Europe
Commission and Czech Presidency demand a resolution to gas crisis as eastern Europe's supply entirely cut off;
EU's Nabucco pipeline project faces "formidable" problems
The WSJ reports that the effects of the Ukraine-Russia gas dispute reached new heights yesterday as gas deliveries to a host of European countries were cut off entirely. The paper notes that as recently as Monday European officials had been reassuring their populations that the quarrel didn't pose a significant threat to consumers further downstream.
The Times notes that with the gas supply cut entirely to Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Macedonia, Romania, Serbia and Turkey, the EU broke from its diplomatic approach to demand a resolution to the crisis. A joint statement from the Commission and the Czech EU Presidency read, "This is completely unacceptable. The Czech EU Presidency and the European Commission demand that gas supplies be immediately restored to the EU and that the two parties resume at once negotiations with a view to a definitive settlement of their bilateral commercial dispute."
A leader in the Independent argues that the EU must diversify its energy supply to avoid a repeat of the crisis. In the Times Roger Boyes writes that the EU has not yet devised an alternative energy strategy because "Western Europeans, and in particular the Germans, have bought into the myth that Gazprom is a normal commercial concern struggling to succeed in the marketplace." Boyes argues that the EU should consider the state-owned Russian energy company as a "political weapon", principally used to achieve a key aim of the Kremlin - preventing further EU and Nato expansion to the east.
A leader in the FT argues that the EU "must develop greater solidarity in energy issues. As long as the EU's big countries, led by Germany, do cosy bilateral deals with Russia, the smaller member states in eastern Europe, which are even more dependent on Gazprom, will feel exposed."
The BBC reports that Bulgaria's President Georgi Purvanov has suggested that a nuclear reactor deemed unsafe by the EU could be restarted to help cover gas shortages.
Meanwhile, the Guardian reports that the EU's plan for an alternative pipeline, the Nabucco pipeline, faces "formidable" problems. "This is an attempt at reverse engineering in pipeline development," said a senior industry source. "Usually you find the resource and then you build a pipeline. With Nabucco it's the other way round." The EU faces a bidding war with Gazprom to obtain the most immediate gas supplies while experts warn that it will be 20 years before sufficient gas can be pumped from other sources to evade Gazprom's control.
WSJ IHT IHT 2 Times Times-Boyes Independent Independent-Leader Guardian Guardian-Almond Irish Times Irish Times: Whelan Irish Times: Leader Express FT FT 2 FT 3 FT: Leader Mirror European Voice BBC Guardian 2 IHT 3 BBC 2 Le Monde
Sarkozy accused of upstaging EU delegation in Gaza;
Clegg calls for arms embargo on Israel
French President Nicolas Sarkozy claimed last night that a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip was "not far off", reports the Irish Times. However, an opinion piece by Nidra Poller in the WSJ argues that Sarkozy's visit is "upstaging an official EU delegation".
The FT Brussels blog questions whether Sarkozy's solo diplomatic effort is the result of a sincere belief that the EU needs "strong, energetic, high-profile leadership", or whether it is because he "simply couldn't bring himself to move out of the spotlight", following the end of the French Presidency on 31 December. The article argues that not only will Sarkozy's efforts "ruffle" the Czech Presidency's feathers but also those of Javier Solana and Benita Ferrero-Waldner, the EU's Foreign Policy Chief and External Relations Commissioner, who may now struggle to appear credible.
In a comment piece in the FT, Quentin Peel writes that the gas crisis and situation in Gaza have provided a quick lesson for the Czech Republic that the EU Presidency has "everything to do with uncomfortable crisis management." Peel goes on to say a real challenge for Czech PM Mirek Topolanek will be to "forge a common European front on foreign policy", with Sakrozy's Middle East initiative presenting a danger that "Europe's efforts will be confused and divided".
Meanwhile, in an article in the Guardian Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg has called for a British arms embargo on Israel and accused the EU of "clumsy decision-making and confused messages."
Guardian Guardian-Clegg WSJ-Poller Irish Times FT: Brussels Blog FT: Peel
Klaus calls for repeal of environmental and labour laws;
Topolanek: deal will have to be done on Lisbon Treaty
In an article in the FT, Czech President Vaclav Klaus has stated that the Czech Presidency of the EU will reject "counterproductive" financial regulation during the financial crisis, and goes on to say that the Czech Presidency will "hopefully-not lead Europe to an ever closer union." He also writes that the best thing to do now would be to temporarily "weaken, if not repeal, various labour, environmental...and other 'standards'". He goes on to say, "The Czechs feel that freedom and prosperity are much more endangered than the climate."
Meanwhile, in an interview cited in Prague Monitor Czech PM Mirek Topolánek said that he thought that a deal would need to be done between the two chambers of parliament to pass the Lisbon Treaty. He said it was unlikely that the Senate would pass the Treaty unless the lower chamber passed the planned deployment of a US missile defence shield in eastern Europe: "I do not think the Lisbon Treaty could go through the Senate - given the opinions of ODS Senators - unless the Chamber of Deputies ratifies the radar. But I may be wrong."
Prague Monitor FT FT: Klaus
European Commission paper warns of growing tensions in eurozone
FT Deutschland has an exclusive report on a confidential European Commission paper prepared for the EU Finance Ministers meeting. The paper shows how growing differences in competitiveness among the different eurozone-member states could provoke dangerous tensions in the currency union. As the only big economy in the eurozone, Germany has improved its competitiveness (to pre-unification levels), while Italy and Spain have suffered a massive loss in competitiveness.
The paper also says that the Euro hasn't led to a coordinated economic policy, leading European Commissioner Joaquín Almunia to plead for "stronger coordination of economic policies".
FTD
Polish PM rejects need for vote on Euro
The Irish Times reports that Polish PM Donald Tusk has said that he sees no reason why his country should hold a referendum on joining the Euro, adding that "A referendum on the euro took place together with the EU accession one." The leader of the Polish Opposition, Jaroslaw Kaczynski, has criticised the remarks, accusing Mr Tusk of wanting to "take decisions crucial for Polish society above the heads of that society".
Irish Times
Environment Secretary describes EU food labeling rules as "nonsense"
The Telegraph today reports on Environment Secretary Hilary Benn's comments on European legislation that allows food labels to attribute the country of origin as the place the product underwent its last significant process. Benn said that, "A pork pie made in Britain from Danish pork can legitimately be labeled as a British pork pie. That's a nonsense, and it needs to change."
Telegraph
Not enough MEPs to support "one seat" campaign
A major campaign which calls for an end to having two official seats for the European Parliament appears doomed after failing to receive a minimum number of MEPs' signatures, The Parliament reports. Only 235 MEPs have signed a written declaration calling for an end to the so-called "travelling circus" between Brussels and Strasbourg which costs 203 million euros per year. As this is well short of the 393 MEPs needed to secure a majority, German ALDE member Alexander Alvaro accused those colleagues who privately endorse the one-seat campaign but have yet to sign the declaration of "hypocrisy". "They should stand up and be counted," he said.The Parliament Open Europe blog
Open Europe's research on the EU's communication policy continued to receive coverage across Europe, on Hungarian news site Penzcentrum and the Competitive Enterprise Institute Blog.
Open Market Penzcentrum The hard sell: EU communication policy and the campaign for hearts and minds OE press release
Germany to further loosen budget, raising fears of breaching stability pact
Der Spiegel reports that in Germany, the SPD has agreed on lowering taxes, after initial insistence on budgetary orthodoxy, which now opens the way for a second stimulus package. However warnings that the package may breach the EU stability and growth budgetary limits remain, with CDU economic expert Steffen Kampeter saying that "the Maastricht Treaty is not a technical matter", adding that "it would be a wrong signal when Germany would again question the stability pact" and "this concerns the stability of the Euro". Meanwhile, FTD Deutschland reports that the German government is planning to set up a 100bn euro fund, to be decided as early as Monday, alongside with the second stimulus package, to rescue industrial conglomerates.
