring real European added value […] At the present time, a big part of the EU budget includes elements which do not meet these criteria.” Ohlsson goes on to suggest that “capping the [next multi-annual] budget well below 1% of the EU’s GNI should represent a reasonable target.” She further argues that “the reduction and modernisation of the EU budget should involve a reduction of agricultural spending […] Structural funds should be focused on those areas across the EU which need them the most.”<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7ef/2991107568/VEsCDQ/" target="_blank">Le Monde: Ohlsson</a><br />
<strong>Head of European Parliament compares EP's two seats to monarchy<br />
</strong>In an interview with <em>Euractiv</em>, European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek has said he is opposed to abolishing the European Parliament’s monthly commuting session to Strasbourg, arguing: "Strasbourg is a symbolic place. Symbols are important. We can also ask whether for some member states it is right to keep a monarchy. But for these countries that has an historical meaning and it is still an important part of public life and interest." <br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7ec/2991107568/VEsCDA/" target="_blank">Euractiv: Buzek</a><br />
<strong>Saturday’s <em>Guardian</em> reported that the EU has been accused of running a “Mickey Mouse” carbon trading scheme after some traders experienced heavy losses due to a botched statement released by the European Commission on Friday. Meanwhile, today’s <em>Guardian</em> notes that the EU’s Emissions Trading Scheme could remain closed for longer than expected following last week’s cyber attacks on the Czech, Austrian and other national markets.<br />
</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7ed/2991107568/VEsDBQ/" target="_blank">Saturday’s Guardian </a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7e2/2991107568/VEsDBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/jan/23/carbon-trading-scheme-security-delay">Guardian</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7e3/2991107568/VEsDBw/" target="_blank">EUobserver</a><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7e0/2991107568/VEsDBg/" target="_blank">Euractiv</a><br />
<strong>Ashton taking full advantage of EU tax loophole<br />
</strong>The <em>Telegraph</em> reports that EU Foreign Minister Baroness Catherine Ashton pays the reduced EU tax rate on her earnings, even though she remains a British resident, unlike most other EU officials. While the reduced rates are automatic, EU officials, including Lady Ashton can choose to pay national tax rates, giving the difference to the exchequer in their home country, but most, including her, do not.<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7e1/2991107568/VEsDAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/eu/8277419/Baroness-Ashton-reaps-benefits-from-EU-tax-loophole.html blocked::http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/eu/8277419/Baroness-Ashton-reaps-benefits-from-EU-tax-loophole.html http://www.t">Telegraph</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7e6/2991107568/VEsDAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ftd.de/politik/europa/:uebergangsgeld-eu-kommissare-kassieren-doppelt/50173338.html">FT Deutschland</a><br />
<strong>In the <em>Sunday Telegraph</em>, Christopher Booker looked at the increasing costs of the EU’s Galileo satellite system and argued: “</strong><strong>No one can predict what the final cost of this murky and mismanaged venture might be, could it ever be got successfully off the ground. The ways in which we pay for it are as hidden as the true purpose of the project itself.”</strong><br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7e7/2991107568/VEsDAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/columnists/christopherbooker/8276191/The-costs-of-the-EUs-Galileo-satellite-system-are-still-skyrocketing.html blocked::http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/columnists/christopherbooker/8276191/The-costs-of-the-EUs-Galileo">Sunday Telegraph: Booker</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7e4/2991107568/VEsDAg/" target="_blank">OE research</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7e5/2991107568/VEsDDQ/" target="_blank">OE blog</a><br />
<strong>Saturday’s <em>Times</em> featured an interview with Labour peer Lord Winston discussing the Government’s plans to reform the NHS. Lord Winston suggested that “</strong><strong>we need to renege on the European Working Time Directive because consultants are being appointed as surgeons before they have enough experience. They will ring up at night and say ‘Can you give me a hand, I have never done this kind of operation before’.”<br />
</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7fa/2991107568/VEsDDA/" target="_blank">Saturday’s Times: Lord Winston</a><br />
<strong><em>AFP</em></strong><strong> reports that EU Internal Market Commissioner Michel Barnier has said that he will present a “European strategy for intellectual property” during the next spring.<br />
</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7fb/2991107568/VEsABQ/" target="_blank">AFP</a><br />
<strong><em>Euractiv </em></strong><strong>reports that yesterday around 34,000 Belgians took to the streets to demand an end to the country’s political stalemate and the formation of a new unity government.<br />
</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7f8/2991107568/VEsABA/" target="_blank">Euractiv</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7f9/2991107568/VEsABw/" target="_blank">Le Monde</a><br />
<strong>The <em>Telegraph</em> notes that Europe's banks are facing an exodus of staff to US rivals as regulatory and political pressure drives a growing pay divide between financial institutions.<br />
</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7fe/2991107568/VEsABg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/banksandfinance/8277309/Banks-set-for-staff-exodus-to-US-rivals-over-pay-rules.html">Telegraph</a><br />
<strong>An article in Saturday’s <em>Mail</em> noted that last week’s ruling by the Strasbourg-based European Court of Human Rights – which condemned Belgium for sending an Afghan asylum seeker back to Greece under the EU’s Dublin II Regulation – could make it easier for asylum seekers to enter the EU through Greece and move to other EU member states in future.<br />
</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7ff/2991107568/VEsAAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12255470 blocked::http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12255470">BBC</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7fc/2991107568/VEsAAA/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31681 blocked::http://euobserver.com/9/31681">EUobserver</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7fd/2991107568/VEsAAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.euractiv.com/en/justice/court-exposes-appalling-detention-conditions-greece-news-501500 blocked::http://www.euractiv.com/en/justice/court-exposes-appalling-detention-conditions-greece-news-501500">Euractiv</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7f2/2991107568/VEsAAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.europeanvoice.com/article/2011/january/expulsions-of-asylum-seekers-to-greece-illegal-/70019.aspx blocked::http://www.europeanvoice.com/article/2011/january/expulsions-of-asylum-seekers-to-greece-illegal-/70019.aspx">European Voice</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7f3/2991107568/VEsADQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1349477/UK-deport-asylum-seekers-Greece.html blocked::http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1349477/UK-deport-asylum-seekers-Greece.html">Saturday’s Mail</a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7f0/2991107568/VEsADA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/7097fb80-2583-11e0-8258-00144feab49a.html blocked::http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/7097fb80-2583-11e0-8258-00144feab49a.html">FT Weekend</a><br />
<h2> World</h2><strong>An article in <em>Handelsblatt</em> criticises “the way the EU deals with despots”, noting that “the EU wants to help human rights break through, but is really following economic interests”, giving the EU’s past attitude towards Tunisia and its current attitude towards Libya as examples. <br />
</strong><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7f1/2991107568/VEsBBQ/" target="_blank">Handelsblatt</a><br />
<h2> New on the Open Europe blog</h2>Latest on the EU ‘referendum lock’: Is the Miliband amendment a trap?<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7f6/2991107568/VEsBBA/" target="_blank">OE blog</a><br />
Franco-German relations: Je t’aime… Moi non plus<br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ef1/1ba8c0bb/80ae18d/7c55d7f7/2991107568/VEsBBw/" target="_blank">OE blog</a></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
<hr /></span>David Ben-Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02271443642557427428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19528757.post-70268897303701283532011-01-04T06:14:00.000-08:002011-01-04T06:14:48.492-08:00Open Europe press summary: 4 January 2011<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">Europe</span><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">49% of Germans want return to Deutsche Mark;</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Poles and Czechs not keen on following Estonia into the eurozone</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Estonia</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> joined the euro on New Year’s Day, becoming the 17th member of the eurozone. However, the <i>FT/</i><span>Reuters</span> noted that many eastern European countries remain wary, quoting <span style="color: black;">Polish Central Bank Governor Marek Belka saying, “In the eurozone there are dramatic things happening, so why rush? Czech Prime Minister Petr Necas said that the euro would not be to the country’s advantage for a long time. A</span> poll by German daily <i>Bild</i> found that 49% of German voters favour a return to the Deutsche Mark, against 41% who do not. 51% said they were dissatisfied with the euro. <span style="color: black;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">The <i>FT</i> reported that the European Central Bank increased its </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">intervention in government bond markets over the Christmas period, making €1.1bn in purchases, but failed to reabsorb or ‘sterilise’ funds used to fund its purchases, in turn increasing the risk of inflation. <span> </span>Writing in <i>El País</i>, Chinese Deputy Prime Minister Li Keqiang has pledged that China will continue to buy Spanish government debt in future. Centre for Economic and Business Research has <span style="color: black;">said living standards in the eurozone’s weaker economies would have to fall by about 15% if the single currency was to survive.</span> The <i>Irish Independent</i> notes that Ireland’s banks saw more than €70bn in deposits withdrawn in 2010.<span style="color: black;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">In his New Year’s address <span style="color: black;">French President Nicolas Sarkozy said, “The end of the euro would be the end of Europe.” </span>A leader in <i>FAZ</i> argued that Estonia's accession to the euro means that “Germany has a new ally in order to achieve a stricter stability pact”. In the <i>Telegraph</i>, Ambrose Evans-Pritchard argues that as monetary union “edges closer to a full-fledged debt union” it is “less clear” why countries would wish to take on the “shared burden of Greek, Irish, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, Belgian, and French debt.”<span style="color: black;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3bd/4134701483/VEsH/" target="_blank" title="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/currency/8234721/Estonia-joins-crisis-hit-eurozone-and-hopes-for-the-best.html
blocked::http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/currency/8234721/Estonia-joins-crisis-hit-eurozone-and-hopes-for-the-best.html"><span style="color: blue;">Telegraph</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3b2/4134701483/VEsE/" target="_blank" title="http://www.euractiv.es/noticias/noticia.php?noticia=2220
blocked::http://www.euractiv.es/noticias/noticia.php?noticia=2220"><span style="color: blue;">EurActiv.es</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3b3/4134701483/VEsF/" target="_blank" title="http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2011/01/03/union_europea/1294068178.html
blocked::http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2011/01/03/union_europea/1294068178.html"><span style="color: blue;">El Mundo</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3b0/4134701483/VEsC/" target="_blank" title="http://www.hln.be/hln/nl/3424/economische-crisis/article/detail/1200327/2010/12/26/Een-Duitser-op-twee-wil-de-mark-terug.dhtml"><span style="color: blue;">HLN</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3b1/4134701483/VEsD/" target="_blank" title="http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/over-euro70bn-in-deposits-fled-irish-banks-in-2010-2482304.html
blocked::http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/over-euro70bn-in-deposits-fled-irish-banks-in-2010-2482304.html
http://www.independent.ie/business/i"><span style="color: blue;">Irish Independent</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3b6/4134701483/VEsA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financetopics/financialcrisis/8234231/European-debt-markets-face-second-credit-crisis.html
blocked::http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financetopics/financialcrisis/8234231/European-debt-markets-face-second-credit-crisis"><span style="color: blue;">Telegraph 2</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3b7/4134701483/VEsB/" target="_blank" title="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB40001424052748704111504576059433784526322.html
blocked::http://online.wsj.com/article/SB40001424052748704111504576059433784526322.html"><span style="color: blue;">WSJ</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3b4/4134701483/VEsO/" target="_blank" title="http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/business/economics/article2861503.ece
blocked::http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/business/economics/article2861503.ece"><span style="color: blue;">Times</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3b5/4134701483/VEsP/" target="_blank" title="http://www.expansion.com/2011/01/04/economia/1294096942.html
blocked::http://www.expansion.com/2011/01/04/economia/1294096942.html"><span style="color: blue;">Expansion</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3ca/4134701483/VEsHBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.expansion.com/2011/01/04/economia/1294096658.html
