Members of the European Parliament will urge Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte to take a clear stance against a website inviting Dutch citizens to post complaints about central and eastern Europeans living in the Netherlands. The website is backed by Geert Wilder’s right-wing Party for Freedom (PVV). The portal compiles anonymous complaints about immigrants from … Continue reading
EU FUTURE | A AGEING EUROPE
“The EU will, in the coming decades, face a number of challenges associated with an ageing society. There are three main factors that explain this trend: persistently low fertility rates, increasing life expectancy, and a baby-boom generation that will soon start to reach retirement age.” [EUROSTAT | 2010] The first paragraph (bellow) of the population … Continue reading
EUROPEAN CONSTITUTION | BALLOON TEST
A German suggestion to debate once more the creation of an EU constitution won mixed responses on Saturday, with France’s foreign minister welcoming the idea but only nine countries planning to attend a seminar in Berlin. Germany’s foreign minister Guido Westerwelle said on Friday the European Union’s Lisbon Treaty, drafted after Dutch and French voters rejected a proposed constitution in 2005, was not enough to keep … Continue reading
EU DEBT CRISIS | …just a commentary!
By deciding to pump yet billions more into Greece, the EU is merely continuing a strategy that could have fateful consequences. Europe needs a radical change of course. Enough with bailouts! It’s time to reinstate national autonomy — and responsibility — for determining financial policies and honoring treaties. It’s been over 20 years since then-German … Continue reading
EU Summit | The Fiscal Pact is signed
European leaders have put pen to paper on a new treaty they say will bring the bloc’s debts under control. The so-called fiscal compact, driven by France and Germany, was signed in Brussels earlier by all but two of the EU’s 27 countries. Newly reappointed EU Council chief Herman Van Rompuy hailed the deal. “The … Continue reading
EU COUNCIL | Anti-austerity front grows in Europe
The European Union Council, which begins on Thursday, is scheduled to sign the new fiscal compact. But at the same time, a dozen countries, led by Italy, are contesting the austerity policies imposed by “Merkozy” and calling for an economic stimulus package. French President Nicolas Sarkozy has given the pact minimal support, out of consideration … Continue reading
EU SUMMIT | GROWTH vs AUSTERITY
Striking the balance between budget austerity and reviving lost growth was the focus as EU leaders met in Brussels earlier for the start of a two day summit. Despite more grim news on the job front – with unemployment reaching a record high in the eurozone – Germany’s Chancellor insisted things were back on track, … Continue reading
EU PARLIAMENT | Vote Big Cuts in Mobile Roaming
Members of a European parliamentary committee have voted to cap mobile roaming charges to a maximum of €0.25 per minute for making and €0.08 for receiving calls abroad. The limits should be in place when their constituents head off for their summer holidays. There may be some negotiation, as some member states are concerned about … Continue reading
EU Parliament | Regulation on CRA’s
Proposals to strengthen the regulation of credit rating agencies have been broadly welcomed by MEPs on the European Parliament’s Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee. On 29 February 2012, MEPs debated a draft regulation from the European Commission to strengthen oversight of credit ratings agencies (CRAs) as part of ongoing financial market reforms. The regulation is … Continue reading
Spain | ‘Lost Generation’ threatens social fabric
MADRID (AP) — Daniel Lorente has worked construction, flipped burgers at McDonald’s, been a camp counselor, telemarketing representative and doorman. But Lorente’s part-time jobs never lasted more than seven months: He was laid off from each one as Spain’s economic gloom deepened into a historic crisis. Now the 21-year-old is staring into a dead-end future. “How am I … Continue reading
European Citizens Pressure Group 