Spiegel Netzeitung FTD
The European Commission is debating what steps to take after it failed to get a commitment from the $58 trillion credit derivatives industry to use a central clearing house for credit default swaps.
WSJ IHT FT
Prosecutors drop 5-year old case against Hans-Martin Tillack
The FT and European Voice report that Belgian authorities yesterday formally ended proceedings against Hans-Martin Tillack, a former Brussels-based journalist who published reports alleging EU fraud. His office was raided in 2002 by police on request of the European Commission, following a dossier drawn up by the European Commission's anti-fraud unit OLAF. Aidan White, Secretary-General of the European Federation of Journalists (EIF) described the investigation as a "tawdry affair" in which justice had been denied. He added that the allegations made by the Commission were "clearly an attempt to discredit [Tillack], his character and his journalism".
FT European Voice
Incandescent bulbs begin to be phased out
The front page of the Mail reports that shops in Britain have already begun to run out of incandescent light bulbs ahead of the phasing out of the old bulbs following an EU agreement in 2007. The paper writes that retailers stopped replenishing stocks from the beginning of the year under a "voluntary" Government phasing-out scheme. Christopher Booker in the Mail writes that, although an EU-wide ban will not be in place until 2016, Britain will ban the old light bulbs by 2012.
Mail Mail: Booker
An opinion piece in the IHT by two former US Ambassadors to Central Asia has warned that Russia's coercion of its smaller neighbours is a flashpoint for the US and Europe, and that they must be ready to enhance the security of Russia's neighbours.
IHT-Corboy, Courtney and Yalowitz
Sean O'Grady, in the Independent writes that he is glad Britain is not in the Euro, which has been "designed without an emergency door", and the fact that Britain can retain the flexibility of a floating currency.
Independent-O'Grady
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
The Plain Truth About Ron Weinland
The Plain Truth About Ron Weinland
Ron Weinland is drunk on his delusions...
Ron Weinland is a FALSE PROPHET and illegitimately claims to be one of the Two Witnesses.
EUobserver.com
HEADLINES
********************************************
1. Russian gas supplies to EU dive overnight
2. Germany nears agreement on new stimulus package
3. Terror list complicates EU diplomacy in Middle East
***** THE NEWS ********************
1. Russian gas supplies to EU dive overnight - 06.01.2009 - 09:16
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Russian supplies of gas to the EU via Ukraine dived by 70 percent overnight from Monday to Tuesday Ukraine says, with Bulgarian consumers told to turnoff gas stoves after an emergency government meeting.
http://euobserver.com/9/27349/?rk=1
2. Germany nears agreement on new stimulus package - 06.01.2009 - 09:16
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The governing coalition in Germany on Monday indicated that its latest economic stimulus package could run to 50bn euro.
http://euobserver.com/9/27348/?rk=1
3. Terror list complicates EU diplomacy in Middle East - 05.01.2009 - 17:45
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
As two European delegations arrive in the Middle East for talks aiming to achieve a ceasefire between Israel and the Gaza Strip, governed by Hamas, EU negotiating is being hampered by its own list of proscribed organisations, which forbids the bloc's officials from having contact with groups on the register.
http://euobserver.com/9/27347/?rk=1
********************************************
1. Russian gas supplies to EU dive overnight
2. Germany nears agreement on new stimulus package
3. Terror list complicates EU diplomacy in Middle East
***** THE NEWS ********************
1. Russian gas supplies to EU dive overnight - 06.01.2009 - 09:16
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Russian supplies of gas to the EU via Ukraine dived by 70 percent overnight from Monday to Tuesday Ukraine says, with Bulgarian consumers told to turnoff gas stoves after an emergency government meeting.
http://euobserver.com/9/27349/?rk=1
2. Germany nears agreement on new stimulus package - 06.01.2009 - 09:16
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The governing coalition in Germany on Monday indicated that its latest economic stimulus package could run to 50bn euro.
http://euobserver.com/9/27348/?rk=1
3. Terror list complicates EU diplomacy in Middle East - 05.01.2009 - 17:45
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
As two European delegations arrive in the Middle East for talks aiming to achieve a ceasefire between Israel and the Gaza Strip, governed by Hamas, EU negotiating is being hampered by its own list of proscribed organisations, which forbids the bloc's officials from having contact with groups on the register.
http://euobserver.com/9/27347/?rk=1
Open Europe press summary: 6 January 2009
Europe
Israel ignores EU calls for a ceasefire in Gaza;
Sarkozy criticised for weakening "the strategic position of the EU"
The FT reports that Israel has rejected calls from visiting European foreign ministers for an immediate ceasefire, vowing to continue its ground offensive on the Gaza Strip. Speaking after a meeting with an EU delegation, including the foreign ministers from the Czech Republic, France and Sweden, Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said, "A necessary war on terror does not end with an agreement. We don't sign agreements with terror; we fight terror."
EUobserver notes that in addition to the EU delegation French President Nicolas Sarkozy also met both Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas yesterday, expressing "deep concern" at the situation. However, the FT reports that the Italian government has called on Sarkozy to allow the EU to take the lead, suggesting he was undermining the bloc's diplomatic efforts. French officials said the Middle East peace drive was not about supplanting the Czech EU Presidency but using French diplomatic leverage to try to secure a truce.
L'Express quotes Italian Foreign Affairs Minister Franco Frattini saying, "When everybody has his own mission, this weakens the strategic position of the EU". Nouvel Observateur notes that French politician François Bayrou has also criticised Sarkozy's actions in the Middle East, saying that they risk reducing the voice of the EU.
WSJ Irish Times Times Irish Times 2 Guardian EUobserver AFP Tijd FT FT 2 L'Express Nouvel Observateur
EU gas supplies suffer further cuts;
Delegation to meet Gazprom officials today
Russia has ordered further cuts in gas supplies to Europe as part of its ongoing dispute over payment from Ukraine. The Times reports that EU ambassadors predicted cuts of up to 20% at a private meeting yesterday and 10 countries have already reported reduced gas flows from Ukrainian pipelines. The Commission and the Czech Presidency dispatched a fact-finding mission to Kiev yesterday to investigate the disruptions, according to European Voice.
EUobserver states that supplies from Russia to the EU via Ukraine fell overnight by 70%. The article also states the Prime Minister Valdimir Putin ordered the cuts in supplies to the Gazprom CEO live on Russian television.
The Irish Times writes that both Moscow and Kiev have urged the EU to mediate the dispute, but it is "loath to intervene". However, a European delegation including Commission officials are due to meet executives from Gazprom, the state-owned energy firm, today in Berlin.
A leader in the WSJ argues that Europe has failed to diversify Europe's gas supplies and it has been indecisive about alternate pipelines to pursue, such as the Nabucco pipeline, which could supply gas from central Asia rather than Russia. A comment piece by Jan Rokita in the Polish daily Dziennik argues that the decision of Bulgaria and Hungary to opt for the South Stream gas pipeline project over the Nabucco pipeline project, of which they were important partners, was a major event in 2008 and came following influence from Moscow.
Times-Leader Times WSJ WSJ-Editorial Irish Times Independent EUobserver AFP IHT Irish Independent FT Telegraph BBC European Voice EurActiv Tribune Telegraaf
New German stimulus package could violate EU stability pact
Details of a new German stimulus package have emerged, following a meeting of the leaders of Chancellor Angela Merkel's coalition in Berlin last night. The package will be worth 50 billion euros and will be spread over 2009 and 2010. The measures are expected to include investment in transport, education and infrastructure projects in an effort to save and create jobs and shelter the German economy from the worst part of the recession.