blocked::http://www.expansion.com/2011/01/04/economia/1294096658.html"><span style="color: blue;">Expansion 2</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3cb/4134701483/VEsHBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.elpais.com/articulo/opinion/Trabajemos/mano/elpepiopi/20110103elpepiopi_12/Tes
blocked::http://www.elpais.com/articulo/opinion/Trabajemos/mano/elpepiopi/20110103elpepiopi_12/Tes
http://www.elpais.com/articulo/opinion/Trabajemos/mano/elpepiopi/2"><span style="color: blue;">El País: Li Keqiang</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3c8/4134701483/VEsHBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/220339/Living-standards-must-fall-by-15-to-save-the-euro
blocked::http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/220339/Living-standards-must-fall-by-15-to-save-the-euro"><span style="color: blue;">Express</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3c9/4134701483/VEsHBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.faz.net/p/Rub6C77E50CFDFD44AF94BA0EA12FECC2AD/Dx1~EB81D4236556313CE64D19172FD52CEF6~ATpl~Ecommon~Scontent.html
blocked::http://www.faz.net/p/Rub6C77E50CFDFD44AF94BA0EA12FECC2AD/Dx1~EB81D4236556313CE64D19172FD52CEF6~ATpl~Ecommon~Scontent.html
ht"><span style="color: blue;">Frankfurter Allgemeine</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3ce/4134701483/VEsHAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lefigaro.fr/flash-eco/2011/01/04/97002-20110104FILWWW00384-grece-les-recettes-inferieures-au-plan.php
blocked::http://www.lefigaro.fr/flash-eco/2011/01/04/97002-20110104FILWWW00384-grece-les-recettes-inferieures-au-plan.php
http://www.lefigaro."><span style="color: blue;">Le Figaro</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3cf/4134701483/VEsHAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/4ffb11a4-153f-11e0-9b5f-00144feabdc0.html
blocked::http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/4ffb11a4-153f-11e0-9b5f-00144feabdc0.html
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/4ffb11a4-153f-11e0-9b5f-00144feabdc0.html"><span style="color: blue;">FT</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3cc/4134701483/VEsHAw/" target="_blank" title="http://derstandard.at/1293369808524/Neujahrsansprache-Sarkozy-Untergang-des-Euro-waere-Ende-Europas
blocked::http://derstandard.at/1293369808524/Neujahrsansprache-Sarkozy-Untergang-des-Euro-waere-Ende-Europas
http://derstandard.at/1293369808524/Neujahrsan"><span style="color: blue;">Standard</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3cd/4134701483/VEsHAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.zerohedge.com/article/ecb-peripheral-bond-purchases-sleepy-christmas-week-double-e11-billion
blocked::http://www.zerohedge.com/article/ecb-peripheral-bond-purchases-sleepy-christmas-week-double-e11-billion
http://www.zerohedge.com/article/ecb-p"><span style="color: blue;">Zero Hedge</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3c2/4134701483/VEsHDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://news.orf.at/stories/2033042/
blocked::http://news.orf.at/stories/2033042/
http://news.orf.at/stories/2033042/"><span style="color: blue;">ORF</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3c3/4134701483/VEsHDA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/eec9a602-12be-11e0-b4c8-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1A3zhohcS"><span style="color: blue;">FT 2</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3c0/4134701483/VEsEBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/1bbecba4-11ea-11e0-92d0-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1A40t7muh"><span style="color: blue;">FT 3</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3c1/4134701483/VEsEBA/" target="_blank" title="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704543004576052114049166444.html
blocked::http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704543004576052114049166444.html"><span style="color: blue;">WSJ 2</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3c6/4134701483/VEsEBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.faz.net/p/Rub6C77E50CFDFD44AF94BA0EA12FECC2AD/Dx1~E70C27E4A584B856384D0875989D2D2D9~ATpl~Ecommon~Scontent.html
blocked::http://www.faz.net/p/Rub6C77E50CFDFD44AF94BA0EA12FECC2AD/Dx1~E70C27E4A584B856384D0875989D2D2D9~ATpl~Ecommon~Scontent.html
ht"><span style="color: blue;">FAZ: Leader</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3c7/4134701483/VEsEBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/275f7a42-1386-11e0-a367-00144feabdc0.html#axzz19wkgrl2B
blocked::http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/275f7a42-1386-11e0-a367-00144feabdc0.html#axzz19wkgrl2B
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/275f7a42-1386-11e0-a367-00144feabdc0.html#axzz19wkgrl2B"><span style="color: blue;">FT: Münchau</span></a> <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3c4/4134701483/VEsEAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Incertidumbre/euro/elpepuint/20110104elpepiint_13/Tes
blocked::http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Incertidumbre/euro/elpepuint/20110104elpepiint_13/Tes
http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Inc"><span style="color: blue;">El País: Sotelo</span></a> </span><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3c5/4134701483/VEsEAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/world/europe/article2859837.ece
blocked::http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/world/europe/article2859837.ece
http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/world/europe/article2859837.ece"><span style="color: blue;">Times: Charter</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3da/4134701483/VEsEAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.elmundo.es/blogs/elmundo/europa_atirodeblog/2010/12/31/legislando-en-tiempos-de-crisis.html
blocked::http://www.elmundo.es/blogs/elmundo/europa_atirodeblog/2010/12/31/legislando-en-tiempos-de-crisis.html"><span style="color: blue;">El Mundo: Duch</span></a><span style="color: black;"> </span><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3db/4134701483/VEsEAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/economics/8237296/Estonias-step-away-from-Russia-no-guide-for-others-to-join-the-rocky-euro.html
blocked::http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/economics/8237296/Estonias-step-away-from-Russia-no-guide-for-others-to-join-th"><span style="color: blue;">Telegraph: Evans-Pritchard</span></a><span style="color: black;"> </span><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3d8/4134701483/VEsEDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/comment/ambroseevans_pritchard/8230654/Overheating-East-to-falter-before-the-bankrupt-West-recovers.html
blocked::http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/comment/ambroseevans_pritchard/8230654/Overheating-East-to-falter-befor"><span style="color: blue;">Telegraph: Evans-Pritchard 2</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3d9/4134701483/VEsEDA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/comment/jeremy-warner/8237302/Jeremy-Warner-predictions-for-2011-US-comeback-eurozone-debts-a-bigger-threat-and-Vince-Cable-moves-on.html
blocked::http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/comment/jeremy-warner/8237302/Jeremy-W"><span style="color: blue;">Telegraph: Warner</span></a><span style="color: black;"> </span><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3de/4134701483/VEsFBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/0e2efd10-177b-11e0-badd-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1A3ltf8YL
blocked::http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/0e2efd10-177b-11e0-badd-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1A3ltf8YL
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/0e2efd10-177b-11e0-badd-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1A3ltf8YL"><span style="color: blue;">FT: Jenkins</span></a><span style="color: black;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Government’s EU Bill to face opposition from Conservative and Labour MPs</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">The <i>Sunday Telegraph</i> reported that David Cameron could suffer a defeat over the Government’s European Union bill, designed to increase parliamentary and popular control over future legislation coming from Brussels. The Bill, which goes to the House of Commons’ Committees next week, faces opposition from backbench Conservative MPs but the article noted that Labour sources signalled that Ed Miliband, the Labour leader, may order his MPs to oppose the legislation too.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">On <i>Conservative Home</i>, Martin Howe QC argued, “the ‘referendum lock' provisions of this Bill are essentially the best that can be done within the constraints of our present constitution…the Bill stops us on the escalator of European integration but it does not, and cannot, switch off that escalator”. The <i>Sunday Telegraph</i> argued, “Resisting the pressure for integration is not just about passing a single Bill – it is about remaining watchful in the face of a threat that expresses itself on multiple fronts…Mr Cameron has a strong hand to play in defending Britain’s interests. We urge him to do so.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3df/4134701483/VEsFBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.openeurope.org.uk/research/referendumlockjha.pdf
blocked::http://www.openeurope.org.uk/research/referendumlockjha.pdf
http://www.openeurope.org.uk/research/referendumlockjha.pdf"><span style="color: blue;">Open Europe briefing</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3dc/4134701483/VEsFBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.openeurope.org.uk/media-centre/pressrelease.aspx?pressreleaseid=153
blocked::http://www.openeurope.org.uk/media-centre/pressrelease.aspx?pressreleaseid=153
http://www.openeurope.org.uk/media-centre/pressrelease.aspx?pressreleaseid=153"><span style="color: blue;">Open Europe press release</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3dd/4134701483/VEsFBg/" target="_blank" title="http://conservativehome.blogs.com/platform/2011/01/martin-howe-qc-.html
blocked::http://conservativehome.blogs.com/platform/2011/01/martin-howe-qc-.html
http://conservativehome.blogs.com/platform/2011/01/martin-howe-qc-.html"><span style="color: blue;">Conservative Home: Howe</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3d2/4134701483/VEsFAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/conservative/8235239/Cameron-faces-Commons-defeat-over-Europe.html
blocked::http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/conservative/8235239/Cameron-faces-Commons-defeat-over-Europe.htmlhttp:/www"><span style="color: blue;">Telegraph</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3d3/4134701483/VEsFAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/telegraph-view/8235326/European-Union-Bill-Brussels-will-not-be-blocked-by-one-Bill-alone.html
blocked::http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/telegraph-view/8235326/European-Union-Bill-Brussels-will-not-be-blocked-by-one-Bi"><span style="color: blue;">Telegraph: Leader</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3d0/4134701483/VEsFAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/220772/MPs-accuse-David-Cameron-of-being-too-soft-on-Europe
blocked::http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/220772/MPs-accuse-David-Cameron-of-being-too-soft-on-Europe
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/220772/MPs-accuse-"><span style="color: blue;">Express</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Merkel’s coalition partners step up pressure over eurozone policy</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">FT Deutschland</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> reports that the Bavarian CSU party has slammed German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble's plans for a “political union” within the eurozone. CSU MP Hans-Peter Friedrich is quoted saying “a centralised EU economic policy would certainly be a failure.” <i>Handelsblatt</i> notes that Chancellor Merkel’s junior coalition partner, the FDP, has hardened its stance on the euro. FDP Economy Minister Rainer Brüderle is quoted saying that his party will become more assertive, warning Merkel that “our task is not to be everybody's darling in Europe, but to make Europe fit for the future.” The eurozone “shouldn’t slip into a transfer union,” he added. Meanwhile, an article in the <i>IHT</i> notes that pressure is mounting on German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle to quit as leader of the FDP.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3d1/4134701483/VEsFAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.wirtschaftspresse.biz/psepp/fn/pcc/sfn/showedetail/DocID/1131105/EditionID/4/SectionID/2/PageID/1130637/pDay/04.01.2011%2000:00:00/showtyp/1/SH/478c22a788012cfe5b7385761ecd6a/index.html
blocked::http://www.wirtschaftspresse.biz/psepp/fn/pcc/sfn"><span style="color: blue;">Handelsblatt</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3d6/4134701483/VEsFDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.wirtschaftspresse.biz/psepp/fn/pcc/sfn/showedetail/DocID/1130764/EditionID/4/SectionID/2/PageID/1130749/pDay/04.01.2011%2000:00:00/showtyp/1/SH/478c22a788012cfe5b7385761ecd6a/index.html
blocked::http://www.wirtschaftspresse.biz/psepp/fn/pcc/sfn"><span style="color: blue;">Handelsblatt 2</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3d7/4134701483/VEsFDA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/04/world/europe/04iht-germany04.html
blocked::http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/04/world/europe/04iht-germany04.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/04/world/europe/04iht-germany04.html"><span style="color: blue;">IHT</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Open Europe’s briefing on the EU in 2011 featured in an article in the <i>NZ Herald</i>.<span></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3d4/4134701483/VEsCBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.openeurope.org.uk/research/EU2011.pdf"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">Open Europe briefing</span></span></a></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3d5/4134701483/VEsCBA/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Open Europe press release</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Le Figaro</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">: EU foreign service appointments <span style="color: black;">“the bureaucratic equivalent of the battle of Trafalgar”</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Euractiv</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> reports that EU Foreign Minister Cathy Ashton has concluded appointments for the 28 top positions in the EU’s new foreign service, the EEAS. Only two of the 28 are women, a<span style="color: black;">n article in <i>Le Figaro </i>described the process as “the bureaucratic equivalent of the battle of Trafalgar” for French diplomats. The article noted that five out of the 17 directorates-general and divisions within the EEAS have been assigned to Britons, while France has only obtained two.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3ea/4134701483/VEsCBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.euractiv.de/sicherheit-und-verteidigung/artikel/catherine-ashton-und-die-mannerwelt-des-ead-004122"><span style="color: blue;">Euractiv.de</span></a> <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3eb/4134701483/VEsCBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lefigaro.fr/international/2010/12/28/01003-20101228ARTFIG00537-la-diplomatie-europeenne-trustee-par-les-britanniques.php"><span style="color: blue;">Le Figaro</span></a> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">The Hungarian government – which took over the EU’s rotating Presidency on January 2 – has come under increased scrutiny after deciding to introduce a new law to restrict the media</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> and a windfall tax used “selectively” by the government.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3e8/4134701483/VEsCAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jan/03/hungary-press-crackdown-eu-presidency"><span lang="ES-AR"><span style="color: blue;">Guardian</span></span></a></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3e9/4134701483/VEsCAA/" target="_blank" title="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704111504576059353833867440.html"><span lang="ES-AR"><span style="color: blue;">WSJ</span></span></a></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3ee/4134701483/VEsCAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.elpais.com/articulo/portada/presidencia/semestral/Hungria/agrava/crisis/UE/elpepuopi/20110104elpepipor_6/Tes"><span lang="ES-AR"><span style="color: blue;">El Pais</span></span></a></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3ef/4134701483/VEsCAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Hungria/abre/nueva/crisis/UE/elpepiint/20110104elpepiint_2/Tes"><span lang="ES-AR"><span style="color: blue;">El Pais 2</span></span></a></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3ef/4134701483/VEsCDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Hungria/abre/nueva/crisis/UE/elpepiint/20110104elpepiint_2/Tes"><span lang="ES-AR"><span style="color: blue;">El Pais</span></span></a></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3ec/4134701483/VEsCDA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.elpais.com/articulo/opinion/embrollo/hungaro/elpepiopi/20110104elpepiopi_2/Tes"><span lang="ES-AR"><span style="color: blue;">El Pais: editorial</span></span></a></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3ed/4134701483/VEsDBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.euractiv.es/noticias/noticia.php?noticia=2221"><span lang="ES-AR"><span style="color: blue;">EurActiv.es</span></span></a></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3e2/4134701483/VEsDBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2011/01/03/union_europea/1294065754.html"><span lang="ES-AR"><span style="color: blue;">El Mundo</span></span></a></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3e3/4134701483/VEsDBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.euractiv.com/en/future-eu/brussels-and-budapest-lock-horns-news-500933"><span lang="ES-AR"><span style="color: blue;">Euractiv</span></span></a></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3e0/4134701483/VEsDBg/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31587"><span lang="ES-AR"><span style="color: blue;">EUobserver</span></span></a></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3e1/4134701483/VEsDAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lemonde.fr/europe/article/2011/01/03/des-industriels-europeens-appellent-l-ue-a-prendre-des-sanctions-contre-budapest_1460209_3214.html"><span lang="ES-AR"><span style="color: blue;">Le Monde</span></span></a></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3e6/4134701483/VEsDAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lefigaro.fr/societes/2011/01/03/04015-20110103ARTFIG00483-bruxelles-enquete-sur-un-impot-de-crise-en-hongrie.php"><span lang="ES-AR"><span style="color: blue;">Le Figaro</span></span></a></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3e7/4134701483/VEsDAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lemonde.fr/depeches/"><span lang="ES-AR"><span style="color: blue;">AFP</span></span></a></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3e4/4134701483/VEsDAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2011/0104/1224286701454.html"><span style="color: blue;">Irish Times</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3e5/4134701483/VEsDDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.nzherald.co.nz/economy/news/article.cfm?c_id=34&objectid=10696893"><span style="color: blue;">NZ Herald: Field</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3fa/4134701483/VEsDDA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/world/europe/article2860031.ece"><span style="color: blue;">Times</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3fb/4134701483/VEsABQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/01/01/AR2011010102177.html"><span style="color: blue;">Washington Post</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3f8/4134701483/VEsABA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.wirtschaftspresse.biz/psepp/fn/pcc/sfn/showedetail/DocID/1130763/EditionID/4/SectionID/2/PageID/1130749/pDay/04.01.2011%2000:00:00/showtyp/1/SH/478c22a788012cfe5b7385761ecd6a/index.html"><span style="color: blue;">Handelsblatt</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3d4/4134701483/VEsABw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.openeurope.org.uk/research/EU2011.pdf"><span style="color: blue;">Open Europe briefing</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3d5/4134701483/VEsABg/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Open Europe press release</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">The <i>Telegraph</i> reports that Greece has announced plans to build a controversial new wall along its 128 mile-long land border with Turkey to prevent illegal immigration. </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3f9/4134701483/VEsAAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.independent.ie/world-news/europe/greece-building-a-128mile-wall-to-keep-out-immigrants-2482241.html"><span style="color: blue;">Irish Independent</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3fe/4134701483/VEsAAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/greece/8237331/Greece-to-build-128-mile-anti-migrant-wall.html"><span style="color: blue;">Telegraph</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3ff/4134701483/VEsAAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12109595"><span style="color: blue;">BBC</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3fc/4134701483/VEsAAg/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31588"><span style="color: blue;">EUobserver</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3fd/4134701483/VEsADQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lemonde.fr/depeches/2011/01/03/reserves-de-bruxelles-au-projet-de-mur-a-la-frontiere-greco-turque_3214_236_44132954.html"><span style="color: blue;">AFP</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Handelsblatt</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> reports that the European Investment Bank wants to help countries pre-finance their ‘co-financed’ share of EU structural funds in order to increase uptake. EU funds cannot be spent unless they are co-financed by national or regional governments.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3f2/4134701483/VEsADA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.wirtschaftspresse.biz/psepp/fn/pcc/sfn/showedetail/DocID/1130776/EditionID/4/SectionID/10/PageID/1130768/pDay/04.01.2011%2000:00:00/showtyp/1/SH/478c22a788012cfe5b7385761ecd6a/index.html
blocked::http://www.wirtschaftspresse.biz/psepp/fn/pcc/sf"><span style="color: blue;">Handelsblatt</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">The <i>Guardian </i>reported that the European Commission is debating whether the British Government's plan to take over Royal Mail's pension scheme, which has an £8.4bn deficit, constitutes state aid that would give the group an unfair advantage over rivals.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3f3/4134701483/VEsBBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/jan/02/royal-mail-privatisation-european-commission-curbs"><span style="color: blue;">Guardian</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">A leader in the <i>FT</i> argues, “<span style="color: black;">seven years after joining, Poland is taking its place as one of the leading powers in the European Union.”</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3f0/4134701483/VEsBBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/0a4ccc0c-1773-11e0-badd-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1A3m6wcJu"><span style="color: blue;">FT: Leader</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Looking ahead to 2011, the <i>Independent</i> commented on some of the suggestions made to the Coalition by the public on how to improve the UK, arguing that the EU law outlawing 800 traditional vegetables could be repealed.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3f1/4134701483/VEsBBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/revealed-the-peoples-guide-to-common-sense-2174157.html"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">Independent</span></span></a></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Euractiv</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> reports that the Romanian government has threatened to leave the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism (CVM), an EU mechanism to monitor Romania’s law-enforcement system, in response to France’s and Germany’s decision to postpone its accession to the EU’s Schengen area. </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3f6/4134701483/VEsBBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.euractiv.com/en/enlargement/romania-wants-croatia-pay-schengen-setback-news-500934"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">Euractiv</span></span></a></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660edc/1ba8c0bb/804e324/7c55d3f7/4134701483/VEsBAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lemonde.fr/depeches/2011/01/03/schengen-bucarest-appelle-a-ne-pas-changer-les-regles-du-jeu_3214_236_44132015.html"><span style="color: blue;">AFP</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div>David Ben-Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02271443642557427428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19528757.post-86679969468412765002010-12-23T06:28:00.001-08:002010-12-23T06:28:57.430-08:00Open Europe press summary: 23 December 2010<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">Europe</span><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">German Finance Ministry outlines new eurozone bailout institution;</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Euro must be based on “German stability interests” as concession for support </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Sueddeutsche </span></i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">reports that a leaked position paper has revealed that the German Finance Ministry has drawn up proposals for a new body, named the “European Stability and Growth Investment Fund”, to manage the permanent eurozone bailout fund planned for 2013, the European Stability Mechanism. If granted loans from the fund, countries would be required to provide 120% in collateral in the form of gold reserves, stakes in companies, or revenue rights, the newspaper said. The fund would also be able to buy existing European government bonds, freeing the ECB from this task.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Reuters</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> quotes the Ministry’s paper saying that Germany will affirm its “national interest” rests in maintaining the single currency. The euro, however, must “orientate itself on German stability interests” as a “concession to Germany, as the largest economy in the euro zone, serving as an anchor of stability.” According to <i>Sueddeutsche</i>, the new fund would in principle have access to “unlimited refinancing” in order to secure the health of the single currency. The Ministry confirmed the existence of the paper but said it had not approved the proposal, nor had the German government.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Meanwhile, <i>Bloomberg</i> has filed a lawsuit against the ECB, seeking the disclosure of documents showing how Greece used derivatives to hide its fiscal deficit and helped trigger the region’s sovereign debt crisis. The lawsuit asks the EU’s General Court to overturn a decision by the ECB not to disclose two internal documents drafted for the executive board this year. The notes show how Greece used swaps to hide its borrowings.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">In an interview with <i>Sueddeutsche</i>, French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde has said she wants “a strong EU economic government” adding that the UK's refusal to take part “shouldn't hold all the others back”. She said that the economic government shouldn’t be limited to the 16 eurozone countries, but that other countries are welcome to join. She named it “the formula 16 plus”. A leader in the paper argues, “Nobody will admit it, but a new institution will be the core of a common European economic and financial policy, introduced through the backdoor”.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed9/1ba8c0bb/80752cf/7c55d075/862682218/VEsH/" target="_blank" title="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704278404576037040905054916.html"><span style="color: blue;">WSJ</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed9/1ba8c0bb/80752cf/7c55d38a/862682218/VEsE/" target="_blank" title="http://af.reuters.com/article/metalsNews/idAFLDE6BM05420101223"><span style="color: blue;">Reuters</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed9/1ba8c0bb/80752cf/7c55d38b/862682218/VEsF/" target="_blank" title="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-12-22/bloomberg-sues-ecb-to-force-disclosure-of-greece-swap-documents.html
blocked::http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-12-22/bloomberg-sues-ecb-to-force-disclosure-of-greece-swap-documents.html
http://www.bloomberg.com/n"><span style="color: blue;">Bloomberg</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed9/1ba8c0bb/80752cf/7c55d388/862682218/VEsC/" target="_blank" title="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/economics/8220167/Demand-for-ECB-loans-raises-bank-funding-fears.html