However, the three parties of the government coalition remain at odds over whether to include tax cuts in the recovery plan. The Christian Social Union, the Bavarian sister party of Merkel's Christian Democrats, has been pushing for making tax cuts part of the package. Merkel has previously resisted such a move, arguing that VAT cuts do no not boost consumer spending, but now appears willing to give way. The Social Democrats, who are also in the coalition, have ruled out tax relief, calling instead for increased taxation on high-income earners and more welfare spending.
The Times quotes the Christian Democrat budget expert Steffen Kampeter criticising the government for running up the debt. "The stimulus programme, as presently conceived, is simply a cheque that will have to be settled by the next generation. These measures are not about economic effectiveness but about political symbolism and creating the illusion of action," he said. Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung notes that the package may take Germany above the limits of the EU's stability and growth pact. A spokesman for Finance Minister Peer Steinbrück is quoted saying that "at 50 billion euro, we will have crossed the limits".
Times WSJ Guardian EUobserver FT FAZ Figaro
Open Europe's research on the EU's communication policy was featured in an article in Dutch magazine Elsevier.
Elsevier The hard sell: EU communication policy and the campaign for hearts and minds OE press release
Benn: EU labels rules "nonsense"
Environment Secretary Hilary Benn has said the Government is pushing for improvements to EU rules on food labels to show more clearly where an animal is born, reared and slaughtered, reports PA. Under current EU legislation a product's country of origin is the place where it underwent its last significant process. For example, a pork pie made from Danish pork could be labelled as British if it was processed in this country - a system Mr Benn described as "nonsense".
Spain to face painful adjustment in eurozone
The FT examines the housing market bubble, arguing that Spain owes its high economic growth of recent years in part to unsustainable spending on housing. In the past to correct this it would have devalued its currency, which is now not an option in the eurozone.
FT
Pound resurgent against Euro
The pound saw its biggest one-day rise against the Euro yesterday, since the launch of the single currency nine years ago, reports the Telegraph. The global head of foreign exchange strategy at BNP Paribas is quoted in the Irish Independent saying that, "Europe is going to provide a lot of negative news going forward".
Irish Independent Telegraph
Abramowitz and Serwer: EU must face realities in the Balkans
In the WSJ, Morton Abramowitz and Daniel Serwer write that "a divided EU is allowing the Balkans to slide toward greater instability". They argue that although the EU regards Serbia as the key to stability in the Balkans it fails to acknowledge "its policies toward Kosovo and Bosnia and the fact that Serbia does not meet EU requirements for political and economic reform."
WSJ-Abramowitz and Serwer
A leader in the FT looks at the "reinvention" of Europe's left, arguing that "left parties should distinguish themselves by remaining enthusiastic champions of the European Union."
FT
Former EU Commissioner Pascal Lamy is set to run unopposed for a second term as Director-General of the World Trade Organisation.
IHT
UK
Row breaks out over UK's biggest renewables project
The Guardian reports that Government consultants have been accused of miscalculating the costs of the Severn barrage project, which could meet up to 7% of the electricity consumption of England and Wales and represent a big step towards Britain's target of generating 35% of all electricity from renewable sources by 2020. Correspondence seen by the paper shows that a row erupted between the Government's consultants and a company promoting a scheme that environmental groups and other engineers claim would be far less damaging, as well as cheaper and more efficient.
Meanwhile, a leader in the Telegraph bemoans the UK Government's "perverse decision" to expand wind turbine provision and delay commissioning more nuclear power stations, creating uncertainty about future energy security.
Guardian Telegraph: Leader
Israel ignores EU calls for a ceasefire in Gaza;
Sarkozy criticised for weakening "the strategic position of the EU"
The FT reports that Israel has rejected calls from visiting European foreign ministers for an immediate ceasefire, vowing to continue its ground offensive on the Gaza Strip. Speaking after a meeting with an EU delegation, including the foreign ministers from the Czech Republic, France and Sweden, Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said, "A necessary war on terror does not end with an agreement. We don't sign agreements with terror; we fight terror."
EUobserver notes that in addition to the EU delegation French President Nicolas Sarkozy also met both Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas yesterday, expressing "deep concern" at the situation. However, the FT reports that the Italian government has called on Sarkozy to allow the EU to take the lead, suggesting he was undermining the bloc's diplomatic efforts. French officials said the Middle East peace drive was not about supplanting the Czech EU Presidency but using French diplomatic leverage to try to secure a truce.
L'Express quotes Italian Foreign Affairs Minister Franco Frattini saying, "When everybody has his own mission, this weakens the strategic position of the EU". Nouvel Observateur notes that French politician François Bayrou has also criticised Sarkozy's actions in the Middle East, saying that they risk reducing the voice of the EU.
WSJ Irish Times Times Irish Times 2 Guardian EUobserver AFP Tijd FT FT 2 L'Express Nouvel Observateur
EU gas supplies suffer further cuts;
Delegation to meet Gazprom officials today
Russia has ordered further cuts in gas supplies to Europe as part of its ongoing dispute over payment from Ukraine. The Times reports that EU ambassadors predicted cuts of up to 20% at a private meeting yesterday and 10 countries have already reported reduced gas flows from Ukrainian pipelines. The Commission and the Czech Presidency dispatched a fact-finding mission to Kiev yesterday to investigate the disruptions, according to European Voice.
EUobserver states that supplies from Russia to the EU via Ukraine fell overnight by 70%. The article also states the Prime Minister Valdimir Putin ordered the cuts in supplies to the Gazprom CEO live on Russian television.
The Irish Times writes that both Moscow and Kiev have urged the EU to mediate the dispute, but it is "loath to intervene". However, a European delegation including Commission officials are due to meet executives from Gazprom, the state-owned energy firm, today in Berlin.
A leader in the WSJ argues that Europe has failed to diversify Europe's gas supplies and it has been indecisive about alternate pipelines to pursue, such as the Nabucco pipeline, which could supply gas from central Asia rather than Russia. A comment piece by Jan Rokita in the Polish daily Dziennik argues that the decision of Bulgaria and Hungary to opt for the South Stream gas pipeline project over the Nabucco pipeline project, of which they were important partners, was a major event in 2008 and came following influence from Moscow.
Times-Leader Times WSJ WSJ-Editorial Irish Times Independent EUobserver AFP IHT Irish Independent FT Telegraph BBC European Voice EurActiv Tribune Telegraaf
New German stimulus package could violate EU stability pact
Details of a new German stimulus package have emerged, following a meeting of the leaders of Chancellor Angela Merkel's coalition in Berlin last night. The package will be worth 50 billion euros and will be spread over 2009 and 2010. The measures are expected to include investment in transport, education and infrastructure projects in an effort to save and create jobs and shelter the German economy from the worst part of the recession.
However, the three parties of the government coalition remain at odds over whether to include tax cuts in the recovery plan. The Christian Social Union, the Bavarian sister party of Merkel's Christian Democrats, has been pushing for making tax cuts part of the package. Merkel has previously resisted such a move, arguing that VAT cuts do no not boost consumer spending, but now appears willing to give way. The Social Democrats, who are also in the coalition, have ruled out tax relief, calling instead for increased taxation on high-income earners and more welfare spending.
The Times quotes the Christian Democrat budget expert Steffen Kampeter criticising the government for running up the debt. "The stimulus programme, as presently conceived, is simply a cheque that will have to be settled by the next generation. These measures are not about economic effectiveness but about political symbolism and creating the illusion of action," he said. Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung notes that the package may take Germany above the limits of the EU's stability and growth pact. A spokesman for Finance Minister Peer Steinbrück is quoted saying that "at 50 billion euro, we will have crossed the limits".
Times WSJ Guardian EUobserver FT FAZ Figaro
Open Europe's research on the EU's communication policy was featured in an article in Dutch magazine Elsevier.
Elsevier The hard sell: EU communication policy and the campaign for hearts and minds OE press release
Benn: EU labels rules "nonsense"
Environment Secretary Hilary Benn has said the Government is pushing for improvements to EU rules on food labels to show more clearly where an animal is born, reared and slaughtered, reports PA. Under current EU legislation a product's country of origin is the place where it underwent its last significant process. For example, a pork pie made from Danish pork could be labelled as British if it was processed in this country - a system Mr Benn described as "nonsense".
Spain to face painful adjustment in eurozone
The FT examines the housing market bubble, arguing that Spain owes its high economic growth of recent years in part to unsustainable spending on housing. In the past to correct this it would have devalued its currency, which is now not an option in the eurozone.
FT
Pound resurgent against Euro
The pound saw its biggest one-day rise against the Euro yesterday, since the launch of the single currency nine years ago, reports the Telegraph. The global head of foreign exchange strategy at BNP Paribas is quoted in the Irish Independent saying that, "Europe is going to provide a lot of negative news going forward".
Irish Independent Telegraph
Abramowitz and Serwer: EU must face realities in the Balkans
In the WSJ, Morton Abramowitz and Daniel Serwer write that "a divided EU is allowing the Balkans to slide toward greater instability". They argue that although the EU regards Serbia as the key to stability in the Balkans it fails to acknowledge "its policies toward Kosovo and Bosnia and the fact that Serbia does not meet EU requirements for political and economic reform."
WSJ-Abramowitz and Serwer
A leader in the FT looks at the "reinvention" of Europe's left, arguing that "left parties should distinguish themselves by remaining enthusiastic champions of the European Union."
FT
Former EU Commissioner Pascal Lamy is set to run unopposed for a second term as Director-General of the World Trade Organisation.
IHT
UK
Row breaks out over UK's biggest renewables project
The Guardian reports that Government consultants have been accused of miscalculating the costs of the Severn barrage project, which could meet up to 7% of the electricity consumption of England and Wales and represent a big step towards Britain's target of generating 35% of all electricity from renewable sources by 2020. Correspondence seen by the paper shows that a row erupted between the Government's consultants and a company promoting a scheme that environmental groups and other engineers claim would be far less damaging, as well as cheaper and more efficient.
Meanwhile, a leader in the Telegraph bemoans the UK Government's "perverse decision" to expand wind turbine provision and delay commissioning more nuclear power stations, creating uncertainty about future energy security.
Guardian Telegraph: Leader
Monday, January 05, 2009
Great American Nazis?
Good Nazis?
Herbert W. Armstrong warned for years about the "secret Nazis" who went underground and prepared to return to power when the time was ripe. Documents have come to light that have proven his words true, damnable documents that had been suppressed or woefully neglected, and indicts the United States for sparing many "good Nazis" who undoubtedly are part of the treacherous grand design that will betray the United States for the German-dominated EU.
Here is the tip of the Nazi iceberg that will soon wreak havoc on the ignorant and indifferent United States of America, that should cause grave concern and raise questions about how deeply entrenched Nazis and Nazi sympathizers have infiltrated (or been invited into) and are firmly planted in our government, and the fields of education, science and industry, and religion:
Aron Ranen's "The Lost Von Braun"
Here is the tip of the Nazi iceberg that will soon wreak havoc on the ignorant and indifferent United States of America, that should cause grave concern and raise questions about how deeply entrenched Nazis and Nazi sympathizers have infiltrated (or been invited into) and are firmly planted in our government, and the fields of education, science and industry, and religion:
Aron Ranen's "The Lost Von Braun"
Part One. Aron Ranen's "The Lost Von Braun"
Part Two Aron Ranen's "The Lost Von Braun"
Part Three Aron Ranen's "The Lost Von Braun"
Part Four Aron Ranen's "The Lost Von Braun"
************
"Even before the end of this war, I revealed to you the plans for a NAZI UNDERGROUND MOVEMENT, to go underground as a SECRET organization the very moment they lost the war - to lay low...then come forth when least expected, RESTORE GERMANY TO POWER, and go on to finally accomplish their aims in a WORLD WAR III" - The Plain Truth, Sept. 1948.
-The Secret Nazis
How many German plants in America are serving the interests of Germany's budding Fourth Reich? It's not only German factories and German businesses in America proving “that basic thoroughness of the orderly German” (Johannes Gross), since the secret Nazis had predetermined such a strategy, but bought and paid for American prostitutes in diverse and perverse positions of power aid and abet them! They expose our country to danger and will leave us infected as a nuclear wasteland!
-Germany Behind the Mask
Reuters Arthur Spiegelman, wrote on May 10, 1996: "Realizing they were losing the war in 1944, Nazi leaders met top German industrialists to plan a secret post-war international network to restore them to power, according to a newly declassified U.S. intelligence document. The document...says an SS general and a representative of the German armaments ministry told such companies as Krupp and Rohling that they must be prepared to finance the Nazi Party...when it went underground."
-Germany's Fourth Reich Spreads Its Wings Over the World
The Secret Nazis
The Uncrowned Kings of Essen (Philadelphia Trumpet magazine articles)
Will Germany Launch a Nuclear Attack on America?
Open Europe press summary: 5 January 2009
Europe
EU spends £2 billion a year on propaganda
Open Europe has published new research which shows that the EU is spending billions of euros a year on initiatives to promote itself and its central aim of 'ever closer union'. In 2008 alone, it spent more than 2.4 billion euros, which is more than Coca Cola's global advertising budget. The book, "The hard sell: EU communication policy and the campaign for hearts and minds" shows how EU information policy is geared not towards providing neutral, balanced information, but towards trying to convince people to support EU integration.
As well as a sophisticated information and communication strategy designed to 'sell' the EU and its political message, the EU also spends billions of euros a year on efforts to engender a common European culture and citizenship, with the explicit aim of increasing people's attachment to the EU project. The EU pours hundreds of millions of euros a year into think-tanks and lobby groups which promote its policies and campaign for further EU integration, and many of its efforts are directed very deliberately at young people.
Open Europe's research was covered in the Telegraph and the Mail on 27 December, and in the Sunday Times on 28 December. Open Europe Director Lorraine Mullally was quoted saying, "Taxpayers should not be footing the bill for vain PR exercises to make us love the EU. The EU needs urgent and radical reform, not expensive campaigns to improve its image. People certainly need to know more about the EU, but the EU has proved unable and unwilling to provide neutral, factual information. This senseless spending on dubious PR projects has got to stop." The research also appeared in several European titles, including Courrier International, General-Anzeiger and ANSA.
Telegraph Mail Sunday Times The hard sell: EU communication policy and the campaign for hearts and minds OE press release
Czech Republic assumes EU Presidency
The Czech Republic took over the EU Presidency on 1 January. Open Europe has published a new briefing note which looks at the likely developments in the EU in 2009. It examines the agenda of the Czech EU Presidency, and looks ahead to the second Irish referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, and other key events such as the European elections.
Open Europe Briefing BBC Independent-Lichfield Mail FT Telegraph Irish Times Le Monde
EU foreign policy chief admits a "failure of diplomacy" in Gaza crisis
The Independent reports that European efforts to broker a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel were in disarray last night with the Israeli ground offensive striking deep inside Gaza amid internal EU disagreement on how to respond to the crisis.
The Guardian notes that Javier Solana, the EU's High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, admitted there had been a "failure of diplomacy" in response to the Gaza crisis so far. The paper notes that an EU delegation, led by the Czech Republic, the holders of the EU Presidency, is due to meet the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, in the West Bank.