blocked::http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/economics/8220167/Demand-for-ECB-loans-raises-bank-funding-fears.html"><span style="color: blue;">Telegraph</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed9/1ba8c0bb/80752cf/7c55d389/862682218/VEsD/" target="_blank" title="http://www.euractiv.es/noticias/noticia.php?noticia=2161
blocked::http://www.euractiv.es/noticias/noticia.php?noticia=2161"><span style="color: blue;">Euractiv.es</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed9/1ba8c0bb/80752cf/7c55d38e/862682218/VEsA/" target="_blank" title="http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2010/12/21/odey-optimistic-about-europe/
blocked::http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2010/12/21/odey-optimistic-about-europe/"><span style="color: blue;">IHT: Raghavan</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed9/1ba8c0bb/80752cf/7c55d38f/862682218/VEsB/" target="_blank" title="http://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/konjunktur-nachrichten/neuer-euro-rettungsplan-ministerium-bestaetigt-bericht-ueber-krisen-fonds;2718406
blocked::http://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/konjunktur-nachrichten/neuer-euro-rettungsplan-ministerium-bestaetigt"><span style="color: blue;">Handelsblatt</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed9/1ba8c0bb/80752cf/7c55d38c/862682218/VEsO/" target="_blank" title="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-12-23/lagarde-schaeuble-meet-in-strasbourg-today-sueddeutsche-zeitung-says.html
blocked::http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-12-23/lagarde-schaeuble-meet-in-strasbourg-today-sueddeutsche-zeitung-says.html"><span style="color: blue;">Bloomberg</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed9/1ba8c0bb/80752cf/7c55d38d/862682218/VEsP/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/0ae7048e-0deb-11e0-86e9-00144feabdc0.html#axzz18vYVH1d7
blocked::http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/0ae7048e-0deb-11e0-86e9-00144feabdc0.html#axzz18vYVH1d7"><span style="color: blue;">FT: Milne</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed9/1ba8c0bb/80752cf/7c55d382/862682218/VEsHBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.maerkischeallgemeine.de/cms/beitrag/11969638/5934832/Frankreich-will-EU-Wirtschaftsregierung-ohne-Grossbritannien-SZ.html
blocked::http://www.maerkischeallgemeine.de/cms/beitrag/11969638/5934832/Frankreich-will-EU-Wirtschaftsregierung-ohne-Gros"><span style="color: blue;">MA</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed9/1ba8c0bb/80752cf/7c55d383/862682218/VEsHBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/article11799316/Frankreich-schliesst-London-bei-Wirtschaftsunion-aus.html
blocked::http://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/article11799316/Frankreich-schliesst-London-bei-Wirtschaftsunion-aus.html
http://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/article1"><span style="color: blue;">Welt</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed9/1ba8c0bb/80752cf/7c55d380/862682218/VEsHBw/" target="_blank" title="http://opinie.volkskrant.nl/artikel/show/id/7458/Guldens_en_florijnen_in_plaats_van_de_euro
blocked::http://opinie.volkskrant.nl/artikel/show/id/7458/Guldens_en_florijnen_in_plaats_van_de_euro
http://opinie.volkskrant.nl/artikel/show/id/7458/Guldens_en_fl"><span style="color: blue;">Volkskrant</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">New Open Europe briefing: What to expect from the EU in 2011</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Open Europe has today published a briefing outlining what to expect from the EU in 2011. It will be an absolutely crucial year for the euro, with eurozone governments facing record levels of refinancing and potentially more bail-outs. The EU will also begin negotiations on the future of the long-term budget, with the UK holding a pivotal role in the talks.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">The EU is at a cross-roads and it will have to choose: take a radical step towards an economic and political union in the hope of saving the Single Currency – or go the other way. But any further step towards an economic union, with more bail-outs and supranational budget rules, would radically widen the EU’s democratic deficit. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed9/1ba8c0bb/80752cf/7c55d381/862682218/VEsHBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.openeurope.org.uk/media-centre/pressrelease.aspx?pressreleaseid=156"><span style="color: blue;">Open Europe press release</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed9/1ba8c0bb/80752cf/7c55d386/862682218/VEsHAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.openeurope.org.uk/research/EU2011.pdf"><span style="color: blue;">Open Europe briefing</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Open Europe’s Pieter Cleppe was interviewed by <i>Czech TV</i> commenting on the first year with the Lisbon Treaty. He said: “it clearly hasn’t done much to reform the EU for the better. On the contrary, it created more turf wars, less transparent with less democratic accountability. In its first year of existence, the EU Foreign Service has already broken its promise of budget neutrality.” </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">No link</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Member states warn against Romania and Bulgaria joining Schengen </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Interior ministers from Germany and France have warned against Romania and Bulgaria joining the Schengen area in March, as initially planned, due to concerns over corruption, crime and insufficient judicial reforms. Romania’s president, Traian Băsescu, hit back calling it “an act of discrimination” and warned it would create an “unacceptable precedent”, reports the <i>FT</i>. In an interview with <i>Le Figaro</i>, French Europe Minister Laurent Wauquiez urges the EU to “stop letting new countries access the EU at full speed”.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed9/1ba8c0bb/80752cf/7c55d387/862682218/VEsHAA/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">FT</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed9/1ba8c0bb/80752cf/7c55d384/862682218/VEsHAw/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Reuters</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">President of European Parliament Industry Committee calls for “immediate end” to EU’s ban on light bulbs</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Die Presse</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> reports that prominent MEPs are calling for an end to the EU's ban on traditional light bulbs. CDU MEP Herbert Reul, who heads the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy argues in favour of "lifting the ban immediately and without delay”, adding that "the Commission should look if energy saving light bulbs, which are being proposed as an alternative, should be allowed for sale at all, considering the indicated dangers to health.” The <i>Mail</i> reports on research indicating that e<span class="apple-style-span">nergy saving light bulbs can release potentially harmful amounts of mercury if broken.</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed9/1ba8c0bb/80752cf/7c55d385/862682218/VEsHAg/" target="_blank" title="http://diepresse.com/home/wirtschaft/international/620822/EUParlamentarier-wettern-gegen-Gluehbirnenverbot?_vl_backlink=/home/wirtschaft/index.do
blocked::http://diepresse.com/home/wirtschaft/international/620822/EUParlamentarier-wettern-gegen-Gluehbirnen"><span style="color: blue;">Die Presse</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed9/1ba8c0bb/80752cf/7c55d39a/862682218/VEsHDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1340938/Eco-bulbs-health-hazard-babies-pregnant-women-mercury-inside.html
blocked::http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1340938/Eco-bulbs-health-hazard-babies-pregnant-women-mercury-inside.html
http://www.dai"><span style="color: blue;">Mail</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">The Commission has denied having a "credibility problem" on human trafficking after a Council of Europe report accused EU institutions of silently tolerating Kosovo abuses, Home Affairs Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom said during the launch of an anti-trafficking platform, reports <i>EUobserver.</i></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed9/1ba8c0bb/80752cf/7c55d39b/862682218/VEsHDA/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31561"><span style="color: blue;">EUobserver</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">The <i>Telegraph</i> reports that Hungary is due to reintroduce state censorship for all media on 1 January, the same day it takes up the EU’s rotating Presidency. A leader in <i>Die Welt</i> argues, “Fascist tendencies in Hungary are obvious. Should the country be able to take up the EU Presidency in January?”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed9/1ba8c0bb/80752cf/7c55d398/862682218/VEsEBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/europe/news/article_1607349.php/Merkel-warns-Hungary-on-controversial-new-media-controls"><span style="color: blue;">DPA</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed9/1ba8c0bb/80752cf/7c55d399/862682218/VEsEBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/europe/news/article_1607424.php/Criticism-over-media-law-hits-Hungary-ahead-of-EU-presidency-Roundup"><span style="color: blue;">DPA 2</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed9/1ba8c0bb/80752cf/7c55d39e/862682218/VEsEBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.welt.de/politik/ausland/article11785996/Der-Fuehrerstaat-Ungarn-gefaehrdet-die-EU.html"><span style="color: blue;">Welt: leader</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed9/1ba8c0bb/80752cf/7c55d39f/862682218/VEsEBg/" target="_blank" title="http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20101222-707273.html"><span style="color: blue;">WSJ</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed9/1ba8c0bb/80752cf/7c55d39c/862682218/VEsEAQ/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Telegraph</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">A former UK Independence party MEP has won her claim that the party discriminated against her because she was a lesbian. Nikki Sinclaire MEP had the whip removed by Ukip leader Nigel Farage in January after she refused to sit with members of the far-right Italian party Lega Nord, claiming that some of its members were homophobic.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed9/1ba8c0bb/80752cf/7c55d39d/862682218/VEsEAA/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Guardian</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">The <i>Express</i> reports that next year EU officials will get a 1.92% pay rise; increasing the salaries of Council President Herman Van Rompuy and Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso to £259,000 per year.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed9/1ba8c0bb/80752cf/7c55d392/862682218/VEsEAw/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/218970/Greedy-Eurocrats-grab-even-more-of-your-cash
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/218970/Greedy-Eurocrats-grab-even-more-of-your-cash"><span style="color: blue;">Express</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed9/1ba8c0bb/80752cf/7c55d393/862682218/VEsEAg/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/218920/Greed-of-the-Eurocrats
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/218920/Greed-of-the-Eurocrats"><span style="color: blue;">Express: Leader</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Catherine Ashton, head of the EU’s new foreign service the EEAS, has published an organisational chart. She has now almost finished the recruitment phase. </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed9/1ba8c0bb/80752cf/7c55d390/862682218/VEsEDQ/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Euractiv</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed9/1ba8c0bb/80752cf/7c55d391/862682218/VEsEDA/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">European Voice</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">A leader in <i>Basler Zeitung</i> argues that if Switzerland wants to keep a bilateral framework of relations with the EU, which is currently under review, it will have to give up some privileges, for example with regards to its tax status. </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed9/1ba8c0bb/80752cf/7c55d396/862682218/VEsFBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://bazonline.ch/schweiz/standard/Zeit-fuer-den-grossen-Kuhhandel/story/14371794"><span style="color: blue;">Basler Zeitung</span></a></span>David Ben-Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02271443642557427428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19528757.post-55642290620153071452010-12-22T05:48:00.000-08:002010-12-22T05:48:48.209-08:00Open Europe press summary: 22 December 2010<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">Europe</span><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">New Barclays chief suggests “one or two” countries could leave eurozone;</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">EU and eurozone bailout funds to issue bonds in January</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">The <i>Times</i> reports that incoming Chief Executive of Barclays Bob Diamond has suggested that the eurozone will “hold together” but that “one or two” countries could leave. “I think it is possible that the number of countries are smaller inside it,” he said. The paper also notes that Citi Bank strategists have said there is increasingly intense discussion in the markets of a potential Latin American-style “restructuring” of some eurozone peripheral debt that would involve swapping maturing bonds for new issuances with a long duration, perhaps 20 years, and an interest rate of 2%.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">The <i>Guardian</i> reports that Portugal faces a debt downgrade, with Moody’s announcing this morning that it would review the country’s rating over fears that its borrowing costs continue to increase and austerity cutbacks will hurt economic growth next year. Spain's central government budget deficit shrank by nearly half in the first eleven months of the year, the <i>WSJ</i> reports. “We will meet our deficit targets for 2010,” Carlos Ocaña, Deputy Finance Minister for the Budget, said. However, <i>City AM</i> notes that Spain’s borrowing costs soared again yesterday.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Dow Jones </span></i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">reports that Luxembourg's Prime Minister and chair of the Eurogroup Jean-Claude Juncker yesterday said the euro is not in crisis and “isn’t endangered either”.