However, in a sign of the EU's failure to coordinate a united response, French President Nicolas Sarkozy is due to arrive in Jerusalem today conducting his own "freelance" mission, the Times reports. De Standaard quotes Sarkozy saying it was "the calling of France" to "seek ways for peace everywhere", while reporting that the Élysée Palace has declared that the French initiative is "fully coordinated" with Prague.
The Times notes that the Czechs have already caused confusion by first calling the Israeli move defensive, then insisting later that this was a misunderstanding and joining the general call for a ceasefire. Gordon Brown called for an immediate ceasefire, while the Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende said Israel could not be condemned as long as Hamas was firing rockets.
A leader in the Times describes the EU's response as "especially lamentable". The paper argues that "Hostilities in Gaza demanded a mature and united diplomatic response...But behind the perfunctory call for a ceasefire issued on Saturday, what it saw instead was an unseemly squabble."
Times: Leader Times IHT BBC New Europe Independent Guardian Guardian-letters De Standaard Telegraaf Nouvel observateur
Poll shows 71% of British against joining the euro
On New Year's Day, the BBC Radio 4 World at One programme published an ICM poll which showed that 71% of British people are against joining the euro, and 23% are in favour. Meanwhile, a YouGov poll for Business for New Europe, reported in the Independent, showed that 56% of small business leaders believed the euro had succeeded since its launch, compared with 14% who thought it had failed. 61% thought it was a sustainable currency in the long term, while 18% disagreed. 41% of small business leaders said the crisis had strengthened the argument for British membership and 32% said it had weakened the case.
An FT/Harris poll reported on 29 December showed that just 22% of British people liked the idea of the euro replacing sterling, while majorities in France, Italy, Spain and Germany were opposed to returning to national currencies. The poll also found a widespread belief that the euro could overtake the dollar in global importance within five years, but more than half of Italians and Spanish and 47% of Germans and 44% of the French thought that the ECB's inflation-fighting performance was "bad" or "terrible."
Independent Times Telegraph Telegraph: Hannan blog Guardian
Economist: euro is heading for its trickiest moments in its short life;
The Euro's 10 year anniversary
A leader in today's Times argues that the "euro remains wrong for Britain. The issue arises now not because of inherent problems with a system of monetary independence, but because UK policymakers have made mistakes." It goes on to say that the biggest argument against the euro is that "monetary union is a stage towards political union. Political union is neither desirable nor democratic."
A feature in the Economist noted that "From the standpoint of economic stability, the euro has been a success" but argued that a common currency has "not fostered faster economic growth" and that "existing members are struggling with the rigours of a currency union". A leader in the paper argued that "it would be wrong to infer from the birthday celebrations that the euro's troubles are over. In truth the single currency is heading for the trickiest moments of its short life." A leader in the Independent noted that "It is high time for the Government to consider the merits of euro membership in the present circumstances."
In the Mail, William Hague promised that the Conservatives will never take Britain into the euro, and in the Times, Oliver Kamm argued that "Detractors of the single currency have been proved wrong. We would be much better off in the eurozone." In the Telegraph Ambrose Evans-Pritchard warned, "We are too close to events to draw definitive conclusions about EMU or the crash in sterling."
Harvard Economist Martin Feldstein, former head of the US National Bureau of Economic Research, has predicted that the possibility of one or more countries in need of looser monetary policy choosing to withdraw from the EMU cannot be ruled out.
In the Sunday Times, Michael Portillo looked at Peter Mandelson and the prospects of the UK joining the euro, suggesting that the Conservatives should "argue that if Gordon Brown wins another term many will conclude that Britain's only hope is to allow the European Central Bank to impose the discipline that the government has renounced."
Slovakia became the 16th country to join the Euro on 1 January, reports FAZ.
Monde FAZ FT-Cienski WSJ Times-Leader FT-Letters Economist Economist-Leader FT-Atkins Independent-Leader Times-Hasell Telegraph-Heffer Mail
Weak pound adds £3.6bn to UK's contribution to EU budget
The Independent on Sunday reported that the falling value of the pound has added £3.6 billion to the amount the UK Government must pay in to the EU budget over the next three years. This is on top of a trebling of the UK contribution to the EU budget revealed in a Pre-Budget report in November - from £2 billion this year to £6.5 billion in 2011 - figures that were calculated at a time when £1 was worth 1.4 euros.
Lib-Dem Treasury spokesman Vince Cable is quoted in the Independent criticising the Government for giving away part of the UK's rebate three years ago. He said, "Tony Blair should have insisted on much more far-reaching commitments on agricultural reform, and that failure is costing us in higher contributions now. When sterling was riding high, Britain appeared to be a rich country. Now we are a poorer country but, because of the currency movements, we are being asked to contribute even more to the EU budget. It is utterly perverse." The Conservatives added that the Government may now be forced to borrow even more to cover the bill.
Independent on Sunday Sunday Express
Fox: Lisbon Treaty will increase EU influence on defence policy
Writing in the Telegraph on 2 January, the Shadow Defence Secretary Liam Fox argued that the Lisbon Treaty will give the EU Commission increasing influence on defence issues. The Treaty will see qualified majority voting in the European Defence Agency, which will mean that Britain will lose its national veto. He also writes that "duplicating Nato structures will potentially create competition for the same scarce resources."
The Irish Defence Minister Willie O'Dea has said that voters will get guarantees on conscription and defence spending before a second referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, reported Saturday's Irish Times.
Writing in the Irish Times on 24 December, Dr Karen Devine, postdoctoral Fellow at the school of law and government in Dublin City University, argued that "a neutral state cannot legally or politically sign up to the Lisbon Treaty because it is an alliance commitment that violates neutrality." She argued that the mutual defence clause in article 28A (7) effectively constitutes a new EU military alliance and prejudices neutrality. She said: "Common defence can be interpreted as the EU term for collective defence. A neutral state cannot legally or politically sign up to this Article 28A(2) in the Lisbon Treaty because it confirms a definite, rather than a possible, intention to create a common/collective defence that involves going beyond military alliance commitments."
Irish Times Telegraph: Fox Irish Times 2
ECB Vice-President wants to expand bank's powers
In an interview with German business magazine Wirtschaftswoche, ECB Vice-President Lucas Papademos has proposed that the ECB should be given new powers to supervise large banks operating across national borders in the euro zone. He said that the ECB and the national central banks "could become the supervisory authority for cross-border banking groups. Such a structure could combine centralised decision-making at the euro-area level with decentralised implementation by the competent national authorities. I believe that we - the ECB and the eurosystem - would perform this task effectively."
Irish Times FT FAZ
Junior doctors may require exemption from EU working time rules
On 30 December the FT reported that the Department of Health has admitted that junior doctors could need an exemption from the EU's 48-hour working week. The admission came as the British Medical Association warned that many hospitals were insufficiently prepared for a change that doctors' leaders fear will hit training and patient care. The paper noted that the most recent survey of doctors' hours, from April, suggested that half of posts already complied with the rules but 46 per cent did not, potentially leaving hospitals open to fines.
FT
EU reluctant to act in Ukrainian-Russian gas dispute, while gas shortages threaten EuropeGazprom has cut the flow of gas to Ukraine after its existing contract expired and the two sides failed to reach agreement on a new deal. An EU fact-finding mission is being sent to Kiev in a bid to clarify the situation, and a meeting of EU diplomats in Brussels will take place today. The Czech EU presidency and the European Commission are reportedly reluctant to be dragged into what they say is a purely bilateral trade issue, while Le Figaro points out that "being a former Soviet satellite, the Czech Republic tries to avoid hiding its natural wariness towards Moscow while having to mediate a debate which is potentially devastating for EU unity."Times Irish Times FT Telegraph BBC Nieuwsblad WSJ Guardian Independent on Sunday Sunday Times Mail Earth Times Figaro
EU pesticides ban could "wipe out" carrot crop and double the cost of potatoes
The Observer looked at a report from the Pesticides Safety Directorate, which warns that the UK's carrot industry could be "wiped out" under the EU's new pesticide regulations, which are to be agreed by the European Parliament and the Council in January. The study also predicts that the cost of potatoes will double and bread will go up by 9p a loaf.
Observer
Hoon "gagging" for the position as European Commissioner
The Observer noted that Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon is likely to be offered the post as the UK's European Commissioner, taking over from Lady Ashton who has been filling in for Peter Mandelson. A senior Labour colleague said Hoon was "gagging" for the position. However, Ashton is believed to be "very keen" to have her temporary appointment made permanent, reports the article.
Observer
In an article in US magazine the National Interest looking at the attempts to push through the Lisbon Treaty despite the Irish 'No', Open Europe's Mats Persson is quoted saying that "It's a sad day for democracy when Europe's politicians gang up on their citizens, rather than trying to win over their trust."
National Interest
Karel Lannoo: Sarkozy pursued interests of French state as EU President responding to credit crisisIn an op-ed in De Standaard, Karel Lannoo of Brussels think tank CEPS has warned that "several EU countries are expected to violate considerably the Maastricht budgetary deficit limit", adding that "during the credit crisis, the lack of EU power was remarkable and member states have fallen back in their old reflexes of supporting national players, without taking into account European consequences." Assessing the response of the French presidency, he said that "Sarkozy may have been cheered at for his prompt response to the crisis, he has done it in a way his party and the French state wanted it."De Standaard
UK faces EU court case over air pollution
The EU is planning to take Britain to court for persistently breaching air pollution laws over a sooty particle known as PM10, which could result in unlimited daily fines, reported the Guardian on 2 January. A separate directive, which came into force last June, also requires levels of nitrogen dioxide on some busy streets to be reduced by more than a third by the end of this year, but a spokesman from the Department for the Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs admitted that "we are unlikely to meet the 2010 deadline in respect of nitrogen dioxide."
Guardian
EU rules create 'waste mountains' as recycling market collapses
The Mail on Sunday looked at how household rubbish, which cannot be burned or buried under the EU's Landfill Directive, is piling up as the recycling market has collapsed. According to the article, Recycling UK has estimated that 100,000 tons of local authority waste is sitting in warehouses costing taxpayers about £2million. A leader in the paper argues that "This law, like so many others, was made in Brussels, not Westminster, and cannot be altered by our Parliament."
Main on Sunday Mail on Sunday-leader
Brown suffered record rebellions over Lisbon Treaty
The Times on 26 December wrote that research conducted by the University of Nottingham revealed that Gordon Brown suffered more back bench revolts during the 2007-08 parliamentary session than any other governing party for more than 30 years, and that more than a quarter of those were over the Lisbon Treaty.
Times
Windfarm revolution tangled in red tape
Britain's windfarm industry is facing difficulty in the form of planning delays and construction cost rises which threaten to sink the Government's climate change targets, reported the Guardian on 29 December. The British Wind Energy Association stated that the rate of planning approvals was actually slowing down.
Guardian
Irish PM Brian Cowen is being advised to appoint former Taoiseach John Bruton as Ireland's next European Commissioner to "keep Ireland at the centre of Europe".
Irish Independent
Leading providers of annuities have criticised new EU solvency rules - the so-called Solvency II - warning that such rules could force them to hold billions of pounds of extra capital and cut annuity pay-outs to pensioners, the FT reports.
FT
UK
There has been speculation that David Cameron may be considering a move to pitch Ken Clarke against Lord Mandelson by bringing him back to frontline politics.
Mail
Thursday's Guardian reported that senior civil servants have held talks with the Liberal Democrats over their plans for Government as Whitehall prepares for a hung parliament in which they hold the balance of power.
Guardian
EU spends £2 billion a year on propaganda
Open Europe has published new research which shows that the EU is spending billions of euros a year on initiatives to promote itself and its central aim of 'ever closer union'. In 2008 alone, it spent more than 2.4 billion euros, which is more than Coca Cola's global advertising budget. The book, "The hard sell: EU communication policy and the campaign for hearts and minds" shows how EU information policy is geared not towards providing neutral, balanced information, but towards trying to convince people to support EU integration.
As well as a sophisticated information and communication strategy designed to 'sell' the EU and its political message, the EU also spends billions of euros a year on efforts to engender a common European culture and citizenship, with the explicit aim of increasing people's attachment to the EU project. The EU pours hundreds of millions of euros a year into think-tanks and lobby groups which promote its policies and campaign for further EU integration, and many of its efforts are directed very deliberately at young people.
Open Europe's research was covered in the Telegraph and the Mail on 27 December, and in the Sunday Times on 28 December. Open Europe Director Lorraine Mullally was quoted saying, "Taxpayers should not be footing the bill for vain PR exercises to make us love the EU. The EU needs urgent and radical reform, not expensive campaigns to improve its image. People certainly need to know more about the EU, but the EU has proved unable and unwilling to provide neutral, factual information. This senseless spending on dubious PR projects has got to stop." The research also appeared in several European titles, including Courrier International, General-Anzeiger and ANSA.
Telegraph Mail Sunday Times The hard sell: EU communication policy and the campaign for hearts and minds OE press release
Czech Republic assumes EU Presidency
The Czech Republic took over the EU Presidency on 1 January. Open Europe has published a new briefing note which looks at the likely developments in the EU in 2009. It examines the agenda of the Czech EU Presidency, and looks ahead to the second Irish referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, and other key events such as the European elections.
Open Europe Briefing BBC Independent-Lichfield Mail FT Telegraph Irish Times Le Monde
EU foreign policy chief admits a "failure of diplomacy" in Gaza crisis
The Independent reports that European efforts to broker a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel were in disarray last night with the Israeli ground offensive striking deep inside Gaza amid internal EU disagreement on how to respond to the crisis.
The Guardian notes that Javier Solana, the EU's High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, admitted there had been a "failure of diplomacy" in response to the Gaza crisis so far. The paper notes that an EU delegation, led by the Czech Republic, the holders of the EU Presidency, is due to meet the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, in the West Bank.
However, in a sign of the EU's failure to coordinate a united response, French President Nicolas Sarkozy is due to arrive in Jerusalem today conducting his own "freelance" mission, the Times reports. De Standaard quotes Sarkozy saying it was "the calling of France" to "seek ways for peace everywhere", while reporting that the Élysée Palace has declared that the French initiative is "fully coordinated" with Prague.
The Times notes that the Czechs have already caused confusion by first calling the Israeli move defensive, then insisting later that this was a misunderstanding and joining the general call for a ceasefire. Gordon Brown called for an immediate ceasefire, while the Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende said Israel could not be condemned as long as Hamas was firing rockets.
A leader in the Times describes the EU's response as "especially lamentable". The paper argues that "Hostilities in Gaza demanded a mature and united diplomatic response...But behind the perfunctory call for a ceasefire issued on Saturday, what it saw instead was an unseemly squabble."
Times: Leader Times IHT BBC New Europe Independent Guardian Guardian-letters De Standaard Telegraaf Nouvel observateur
Poll shows 71% of British against joining the euro
On New Year's Day, the BBC Radio 4 World at One programme published an ICM poll which showed that 71% of British people are against joining the euro, and 23% are in favour. Meanwhile, a YouGov poll for Business for New Europe, reported in the Independent, showed that 56% of small business leaders believed the euro had succeeded since its launch, compared with 14% who thought it had failed. 61% thought it was a sustainable currency in the long term, while 18% disagreed. 41% of small business leaders said the crisis had strengthened the argument for British membership and 32% said it had weakened the case.