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Meanwhile, the <i>WSJ</i> reports that the EU yesterday finalised funding plans for Ireland's bailout. The EU will issue a bond at the beginning of January through its emergency lending fund, the European Financial Stability Mechanism, which has a lending capacity of €60 billion and includes the UK. The eurozone's bailout fund, the European Financial Stability Facility, will follow in late January. The article notes that the EFSM aims to raise up to €17.6 billion in 2011 and up to €4.9 billion in 2012, while the EFSF aims to raise up to €16.5 billion in 2011 and up to €10 billion in 2012.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Writing in the <i>Irish Times</i><span>,<i> </i></span>former Taoiseach John Bruton argues that, “In all the fuss about whether creating a permanent EU bailout fund required a treaty amendment, little note has been taken of the fact that the German courts’ objection to giving the EU more powers was not one of principle, but was based on a concern that the EU as it stands is not democratic enough.” In the <i>FT</i>, Martin Wolf argues that “the failings of the eurozone have not been fiscal irresponsibility, but macroeconomic divergence, financial irresponsibility, asset price bubbles, and huge shifts in competitiveness. If the eurozone is to work better, it must manage these disorders.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed7/1ba8c0bb/8076436/7c55d052/2832174684/VEsH/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/fc4fe3ea-0d00-11e0-ace7-00144feabdc0.html#axzz18pOdP1WP"><span style="color: blue;">FT</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed7/1ba8c0bb/8076436/7c55d053/2832174684/VEsE/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703581204576033251687476600.html?KEYWORDS=spain"><span style="color: blue;">WSJ</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed7/1ba8c0bb/8076436/7c55d050/2832174684/VEsF/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Times</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed7/1ba8c0bb/8076436/7c55d051/2832174684/VEsC/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Dow Jones</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed7/1ba8c0bb/8076436/7c55d056/2832174684/VEsD/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/ac9b6954-0d33-11e0-82ff-00144feabdc0,dwp_uuid=79cadde4-5c1b-11df-95f9-00144feab49a.html#axzz18pOS1HRC"><span style="color: blue;">FT 2</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed7/1ba8c0bb/8076436/7c55d057/2832174684/VEsA/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Times 2</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed7/1ba8c0bb/8076436/7c55d054/2832174684/VEsB/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Guardian</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed7/1ba8c0bb/8076436/7c55d055/2832174684/VEsO/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.cityam.com/news-and-analysis/spainâ™s-borrowing-costs-soar-portugal-faces-rating-cut"><span style="color: blue;">City AM</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed7/1ba8c0bb/8076436/7c55d06a/2832174684/VEsP/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703581204576032962000115894.html"><span style="color: blue;">WSJ 2</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed7/1ba8c0bb/8076436/7c55d06b/2832174684/VEsHBQ/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2010/12/21/business/business-us-eurozone.html?_r=1&ref=business"><span style="color: blue;">IHT</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed7/1ba8c0bb/8076436/7c55d068/2832174684/VEsHBA/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2010/1222/1224286076817.html"><span style="color: blue;">Irish Times</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed7/1ba8c0bb/8076436/7c55d069/2832174684/VEsHBw/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.elpais.com/articulo/economia/China/promete/apoyo/zona/euro/compra/bonos/elpepueco/20101222elpepieco_6/Tes"><span style="color: blue;">El Pais</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed7/1ba8c0bb/8076436/7c55d06e/2832174684/VEsHBg/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">WSJ 3</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed7/1ba8c0bb/8076436/7c55d06f/2832174684/VEsHAQ/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://blogs.wsj.com/marketbeat/2010/12/21/europe-actually-yeah-we-will-need-to-sell-bailout-bonds/?KEYWORDS=bailout"><span style="color: blue;">WSJ: Market Beat</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed7/1ba8c0bb/8076436/7c55d06c/2832174684/VEsHAA/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/european-aid-funds-to-raise-loans-for-ireland-with-euro34bn-bond-sale-next-year-2470058.html"><span style="color: blue;">Irish Independent</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed7/1ba8c0bb/8076436/7c55d06d/2832174684/VEsHAw/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/4a1a7768-0cfa-11e0-ace7-00144feabdc0,dwp_uuid=79cadde4-5c1b-11df-95f9-00144feab49a.html"><span style="color: blue;">FT 3</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed7/1ba8c0bb/8076436/7c55d062/2832174684/VEsHAg/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704228104576032453876637320.html"><span style="color: blue;">WSJ 4</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed7/1ba8c0bb/8076436/7c55d063/2832174684/VEsHDQ/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/8453024e-0d3e-11e0-82ff-00144feabdc0.html#axzz18pPOPQPJ"><span style="color: blue;">FT: Wolf</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed7/1ba8c0bb/8076436/7c55d060/2832174684/VEsHDA/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/opinion/2010/1222/1224286071963.html
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/opinion/2010/1222/1224286071963.html
blocked::http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/opinion/2010/1222/1224286071963.html"><span style="color: blue;">Irish Times: Bruton</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">The <i>Guardian</i> notes that that higher spending on defence, the NHS and contributions to the EU left Britain with a higher than expected November budget deficit of £23.3bn.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed7/1ba8c0bb/8076436/7c55d061/2832174684/VEsEBQ/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Guardian</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Labour MP Gisela Stuart and Conservative MP Bernard Jenkin criticised the Government this week for failing to hold a House of Commons debate before last week’s crucial EU summit.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed7/1ba8c0bb/8076436/7c55d066/2832174684/VEsEBA/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Hansard</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">European Commission launches review of EU working time rules</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">The <i>Times</i> reports that the European Commission launched a consultation document yesterday on reviewing the EU’s Working Time Directive. The review will look at changing the way on-call time is counted and how rest periods are enforced, amid continuing problems the Directive causes health services across Europe. The Commission has not included the opt-out from the EU’s 48 hour week within the review, which came under threat the last time the Directive came up for renegotiation.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed7/1ba8c0bb/8076436/7c55d067/2832174684/VEsEBw/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/health/news/article2852250.ece
http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/health/news/article2852250.ece"><span style="color: blue;">Times</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed7/1ba8c0bb/8076436/7c55d064/2832174684/VEsEBg/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://ec.europa.eu/social/BlobServlet?docId=6420&langId=en"><span style="color: blue;">Europa</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed7/1ba8c0bb/8076436/7c55d065/2832174684/VEsEAQ/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Open Europe research</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">FTD</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">: Germany is planning new Europe of fiscal and social policy</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">FT Deutschland</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> looks at German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s joint declaration last week announcing that they intend to cooperate more closely in economic and fiscal policy, noting that “Berlin is working on a new Europe”. The article notes that German experts see the possibility of France and Germany leading a new push for social and economic integration using the EU’s so-called “enhanced cooperation”, which allows a group of member states to move further than other EU states.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">No link </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">An agreement made yesterday by EU ambassadors (representatives of Coreper) has pushed forward proposals for a cross-border EU Health Directive, which could lead to its adoption as early as 2013. The European Parliament will vote on the proposal in January.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed7/1ba8c0bb/8076436/7c55d07a/2832174684/VEsEAA/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.euractiv.com/en/health/cross-border-health-care-deal-moves-eu-bill-forward-news-500846
http://www.euractiv.com/en/health/cross-border-health-care-deal-moves-eu-bill-forward-news-500846"><span style="color: blue;">Euractiv</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">G<span>ermany</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> and France yesterday blocked the extension of the EU’s Schengen border-free area to include Romania and Bulgaria.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed7/1ba8c0bb/8076436/7c55d07b/2832174684/VEsEAw/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/efad5c7e-0d2a-11e0-82ff-00144feabdc0.html#axzz18pOsaRQL"><span style="color: blue;">FT</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed7/1ba8c0bb/8076436/7c55d078/2832174684/VEsEAg/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">EUobserver</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">EU Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas has criticised airport operators in Europe for being ill-prepared to cope with bad weather such as snow, warning that if necessary the Commission would bring in regulations on "minimum service requirements" – including the provision of proper facilities and equipment to tackle severe winter conditions, <i>PA</i> reports.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed7/1ba8c0bb/8076436/7c55d079/2832174684/VEsEDQ/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703581204576033203193205570.html?mod=WSJEUROPE_hps_LEFTTopStories"><span style="color: blue;">WSJ</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed7/1ba8c0bb/8076436/7c55d07e/2832174684/VEsEDA/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/eu-transport-head-attacks-illprepared-airport-chiefs-2166533.html"><span style="color: blue;">Independent</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed7/1ba8c0bb/8076436/7c55d07f/2832174684/VEsFBQ/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Bruselas/actuara/caos/aereo/mejoran/aeropuertos/elpepuint/20101222elpepuint_2/Tes"><span style="color: blue;">El Pais</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">The Commission has approved Irish government plans to pump another €17.5bn into Anglo Irish Bank, AIB and Irish Nationwide but demanded that investors also make a "significant contribution" to the banks recovery. </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed7/1ba8c0bb/8076436/7c55d07c/2832174684/VEsFBA/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/ec-agrees-euro175bn-banks-injection-2470020.html"><span style="color: blue;">Irish Independent</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">The <i>Telegraph</i> reports the Foreign Office has confirmed that it and other EU member states are studying a proposal that would see Palestinian “general delegations” upgraded to “diplomatic missions” in a number of European capitals.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed7/1ba8c0bb/8076436/7c55d07d/2832174684/VEsFBw/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Telegraph</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />
</span><hr /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: arial;">Open Europe is an independent think tank campaigning for radical reform of the EU. For information on our research, events and other activities, please visit our website: <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed7/1ba8c0bb/8076436/7c55d072/2832174684/VEsFBg/" target="_blank">openeurope.org.uk</a> or call us on 0207 197 2333. </span>David Ben-Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02271443642557427428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19528757.post-24293112566670093932010-12-21T06:39:00.000-08:002010-12-21T06:39:58.020-08:00Open Europe press summary: 21 December 2010<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">Europe</span><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Moody’s warns France it could lose AAA rating</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Ratings agency Moody’s yesterday downgraded ratings for two Spanish regions, five Irish banks and announced it is considering downgrading 30 Spanish banks and Portugal’s long-term debt rating. <i>Bloomberg</i> reports that France is also at risk of losing its AAA rating. Costs to insure French government debt trebled this year, rising to an all-time high yesterday, according to data provider CMA.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Pimco, the world's largest bond fund, has called on Greece, Ireland and Portugal to step outside the eurozone temporarily and restructure their debts unless the currency bloc agrees to a radical change of course, reports the <i>Telegraph</i>. <i>Handelsblatt</i> reports that despite the bailout, Ireland’s problems are deepening, noting that 10% of real estate loans are considered critical.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">FTD</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> looks at China’s increased involvement in the eurozone, after it announced a "strategic partnership" with Greece. <i>Reuters</i> quotes Chinese vice-PM Wang Qishan at a meeting with EU Commissioners in Bejing saying, "China has taken concrete actions to help some European countries deal with their sovereign debt crisis". </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed5/1ba8c0bb/807e92f/7c55d009/180312728/VEsH/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lefigaro.fr/conjoncture/2010/12/20/04016-20101220ARTFIG00581-l-endettement-allemand-au-plus-haut-depuis-1949.php"><span style="color: blue;">Le Figaro</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed5/1ba8c0bb/807e92f/7c55d00e/180312728/VEsE/" target="_blank" title="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/21/business/global/21specon21.html?_r=1&scp=3&sq=spain&st=cse"><span style="color: blue;">IHT</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed5/1ba8c0bb/807e92f/7c55d00f/180312728/VEsF/" target="_blank" title="http://www.lesechos.fr/economie-politique/monde/actu/0201019972945-moody-s-maintient-la-pression-sur-l-espagne-et-le-portugal.htm"><span style="color: blue;">Les Echos</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed5/1ba8c0bb/807e92f/7c55d00c/180312728/VEsC/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Business Week 2</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed5/1ba8c0bb/807e92f/7c55d00d/180312728/VEsD/" target="_blank" title="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-12-20/france-s-aaa-grade-at-risk-as-rating-downgrades-sweep-europe-euro-credit.html"><span style="color: blue;">Bloomberg</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed5/1ba8c0bb/807e92f/7c55d002/180312728/VEsA/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Business Week</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed5/1ba8c0bb/807e92f/7c55d003/180312728/VEsB/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ftd.de/politik/international/:helfer-in-der-not-china-springt-dem-euro-bei/50207776.html"><span style="color: blue;">FTD</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed5/1ba8c0bb/807e92f/7c55d000/180312728/VEsO/" target="_blank" title="http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20101221/bs_nm/us_china_eu_ecnomy"><span style="color: blue;">Reuters</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed5/1ba8c0bb/807e92f/7c55d001/180312728/VEsP/" target="_blank" title="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financetopics/financialcrisis/8215358/Pimco-says-untenable-policies-will-lead-to-eurozone-break-up.html"><span style="color: blue;">Telegraph</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed5/1ba8c0bb/807e92f/7c55d006/180312728/VEsHBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financetopics/financialcrisis/8214488/Euro-falls-amid-continuing-debt-crisis-fears.html"><span style="color: blue;">Telegraph 2</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed5/1ba8c0bb/807e92f/7c55d007/180312728/VEsHBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financetopics/financialcrisis/8215923/Euro-rises-as-China-supports-EU-debt-action.html"><span style="color: blue;">Telegraph</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed5/1ba8c0bb/807e92f/7c55d004/180312728/VEsHBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financetopics/financialcrisis/8214933/Allied-Irish-Banks-moves-7.9bn-property-loans-to-countrys-bad-bank.html"><span style="color: blue;">Telegraph</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed5/1ba8c0bb/807e92f/7c55d005/180312728/VEsHBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/dec/20/ireland-nama-banks-property-loans"><span style="color: blue;">Guardian</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed5/1ba8c0bb/807e92f/7c55d01a/180312728/VEsHAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2010/1221/1224285992988.html"><span style="color: blue;">Irish Times</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed5/1ba8c0bb/807e92f/7c55d01b/180312728/VEsHAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/news/article.html?in_article_id=520190&in_page_id=2&position=moretopstories"><span style="color: blue;">Mail</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed5/1ba8c0bb/807e92f/7c55d018/180312728/VEsHAw/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">WSJ</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed5/1ba8c0bb/807e92f/7c55d019/180312728/VEsHAg/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Times</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed5/1ba8c0bb/807e92f/7c55d01e/180312728/VEsHDQ/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">WSJ 2</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed5/1ba8c0bb/807e92f/7c55d01f/180312728/VEsHDA/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">FT</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed5/1ba8c0bb/807e92f/7c55d01c/180312728/VEsEBQ/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">FT 2</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed5/1ba8c0bb/807e92f/7c55d01d/180312728/VEsEBA/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">El Pais</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed5/1ba8c0bb/807e92f/7c55d012/180312728/VEsEBw/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31556"><span style="color: blue;">EUobserver</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed5/1ba8c0bb/807e92f/7c55d013/180312728/VEsEBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-12-20/ecb-expresses-serious-concerns-about-irish-bank-proposals.html"><span style="color: blue;">Bloomberg</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed5/1ba8c0bb/807e92f/7c55d010/180312728/VEsEAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.handelsblatt.com/unternehmen/banken-versicherungen/immobilien-krise-irlands-bad-bank-kauft-kredite-im-wert-von-71-milliarden-euro;2716077
blocked::http://www.handelsblatt.com/unternehmen/banken-versicherungen/immobilien-krise-irlands-bad-bank-k"><span style="color: blue;">Handelsblatt</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed5/1ba8c0bb/807e92f/7c55d011/180312728/VEsEAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irisheconomy.ie/index.php/2010/12/20/ecb-opinion-on-credit-institutions-stabilisation-bill-2010/
blocked::http://www.irisheconomy.ie/index.php/2010/12/20/ecb-opinion-on-credit-institutions-stabilisation-bill-2010/"><span style="color: blue;">Irish economy blog</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed5/1ba8c0bb/807e92f/7c55d011/180312728/VEsEAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.irisheconomy.ie/index.php/2010/12/20/ecb-opinion-on-credit-institutions-stabilisation-bill-2010/"><span style="color: blue;">Irish economy blog</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed5/1ba8c0bb/807e92f/7c55d010/180312728/VEsEAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.handelsblatt.com/unternehmen/banken-versicherungen/immobilien-krise-irlands-bad-bank-kauft-kredite-im-wert-von-71-milliarden-euro;2716077"><span style="color: blue;">Handelsblatt</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed5/1ba8c0bb/807e92f/7c55d016/180312728/VEsEDQ/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">ECB opinion</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Cameron: UK liable for eurozone bailouts until 2013</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Speaking to MPs in Parliament yesterday, David Cameron confirmed that the UK would be liable for further eurozone bailouts until a permanent bailout fund comes into force in 2013. He said, “We should not have any liability for bailing out the eurozone when the new permanent arrangements come into effect in 2013. With the current emergency arrangements, established under Article 122, we do.” Mr Cameron added that Britain “stands ready to do whatever is required to return the eurozone to stability” and that it “was profoundly not in Britain's interests to see the break-up of the eurozone”.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Cameron also outlined his proposal for a cap on the EU budget up to 2020. The <i>Guardian</i> argues, “Mr Cameron would be uncharacteristically naive if he thought his budgetary real-terms freeze campaign is either in the bag or that it may not bite back at him in the future…there are no signatures on the deal yet, just promises.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed5/1ba8c0bb/807e92f/7c55d017/180312728/VEsEDA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.openeurope.org.uk/media-centre/pressrelease.aspx?pressreleaseid=155"><span style="color: blue;">Open Europe press release</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed5/1ba8c0bb/807e92f/7c55d014/180312728/VEsFBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.spectator.co.uk/coffeehouse/6552653/what-cameron-should-push-for-in-brussels.thtml"><span style="color: blue;">Spectator: Persson</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed5/1ba8c0bb/807e92f/7c55d015/180312728/VEsFBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/david-cameron/8215125/David-Cameron-charms-his-eurosceptics-and-even-amuses-Labour-MPs.html
blocked::http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/david-cameron/8215125/David-Cameron-charms-his-eur"><span style="color: blue;">Telegraph: Sketch</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed5/1ba8c0bb/807e92f/7c55d02a/180312728/VEsFBw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/dec/21/european-union-together
blocked::http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/dec/21/european-union-together
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/dec/21/european-union-together"><span style="color: blue;">Guardian: Leader</span></a> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><span> </span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">In a recorded conversation with <i>Telegraph</i> journalists, Liberal Democrat Business Secretary Vince Cable said of the Coalition Government, “There are some arguments we’ve won, big arguments, on civil liberties issues and questions over Europe”.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed5/1ba8c0bb/807e92f/7c55d02b/180312728/VEsFBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/liberaldemocrats/8215501/Vince-Cable-transcript-of-his-meeting-with-reporters.html"><span style="color: blue;">Telegraph</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Germany opposes tougher eurozone bank stress tests</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Reuters</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> reports that the ECB is backing the Commission to include a liquidity criterion in the new round of eurozone bank stress tests due next year, but according to EU sources, they face opposition from Germany.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed5/1ba8c0bb/807e92f/7c55d028/180312728/VEsFAQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6BJ2PI20101220"><span style="color: blue;">Reuters</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">The <i>Guardian </i>reports that the European Commission has overturned a UK Revenue and Customs verdict on artworks by Dan Flavin, meaning they will liable to full VAT, which rises to 20% on 1 January. As sculpture the pieces would be subject to only 5% VAT.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed5/1ba8c0bb/807e92f/7c55d029/180312728/VEsFAA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2010/dec/20/art-dan-flavin-light-eu?INTCMP=SRCH"><span style="color: blue;">Guardian</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">EP President blames national leaders for declining support for EU </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">FTD</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> reports that European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek has blamed European governments for increasing euroscepticism, saying, “People look in the first place to their national leaders. The support for European integration isn't as strong as 20 years ago.” He also slammed the proposal by five EU countries to freeze the multi-annual EU budget, saying this could lead to a “political crisis”.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">No link </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">UK</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> targets role at head of EU markets supervisor</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Handelsblatt</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> reports that EU diplomats have said that the UK wants the chairmanship the European Securities and Markets Authority, in order to prevent the French government from exerting political influence on the body. The London-based European Banking Authority is expected to be chaired by a Frenchman. The Commission has confirmed that the positions of chairman of the three new EU financial supervisors will be probably be announced in April 2011, not January as p-planned.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed5/1ba8c0bb/807e92f/7c55d02e/180312728/VEsFAw/" target="_blank" title="http://www.wirtschaftspresse.biz/psepp/fn/pcc/sfn/showedetail/DocID/1127143/EditionID/4/SectionID/2/PageID/1127129/pDay/21.12.2010%2000:00:00/showtyp/1/SH/47c122d91f3b7d33db366a011e41ed/index.html
blocked::http://www.wirtschaftspresse.biz/psepp/fn/pcc/sfn"><span style="color: blue;">Handelsblatt</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed5/1ba8c0bb/807e92f/7c55d02f/180312728/VEsFAg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.openeurope.org.uk/research/EUsupervisors.pdf"><span style="color: blue;">Open Europe research</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">EU Justice Commissioner, Viviane Reding, has confronted the US over data protection rights in the fight against terror, accusing the US of being interested only in accessing European citizens' bank records and flight schedules but not in protecting their rights while doing so, reports the <i>Guardian.</i></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed5/1ba8c0bb/807e92f/7c55d02c/180312728/VEsFDQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/dec/20/eu-accuse-us-on-data-protection?INTCMP=SRCH"><span style="color: blue;">Guardian</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed5/1ba8c0bb/807e92f/7c55d02d/180312728/VEsFDA/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31555"><span style="color: blue;">EUobserver</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed5/1ba8c0bb/807e92f/7c55d022/180312728/VEsCBQ/" target="_blank" title="http://www.europeanvoice.com/article/2010/12/us-envoy-rejects-reding-s-charges-on-data-protection/69795.aspx"><span style="color: blue;">European Voice</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Handelsblatt</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> looks ahead at the upcoming Hungarian Presidency, noting that priorities are the economic consolidation of Europe and energy policy. Also the enlargement of the Schengen zone to Romania and Bulgaria is a priority.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed5/1ba8c0bb/807e92f/7c55d023/180312728/VEsCBA/" target="_blank" title="http://www.wirtschaftspresse.biz/psepp/fn/pcc/sfn/showedetail/DocID/1127141/EditionID/4/SectionID/2/PageID/1127129/pDay/21.12.2010%2000:00:00/showtyp/1/SH/47c122d91f3b7d33db366a011e41ed/index.html
blocked::http://www.wirtschaftspresse.biz/psepp/fn/pcc/sfn"><span style="color: blue;">Handelsblatt</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">EUobserver</span></i></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> reports that talks to link greenhouse gas emissions trading systems (ETS) in the EU and Switzerland are set to start early next year. Meanwhile, a leader in <i>FAZ</i> argues, “</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">In a world in which many states are not prepared for comparable climate goals, the EU can’t run ahead with harder obligations on itself.”</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed5/1ba8c0bb/807e92f/7c55d020/180312728/VEsCBw/" target="_blank" title="http://euobserver.com/9/31550