An FT/Harris poll reported on 29 December showed that just 22% of British people liked the idea of the euro replacing sterling, while majorities in France, Italy, Spain and Germany were opposed to returning to national currencies. The poll also found a widespread belief that the euro could overtake the dollar in global importance within five years, but more than half of Italians and Spanish and 47% of Germans and 44% of the French thought that the ECB's inflation-fighting performance was "bad" or "terrible."
Independent Times Telegraph Telegraph: Hannan blog Guardian
Economist: euro is heading for its trickiest moments in its short life;
The Euro's 10 year anniversary
A leader in today's Times argues that the "euro remains wrong for Britain. The issue arises now not because of inherent problems with a system of monetary independence, but because UK policymakers have made mistakes." It goes on to say that the biggest argument against the euro is that "monetary union is a stage towards political union. Political union is neither desirable nor democratic."
A feature in the Economist noted that "From the standpoint of economic stability, the euro has been a success" but argued that a common currency has "not fostered faster economic growth" and that "existing members are struggling with the rigours of a currency union". A leader in the paper argued that "it would be wrong to infer from the birthday celebrations that the euro's troubles are over. In truth the single currency is heading for the trickiest moments of its short life." A leader in the Independent noted that "It is high time for the Government to consider the merits of euro membership in the present circumstances."
In the Mail, William Hague promised that the Conservatives will never take Britain into the euro, and in the Times, Oliver Kamm argued that "Detractors of the single currency have been proved wrong. We would be much better off in the eurozone." In the Telegraph Ambrose Evans-Pritchard warned, "We are too close to events to draw definitive conclusions about EMU or the crash in sterling."
Harvard Economist Martin Feldstein, former head of the US National Bureau of Economic Research, has predicted that the possibility of one or more countries in need of looser monetary policy choosing to withdraw from the EMU cannot be ruled out.
In the Sunday Times, Michael Portillo looked at Peter Mandelson and the prospects of the UK joining the euro, suggesting that the Conservatives should "argue that if Gordon Brown wins another term many will conclude that Britain's only hope is to allow the European Central Bank to impose the discipline that the government has renounced."
Slovakia became the 16th country to join the Euro on 1 January, reports FAZ.
Monde FAZ FT-Cienski WSJ Times-Leader FT-Letters Economist Economist-Leader FT-Atkins Independent-Leader Times-Hasell Telegraph-Heffer Mail
Weak pound adds £3.6bn to UK's contribution to EU budget
The Independent on Sunday reported that the falling value of the pound has added £3.6 billion to the amount the UK Government must pay in to the EU budget over the next three years. This is on top of a trebling of the UK contribution to the EU budget revealed in a Pre-Budget report in November - from £2 billion this year to £6.5 billion in 2011 - figures that were calculated at a time when £1 was worth 1.4 euros.
Lib-Dem Treasury spokesman Vince Cable is quoted in the Independent criticising the Government for giving away part of the UK's rebate three years ago. He said, "Tony Blair should have insisted on much more far-reaching commitments on agricultural reform, and that failure is costing us in higher contributions now. When sterling was riding high, Britain appeared to be a rich country. Now we are a poorer country but, because of the currency movements, we are being asked to contribute even more to the EU budget. It is utterly perverse." The Conservatives added that the Government may now be forced to borrow even more to cover the bill.
Independent on Sunday Sunday Express
Fox: Lisbon Treaty will increase EU influence on defence policy
Writing in the Telegraph on 2 January, the Shadow Defence Secretary Liam Fox argued that the Lisbon Treaty will give the EU Commission increasing influence on defence issues. The Treaty will see qualified majority voting in the European Defence Agency, which will mean that Britain will lose its national veto. He also writes that "duplicating Nato structures will potentially create competition for the same scarce resources."
The Irish Defence Minister Willie O'Dea has said that voters will get guarantees on conscription and defence spending before a second referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, reported Saturday's Irish Times.
Writing in the Irish Times on 24 December, Dr Karen Devine, postdoctoral Fellow at the school of law and government in Dublin City University, argued that "a neutral state cannot legally or politically sign up to the Lisbon Treaty because it is an alliance commitment that violates neutrality." She argued that the mutual defence clause in article 28A (7) effectively constitutes a new EU military alliance and prejudices neutrality. She said: "Common defence can be interpreted as the EU term for collective defence. A neutral state cannot legally or politically sign up to this Article 28A(2) in the Lisbon Treaty because it confirms a definite, rather than a possible, intention to create a common/collective defence that involves going beyond military alliance commitments."
Irish Times Telegraph: Fox Irish Times 2
ECB Vice-President wants to expand bank's powers
In an interview with German business magazine Wirtschaftswoche, ECB Vice-President Lucas Papademos has proposed that the ECB should be given new powers to supervise large banks operating across national borders in the euro zone. He said that the ECB and the national central banks "could become the supervisory authority for cross-border banking groups. Such a structure could combine centralised decision-making at the euro-area level with decentralised implementation by the competent national authorities. I believe that we - the ECB and the eurosystem - would perform this task effectively."
Irish Times FT FAZ
Junior doctors may require exemption from EU working time rules
On 30 December the FT reported that the Department of Health has admitted that junior doctors could need an exemption from the EU's 48-hour working week. The admission came as the British Medical Association warned that many hospitals were insufficiently prepared for a change that doctors' leaders fear will hit training and patient care. The paper noted that the most recent survey of doctors' hours, from April, suggested that half of posts already complied with the rules but 46 per cent did not, potentially leaving hospitals open to fines.
FT
EU reluctant to act in Ukrainian-Russian gas dispute, while gas shortages threaten EuropeGazprom has cut the flow of gas to Ukraine after its existing contract expired and the two sides failed to reach agreement on a new deal. An EU fact-finding mission is being sent to Kiev in a bid to clarify the situation, and a meeting of EU diplomats in Brussels will take place today. The Czech EU presidency and the European Commission are reportedly reluctant to be dragged into what they say is a purely bilateral trade issue, while Le Figaro points out that "being a former Soviet satellite, the Czech Republic tries to avoid hiding its natural wariness towards Moscow while having to mediate a debate which is potentially devastating for EU unity."Times Irish Times FT Telegraph BBC Nieuwsblad WSJ Guardian Independent on Sunday Sunday Times Mail Earth Times Figaro
EU pesticides ban could "wipe out" carrot crop and double the cost of potatoes
The Observer looked at a report from the Pesticides Safety Directorate, which warns that the UK's carrot industry could be "wiped out" under the EU's new pesticide regulations, which are to be agreed by the European Parliament and the Council in January. The study also predicts that the cost of potatoes will double and bread will go up by 9p a loaf.
Observer
Hoon "gagging" for the position as European Commissioner
The Observer noted that Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon is likely to be offered the post as the UK's European Commissioner, taking over from Lady Ashton who has been filling in for Peter Mandelson. A senior Labour colleague said Hoon was "gagging" for the position. However, Ashton is believed to be "very keen" to have her temporary appointment made permanent, reports the article.
Observer
In an article in US magazine the National Interest looking at the attempts to push through the Lisbon Treaty despite the Irish 'No', Open Europe's Mats Persson is quoted saying that "It's a sad day for democracy when Europe's politicians gang up on their citizens, rather than trying to win over their trust."
National Interest
Karel Lannoo: Sarkozy pursued interests of French state as EU President responding to credit crisisIn an op-ed in De Standaard, Karel Lannoo of Brussels think tank CEPS has warned that "several EU countries are expected to violate considerably the Maastricht budgetary deficit limit", adding that "during the credit crisis, the lack of EU power was remarkable and member states have fallen back in their old reflexes of supporting national players, without taking into account European consequences." Assessing the response of the French presidency, he said that "Sarkozy may have been cheered at for his prompt response to the crisis, he has done it in a way his party and the French state wanted it."De Standaard
UK faces EU court case over air pollution
The EU is planning to take Britain to court for persistently breaching air pollution laws over a sooty particle known as PM10, which could result in unlimited daily fines, reported the Guardian on 2 January. A separate directive, which came into force last June, also requires levels of nitrogen dioxide on some busy streets to be reduced by more than a third by the end of this year, but a spokesman from the Department for the Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs admitted that "we are unlikely to meet the 2010 deadline in respect of nitrogen dioxide."
Guardian
EU rules create 'waste mountains' as recycling market collapses
The Mail on Sunday looked at how household rubbish, which cannot be burned or buried under the EU's Landfill Directive, is piling up as the recycling market has collapsed. According to the article, Recycling UK has estimated that 100,000 tons of local authority waste is sitting in warehouses costing taxpayers about £2million. A leader in the paper argues that "This law, like so many others, was made in Brussels, not Westminster, and cannot be altered by our Parliament."
Main on Sunday Mail on Sunday-leader
Brown suffered record rebellions over Lisbon Treaty
The Times on 26 December wrote that research conducted by the University of Nottingham revealed that Gordon Brown suffered more back bench revolts during the 2007-08 parliamentary session than any other governing party for more than 30 years, and that more than a quarter of those were over the Lisbon Treaty.
Times
Windfarm revolution tangled in red tape
Britain's windfarm industry is facing difficulty in the form of planning delays and construction cost rises which threaten to sink the Government's climate change targets, reported the Guardian on 29 December. The British Wind Energy Association stated that the rate of planning approvals was actually slowing down.
Guardian
Irish PM Brian Cowen is being advised to appoint former Taoiseach John Bruton as Ireland's next European Commissioner to "keep Ireland at the centre of Europe".
Irish Independent
Leading providers of annuities have criticised new EU solvency rules - the so-called Solvency II - warning that such rules could force them to hold billions of pounds of extra capital and cut annuity pay-outs to pensioners, the FT reports.
FT
UK
There has been speculation that David Cameron may be considering a move to pitch Ken Clarke against Lord Mandelson by bringing him back to frontline politics.
Thursday's Guardian reported that senior civil servants have held talks with the Liberal Democrats over their plans for Government as Whitehall prepares for a hung parliament in which they hold the balance of power.
Guardian
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Free South Africa and Restore Rhodesia!
Carte Blanche report on farm murders in SA
South Africa is the CRIME, MURDER Capital of the World
GENOCIDE BEING COMMITTED AGAINST SOUTH AFRICAN WHITES
Why Rhodesia is in Ruins
A Warning for America from South Africa
Aid for Africa?
Where angels fear to tread
How Evil was Apartheid?
Fellowship with Besieged White South Africans
South Africa under Black Misrule to Revise History
Mandela is the problem, not the solution, Breyten
Why the widow of Alan Paton fled South Africa
South Africa's Lame-Duck President
Zimbabwe's nightmare ... a lesson for us
South Africa is the CRIME, MURDER Capital of the World
GENOCIDE BEING COMMITTED AGAINST SOUTH AFRICAN WHITES
Why Rhodesia is in Ruins
A Warning for America from South Africa
Aid for Africa?
Where angels fear to tread
How Evil was Apartheid?
Fellowship with Besieged White South Africans
South Africa under Black Misrule to Revise History
Mandela is the problem, not the solution, Breyten
Why the widow of Alan Paton fled South Africa
South Africa's Lame-Duck President
Zimbabwe's nightmare ... a lesson for us
Friday, January 02, 2009
EUobserver.com
HEADLINES
***********
1. EU concerned as Russia cuts off Ukraine gas
2. Three EU states open up to Bulgarian, Romanian workers
3. French and Czech Gaza peace missions to overlap
THE NEWS
***********
1. EU concerned as Russia cuts off Ukraine gas - 02.01.2009 - 09:24
--------------------
The EU and the US have voiced concern after Russia has cut gas supplies to Ukraine on 1 January due to a price dispute. But EU consumers are lesslikely to be hit by disruptions as in early 2006.
http://euobserver.com/9/27338/?rk=1
2. Three EU states open up to Bulgarian, Romanian workers - 02.01.2009 - 09:28
----------------------------
The new year has brought with it the lifting of restrictions for Bulgarian and Romanian workers in Greece, Spain and Denmark, but a number of EU states would be keeping the barriers to their labour markets for three more years.
http://euobserver.com/9/27339/?rk=1
3. French and Czech Gaza peace missions to overlap - 02.01.2009 - 09:30
---------------------
The new Czech EU presidency and France will next week send two overlapping diplomatic missions to the Middle East, amid sensitivity over Prague's capability to lead Europe.
http://euobserver.com/9/27340/?rk=1
***********
1. EU concerned as Russia cuts off Ukraine gas
2. Three EU states open up to Bulgarian, Romanian workers
3. French and Czech Gaza peace missions to overlap
THE NEWS
***********
1. EU concerned as Russia cuts off Ukraine gas - 02.01.2009 - 09:24
--------------------
The EU and the US have voiced concern after Russia has cut gas supplies to Ukraine on 1 January due to a price dispute. But EU consumers are lesslikely to be hit by disruptions as in early 2006.
http://euobserver.com/9/27338/?rk=1
2. Three EU states open up to Bulgarian, Romanian workers - 02.01.2009 - 09:28
----------------------------
The new year has brought with it the lifting of restrictions for Bulgarian and Romanian workers in Greece, Spain and Denmark, but a number of EU states would be keeping the barriers to their labour markets for three more years.
http://euobserver.com/9/27339/?rk=1
3. French and Czech Gaza peace missions to overlap - 02.01.2009 - 09:30
---------------------
The new Czech EU presidency and France will next week send two overlapping diplomatic missions to the Middle East, amid sensitivity over Prague's capability to lead Europe.
http://euobserver.com/9/27340/?rk=1
Thursday, January 01, 2009
German foxes in the Israeli chicken coop?
Re: ISRAEL KILLS TOP HAMAS FIGURE
international monitors
That's the whole purpose for this charade: to invite the German-EU foxes into the Israeli chicken coop. Both Arabs and Jews are going to be brutally betrayed and butchered by Europe's New Crusade for "peace" (Vatican version, bloody Roman Catholic style); Jerusalem will be raped and occupied and half of it made Judenrein.
Mount Zion Under Siege: Who Will Be King of the Mountain?
UN Resolution 181: Blueprint of the Beast?
David Ben-Ariel
international monitors
That's the whole purpose for this charade: to invite the German-EU foxes into the Israeli chicken coop. Both Arabs and Jews are going to be brutally betrayed and butchered by Europe's New Crusade for "peace" (Vatican version, bloody Roman Catholic style); Jerusalem will be raped and occupied and half of it made Judenrein.
Mount Zion Under Siege: Who Will Be King of the Mountain?
UN Resolution 181: Blueprint of the Beast?
David Ben-Ariel
Europe's New Crusade
I placed this full page ad in The Toledo City Paper, warning about Europe's new crusade for "peace." European "peacekeepers," wolves in sheep's clothing, will brutally betray both Arabs and Jews and seize Jerusalem for the Vatican, especially the coveted Temple Mount.
The German-Jesuit EU will undoubtedly exploit UN Resolution 181 and impose "peace" upon the Middle East and go after the world, targeting the British-Israelite nations. Thankfully, two outspoken men will take the stand in Jerusalem and face the nations and testify: the final revival of the unholy Roman Empire of the German Nation is a counterfeit kingdom of God - to be destroyed by the return of the King.
The German-Jesuit EU will undoubtedly exploit UN Resolution 181 and impose "peace" upon the Middle East and go after the world, targeting the British-Israelite nations. Thankfully, two outspoken men will take the stand in Jerusalem and face the nations and testify: the final revival of the unholy Roman Empire of the German Nation is a counterfeit kingdom of God - to be destroyed by the return of the King.
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