blocked::http://euobserver.com/9/31550
http://euobserver.com/9/31550"><span style="color: blue;">EUobserver</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed5/1ba8c0bb/807e92f/7c55d021/180312728/VEsCBg/" target="_blank" title="http://www.euractiv.com/en/climate-environment/switzerland-moves-join-europe-s-carbon-market-news-500813
blocked::http://www.euractiv.com/en/climate-environment/switzerland-moves-join-europe-s-carbon-market-news-500813
http://www.euractiv.com/en/climate-e"><span style="color: blue;">Euractiv</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />
</span><hr /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: arial;">Open Europe is an independent think tank campaigning for radical reform of the EU. For information on our research, events and other activities, please visit our website: <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed5/1ba8c0bb/807e92f/7c55d026/180312728/VEsCAQ/" target="_blank">openeurope.org.uk</a> or call us on 0207 197 2333. </span>David Ben-Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02271443642557427428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19528757.post-18860799770346572402010-12-20T05:31:00.000-08:002010-12-20T05:31:58.139-08:00Open Europe press summary: 20 December 2010<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">Europe</span><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">French Finance Minister: “We violated all the rules” to rescue the euro; </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">New poll: One in three investors expect a eurozone default</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">In an interview with the <i>WSJ</i>, French Economy Minister Christine Lagarde has said, “We violated all the rules because we wanted to close ranks and really rescue the euro zone.” She said, “The Treaty of Lisbon was very straightforward. No bailing out,” adding that the Greek and Irish rescues, as well as the creation of the bailout fund, were “major transgressions” of the Treaty.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Speaking at a press conference after last week’s EU summit, French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced they would propose plans early next year for greater harmonisation of tax and labour policies within the eurozone. It is “important that we have a common economic policy,” Merkel said. Open Europe’s Director Mats Persson was quoted by <i>Euractiv</i> saying, “The [permanent bailout] package agreed by EU leaders provides no fundamental solution to the eurozone’s structural weaknesses. Given Europe’s interconnected trading books, the eurozone’s problems will therefore remain Britain’s problems. What we need is a complete restructuring of the single currency, including changes to its membership.” </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">In an interview on <i>BBC World Service</i>, Open Europe’s Pieter Cleppe criticised Sarkozy’s comments that "the disintegration of the euro would mean the disintegration of Europe”, arguing that “this is incorrect. Many EU member states are not a member of the Eurozone and still they trade with each other through the internal market, which is a great achievement and should be kept.” Pieter was also quoted on Belgian news site <i>Express.be</i>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">The <i>FT </i>notes that the EU will announce plans to issue up to €13bn in bonds in the coming days, through the Commission and the European Financial Stability Facility.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Meanwhile, the <i>Irish Times </i>reports that, in a position paper published on Friday, the ECB expressed “serious concerns” about the Irish government’s plans to aid its banking sector. Saturday’s <i>Guardian </i>reported that Lloyds Banking Group admitted on Friday it is to incur £4.3bn of losses on Irish loans. Saturday’s <i>Telegraph </i>reported that the ECB on Friday said it has arranged to borrow up to £10bn from the Bank of England in a temporary swap to ease liquidity at Irish banks. <i>FAZ</i> notes that German banks have the highest exposure to Ireland, amounting to €113bn. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">The <i>FT </i>notes that doubts remain over the stability of Spain’s savings banks – the cajas – that account for approximately half of the country’s banking assets. <span style="color: black;">Meanwhile, <i>Euractiv España </i>reports that the debt of Spain’s local administrations – the Comunidades Autónomas – increased by almost 30% during the third quarter of 2010, compared with the same period in 2009. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><i>FTfm </i>reports that one in three institutional investors is expecting at least one eurozone country to default on or restructure its debt in 2011, according to a survey of more than 2,000 hedge funds, money managers, proprietary traders and corporate trading desks, conducted by Barclays Capital.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0ce/1186810534/VEsH/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.ftd.de/finanzen/:ringen-um-die-waehrungsunion-pimco-befuerchtet-ende-von-euroland/50207370.html"><span style="color: blue;">FT Deutschland</span></a> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0cf/1186810534/VEsE/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/dec/17/lloyds-banking-group-ireland-loan-losses"><span style="color: blue;">Saturday’s Guardian</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0cc/1186810534/VEsF/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financetopics/financialcrisis/8210527/EU-shocked-by-Irish-debt-downgrade.html"><span style="color: blue;">Saturday's Telegraph</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0cd/1186810534/VEsC/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/cf1454f4-09e7-11e0-8b29-00144feabdc0.html#axzz18duzQdRu"><span style="color: blue;">Weekend FT</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0c2/1186810534/VEsD/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://online.wsj.com/article/SB40001424052748704034804576025930258977112.html#mod=todays_europe_front_section"><span style="color: blue;">WSJ</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0c3/1186810534/VEsA/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-12-16/spain-s-banks-face-revenue-drain-in-2011-on-higher-funding-costs.html"><span style="color: blue;">Bloomberg</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0c0/1186810534/VEsB/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.cityam.com/news-and-analysis/ecb-fears-strength-ireland-bailout"><span style="color: blue;">City AM</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0c1/1186810534/VEsO/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/ecb-concerns-cast-doubt-on-lenihan-banking-powers-2467194.html"><span style="color: blue;">Irish Independent</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0c6/1186810534/VEsP/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2010/1220/breaking6.html"><span style="color: blue;">Irish Times</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0c7/1186810534/VEsHBQ/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.euractiv.com/en/euro-finance/sarkozy-merkel-promise-joint-plans-fiscal-union-news-500781"><span style="color: blue;">Euractiv</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0c4/1186810534/VEsHBA/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/world_news/Europe/article484414.ece"><span style="color: blue;">Sunday Times</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0c5/1186810534/VEsHBw/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financetopics/financialcrisis/8211753/Irelands-UK-property-empire-unwinds-as-it-sells-London-assets.html"><span style="color: blue;">Sunday Telegraph</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0da/1186810534/VEsHBg/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.elpais.com/articulo/economia/banca/espanola/tercera/solida/area/euro/Moody/s/elpepieco/20101220elpepieco_2/Tes"><span style="color: blue;">El Pais</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0db/1186810534/VEsHAQ/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/134ae4c8-0b94-11e0-a313-00144feabdc0.html#axzz18dzG4600"><span style="color: blue;">FT 3</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0d8/1186810534/VEsHAA/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.euractiv.es/noticias/noticia.php?noticia=2129"><span style="color: blue;">EurActiv.es</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0d9/1186810534/VEsHAw/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.euractiv.es/noticias/noticia.php?noticia=2128"><span style="color: blue;">EurActiv.es 2</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0de/1186810534/VEsHAg/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.elmundo.es/mundodinero/2010/12/17/economia/1292584672.html"><span style="color: blue;">El Mundo</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0df/1186810534/VEsHDQ/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/c21c7844-0b59-11e0-a313-00144feabdc0.html#axzz18dxjkdme"><span style="color: blue;">FT</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0dc/1186810534/VEsHDA/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/9fd16ee2-0b87-11e0-a313-00144feabdc0.html#axzz18dxzqqwb"><span style="color: blue;">FT 2</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0dd/1186810534/VEsEBQ/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/94c0b864-0b64-11e0-a313-00144feabdc0.html#axzz18dzclVMH"><span style="color: blue;">FTfm</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0d2/1186810534/VEsEBA/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/2684fcde-09ed-11e0-8b29-00144feabdc0.html#axzz18dzv1LBi"><span style="color: blue;">FTfm 2</span></a> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0d3/1186810534/VEsEBw/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00cdn4d"><span style="color: blue;">BBC</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0d0/1186810534/VEsEBg/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.express.be/business/nl/economy/huidige-eu-leiders-misbruiken-crisis-om-ondemocratische-europese-superstaat-te-creren/137614.htm"><span style="color: blue;">Express.be</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0d1/1186810534/VEsEAQ/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.faz.net/p/Rub6C77E50CFDFD44AF94BA0EA12FECC2AD/Dx1~ED998B969779E2A59CF01F5AB2E7A2E1D~ATpl~Ecommon~Scontent.html"><span style="color: blue;">FAZ</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0d6/1186810534/VEsEAA/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.welt.de/print/die_welt/wirtschaft/article11735505/Die-Euro-Krise-ist-laengst-nicht-vorbei.html"><span style="color: blue;">Die Welt</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0d7/1186810534/VEsEAw/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704034804576025681087342502.html?KEYWORDS=lagarde"><span style="color: blue;">WSJ: Lagarde</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b> </b><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Merkel ally says he could “imagine” common eurozone bonds</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Reuters Deutschland </span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">reports that, </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">despite strong opposition from Chancellor Angela Merkel, there are supporters in her party, the CDU, for common eurozone bonds. CDU Minister for Saarland Peter Mueller is quoted saying that he could “imagine such bonds”, and that “it depends on how they would be designed.” </span><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Le Figaro </span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">reports that Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou has proposed launching an EU-wide campaign to collect one million signatures and present a petition in favour of the introduction of common eurozone bonds under the new European Citizens’ Initiative scheme. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span lang="FR" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0d4/1186810534/VEsEAg/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://de.reuters.com/article/economicsNews/idDEBEE6BI01820101219"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue;">Reuters Deutschland</span></span></a> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0d5/1186810534/VEsEDQ/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.lefigaro.fr/flash-eco/2010/12/19/97002-20101219FILWWW00100-petition-pour-les-e-bonds-papandreou.php"><span style="color: blue;">Le Figaro</span></a></span><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Eurozone comment round-up;</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Sir Martin Jacomb</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">: “It is time to put aside slogans and take into account how ordinary people behave”<span></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">In the <i>Telegraph</i>, Ambrose Evans-Pritchard argues that “If Germany and its hard-money allies genuinely wish to save the euro – which is open to doubt – they should stop posturing, face up to the grim imperative of a Transferunion, and desist immediately from imposing their ruinous and reactionary policies of debt deflation on southern Europe and Ireland.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">An editorial in the <i>WSJ</i> argues, “Thursday's decision moves the euro zone closer to a fiscal union, which is a far more politically complicated beast. The existence of a bailout fund creates moral hazard that makes future bailouts more likely, so the EU will inevitably become more involved in coordinating and even dictating fiscal policies in European countries. French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde acknowledges the new reality”.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">In an opinion piece in the <i>FT</i><span>,</span> Sir Martin Jacomb, former Chairman of Prudential Plc and Open Europe board member, argues that “Europhiles risk ignoring the jobless tide” noting that “the obligation to service and pay off very large sovereign indebtedness will continue to punish the countries concerned, and the result will be depressed economic conditions and rising unemployment”. He concludes, “The clear message from Messrs Jean-Claude Juncker and Giulio Tremonti and many others, is one of political commitment to economic and monetary union and the irreversibility of the euro. This is a fine message no doubt, but their solution involves the taxpayers of the rich eurozone countries subsidising the poorer, and so far there is no sign of willingness to do this. It is time to put aside slogans and take into account how ordinary people behave”.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0ea/1186810534/VEsEDA/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/leading-articles/leading-article-a-stable-eurozone-is-in-britains-national-interest-too-2163642.html
http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/leading-articles/leading-article-a-stable-eurozone-is-in-britains-natio"><span style="color: blue;">Saturday's Independent: Leader</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0eb/1186810534/VEsFBQ/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/912a8600-0b99-11e0-a313-00144feabdc0.html#axzz18dySEQ5S
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/912a8600-0b99-11e0-a313-00144feabdc0.html#axzz18dySEQ5S
blocked::http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/912a8600-0b99-11e0-a313-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1"><span style="color: blue;">FT: Jacomb</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0e8/1186810534/VEsFBA/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/dd735d0c-0a18-11e0-9bb4-00144feabdc0.html
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/dd735d0c-0a18-11e0-9bb4-00144feabdc0.html"><span style="color: blue;">Weekend FT: Barber</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0e9/1186810534/VEsFBw/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/0baa5090-0a19-11e0-9bb4-00144feabdc0.html
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/0baa5090-0a19-11e0-9bb4-00144feabdc0.html"><span style="color: blue;">Weekend FT: Leader</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0ee/1186810534/VEsFBg/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/opinion/2010/1220/1224285915042.html
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/opinion/2010/1220/1224285915042.html
blocked::http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/opinion/2010/1220/1224285915042.html"><span style="color: blue;">Irish Times: Bini Smaghi</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0ef/1186810534/VEsFAQ/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/comment/ambroseevans_pritchard/8212936/Self-righteous-Germany-must-accept-a-euro-debt-union-or-leave-EMU.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/comment/ambroseevans_pritchard/8212936/Self-righteous-Germany-must"><span style="color: blue;">Telegraph: Evans-Pritchard</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0ec/1186810534/VEsFAA/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://online.wsj.com/article/SB40001424052748704138604576029240777328266.html#mod=todays_europe_front_section
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB40001424052748704138604576029240777328266.html#mod=todays_europe_front_section"><span style="color: blue;">WSJ: Stelzer</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0ed/1186810534/VEsFAw/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704138604576029331574339652.html#mod=todays_europe_opinion
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704138604576029331574339652.html#mod=todays_europe_opinion"><span style="color: blue;">WSJ: Editorial</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0e2/1186810534/VEsFAg/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://online.wsj.com/article/SB40001424052748704034804576025681087342502.html#mod=todays_europe_opinion
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB40001424052748704034804576025681087342502.html#mod=todays_europe_opinion"><span style="color: blue;">WSJ: Carney & Jolis</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0e3/1186810534/VEsFDQ/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/comment/hamish-mcrae/hamish-mcrae-low-interest-rates-are-hiding-problems-that-will-only-emerge-as-growth-returns-2164154.html
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/comment/hamish-mcrae/hamish-mcrae-"><span style="color: blue;">Independent on Sunday: McRae</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0e0/1186810534/VEsFDA/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.dailymail.co.uk/money/article-1339762/Can-stop-Euro-going-flames.html?ito=feeds-newsxml
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/money/article-1339762/Can-stop-Euro-going-flames.html?ito=feeds-newsxml"><span style="color: blue;">Mail on Sunday</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0e1/1186810534/VEsCBQ/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Europa/nueva/elpepiint/20101106elpepiint_11/Tes
http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Europa/nueva/elpepiint/20101106elpepiint_11/Tes
blocked::http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Europa"><span style="color: blue;">El Pais: Nair</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Swedish PM: Cameron’s EU budget letter too “ambiguous” and doesn’t focus on how money is spent </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">David Cameron faced a backlash from some EU leaders following his calls to freeze the EU budget between 2014 and 2020 in a letter circulated at last week’s EU summit. Swedish PM Fredrik Reinfeldt criticised the letter, which won the backing of France, Germany, the Netherlands and Finland, arguing that it could, in fact, open up the possibility of a budget increase. “We see it as a bit ambiguous and from a Swedish point of view, not restrictive enough when it comes to the budget...our position is that even the possibility of increasing the budget that the signatory countries are open to is too far-reaching,” he said according to <i>Swedish Radio</i>. “First we want to discuss the content in the budget, what we should spend the money on. When that is done, we can see what it costs,” he added. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Saturday’s <i>Telegraph </i>reported that Cameron had reached a deal with French President Nicolas Sarkozy on the content of the budget, quoting a diplomat saying, “Sarkozy said that if Cameron leaves farm subsidies alone, then he, in turn, would leave the British rebate alone.” Open Europe Director Mats Persson was quoted in Saturday’s <i>Independent</i> and by the <i>BBC</i> saying, “A cash freeze on the EU's long-term budget without reforming its actual substance could well prove a strategic mistake. Such a deal would serve to antagonise the new member states that stand to lose the most and represent a missed opportunity to re-negotiate the EU's flawed subsidy schemes, at a time when the UK has some leverage.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0e6/1186810534/VEsCBA/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Saturday's Independent</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0e7/1186810534/VEsCBw/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">BBC</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0e4/1186810534/VEsCBg/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Saturday's Telegraph</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0e5/1186810534/VEsCAQ/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Weekend FT</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0fa/1186810534/VEsCAA/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Saturday's Guardian</span></a> </span><span lang="SV" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0fb/1186810534/VEsCAw/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://sverigesradio.se/sida/artikel.aspx?programid=83&artikel=4247517"><span style="color: blue;">Swedish Radio</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0f8/1186810534/VEsCAg/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.europaportalen.se/2010/12/reinfeldt-avvisar-camerons-krav"><span style="color: blue;">Europaportalen</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">UK</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> MEPs cost Britain £26m per year</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">An investigation by the <i>Sunday Telegraph</i> has revealed that UK MEPs cost Britain £26m per year in salaries, pensions, perks and office expenses – an average of £370,000 per MEP. Conservative MEP Charles Tannock is cited to be the best-value MEP.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Open Europe’s Siân Herbert was quoted saying, “MEPs' activities and whereabouts are woefully under-scrutinised in this country, so this is a great initiative. The system of MEPs' expenses is an absolute minefield, raising serious questions about transparency and accountability". Siân is also quoted in the <i>Express</i>. Meanwhile, Open Europe’s Stephen Booth appeared on <i>LBC</i> radio on Sunday arguing that MEPs represent bad value for money and that the current allowances system needs to be reformed.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0f9/1186810534/VEsCDQ/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/218420/Scandal-of-26m-MEPs-bill-for-the-British-taxpayer
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/218420/Scandal-of-26m-MEPs-bill-for-the-British-taxpayer"><span style="color: blue;">Express</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0fe/1186810534/VEsCDA/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://conservativehome.blogs.com/parliament/2010/12/charles-tannock-mep-is-britains-best-value-for-money-mep.html
http://conservativehome.blogs.com/parliament/2010/12/charles-tannock-mep-is-britains-best-value-for-money-mep.html"><span style="color: blue;">Conservative Home</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0ff/1186810534/VEsDBQ/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/eu/8211679/The-value-for-money-of-the-UKs-26-million-MEPs.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/eu/8211679/The-value-for-money-of-the-UKs-26-million-MEPs.html"><span style="color: blue;">Sunday Telegraph</span></a> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Van Rompuy appoints foreign policy staff to compete with Ashton’s foreign service;</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Ashton defies UK Government with calls to lift China arms embargo</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">The <i>Sunday Telegraph</i> reported that EU Council President Herman Van Rompuy has appointed 20 senior foreign policy officials at a cost of at least £15 million over the next nine years, despite the fact that Catherine Ashton’s 7,000 strong EU foreign service is due to start work on 3 January. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Meanwhile, the <i>Sunday Express </i>reported that Baroness Ashton wants to lift an EU arms embargo against China in defiance of the UK Government. <span style="color: black;">Foreign Secretary William Hague said last week the Government had “no plans to lift the arms embargo on China”.</span><br />
<a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0fc/1186810534/VEsDBA/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Sunday Telegraph</span></a> <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0fd/1186810534/VEsDBw/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Sunday Express</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Saturday’s <i>Guardian</i> reported that the European Commission is investigating why a concert hall, situated near Naples, built at a projected cost to the European taxpayer of more than €8m, is not in use almost a year after its gala inauguration.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0f2/1186810534/VEsDBg/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Saturday's Guardian</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Ilkka Salmi, the 42-year-old head of the Finnish security service the Suojelupoliisin, has been appointed as the new director of the EU's intelligence-sharing bureau, the Joint Situation Centre (SitCen), by EU Foreign Minister Catherine Ashton.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0f3/1186810534/VEsDAQ/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">EUobserver</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">The <i>Sunday Telegraph</i> reported that Fair Trials International has warned that the high volume of extradition requests made under the European Arrest Warrant is placing an “unjustified burden” on UK police and prisons.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0f0/1186810534/VEsDAA/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Sunday Telegraph</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">City AM </span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">reports that Roger Carr, president-elect of the CBI, has said that Britain would lose out if it were to quit the EU.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0f1/1186810534/VEsDAw/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">City AM</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">De Telegraaf</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> reports that proposed EU regulations could see a ban on any imported goods containing traces of pesticides, threatening many Dutch retailers with closure.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0f6/1186810534/VEsDAg/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Telegraaf</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">The <i>Times </i>reports that the EU mission sent to maintain the rule of law in Kosovo says that it may not have the jurisdiction to investigate allegations that the Kosovan Prime Minister ran a human organs trafficking ring, despite international calls for an inquiry.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0f7/1186810534/VEsDDQ/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/world/europe/article2849952.ece
http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/world/europe/article2849952.ece
blocked::http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/world/europe/article2849952.ece"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">Times</span></span></a></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">In a letter to the <i>Sunday Times</i>,<i> </i>Commissioner for Enlargement Stefan Fule defended the EU’s pre-accession funds.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0f4/1186810534/VEsDDA/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Sunday Times: Fule</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Italy</span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> faces demands from the European Commission to explain its ban on German-operated trains from stopping on their journeys through Italy, amid a renewed to stamp out anti-competitive behaviour in Europe’s rail market.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d0f5/1186810534/VEsABQ/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/71fb03e8-0b91-11e0-a313-00144feabdc0.html#axzz18dz5vaIU"><span style="color: blue;">FT</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />
</span><hr /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: arial;">Open Europe is an independent think tank campaigning for radical reform of the EU. For information on our research, events and other activities, please visit our website: <a href="http://action.openeurope.org.uk/page/m/4b660ed4/1ba8c0bb/8061522/7c55d00a/1186810534/VEsABA/" target="_blank">openeurope.org.uk</a> or call us on 0207 197 2333. </span>David Ben-Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02271443642557427428noreply@blogger.com