Europe's speed
French President Nicolas Sarkozy has revived the idea of a two-speed Europe, with the group of Eurozone countries moving ahead while the remaining EU states follow behind. But is it at all possible to deepen integration in the Eurozone without splitting up the Union?
Les Echos - France | Monday, 5. March 2012
The European heads of state and government unanimously reconfirmed Herman Van Rompuy as EU Council President on Thursday, but his re-election was hardly reported in the media. This has a lot to do with the unobtrusive personality of the Council President, the liberal business paper Les Echos writes: » more
The European heads of state and government unanimously reconfirmed Herman Van Rompuy as EU Council President on Thursday, but his re-election was hardly reported in the media. This has a lot to do with the unobtrusive personality of the Council President, the liberal business paper Les Echos writes: "It's no insult to say that the Belgian diplomat's concept of his post has nothing at all to do with what everyone understood when the Treaty of Lisbon was signed. And even less with what Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, one of the 'fathers' of European construction, had in mind: a visionary leader. Discreet almost to the point of being invisible, President Van Rompuy harmonises others' points of view but has no desire whatsoever to represent Europe himself. ... This is clearly what Nicolas Sarkozy, Angela Merkel and others want, who believe that we have taken integration as far as it can go and swear by intergovernmental relations."
» full article (external link, French)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » Elections, » Media, » Europe
All available articles from » Dominique Seux
Mladá fronta Dnes - Czech Republic | Thursday, 1. March 2012
The British and Czech prime ministers David Cameron and Petr Nečas are travelling to Brussels together today for the start of the EU spring summit in a bid to to underscore their no to the fiscal compact for more budget discipline. But Nečas is on the wrong track, the liberal Mladá fronta Dnes writes: » more
The British and Czech prime ministers David Cameron and Petr Nečas are travelling to Brussels together today for the start of the EU spring summit in a bid to to underscore their no to the fiscal compact for more budget discipline. But Nečas is on the wrong track, the liberal Mladá fronta Dnes writes: "Economically the Czech Republic doesn't gain a thing with its current stance. And as regards foreign policy it only stands to lose, both in terms of credibility and its chances of taking part in decision-making. Even if Petr Nečas were right and Europe was moving toward a federation - what advantages would we gain from staying away? How would Iowa profit from seceding from the US? Nečas should shake David Cameron's hand and travel to Brussels to protect Czech, not British, national interests."
» more information (external link, Czech)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » United Kingdom, » Czech Republic, » Europe
All available articles from » Martin Komárek
Der Spiegel - Germany | Monday, 13. February 2012
Germany will not be able to lead the EU from the crisis without the help of the French and the British, writes the British historian and commentator Timothy Garton Ash in the weekly magazine Der Spiegel, comparing Europe with a car chauffeured by an unwilling German Chancellor Angela Merkel: » more
Germany will not be able to lead the EU from the crisis without the help of the French and the British, writes the British historian and commentator Timothy Garton Ash in the weekly magazine Der Spiegel, comparing Europe with a car chauffeured by an unwilling German Chancellor Angela Merkel: "So far Germany is proving a reluctant, nervous and not very skilful driver. ... We may laugh at Sarko's antics in the front passenger seat ("Non, non, ma chérie! Tout droit, tout droit!'), but he's got the right idea. For David Cameron to consign Britain to the back seat - if not the dog boot - of the European car at this critical moment is folly beyond words. Earlier this week, Merkel again stressed how much Germany wants to see this fellow north European, free-market liberal country return to the heart of European affairs. ... It would be so short-sighted, so plain dumb, for Britain to abandon Germany to its own devices just when it finds itself playing such a decisive role in Europe - a role that it did not seek, for which it is ill-prepared and in which it needs all the help that it can get."
» more information (external link, German)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » Germany, » France, » United Kingdom
All available articles from » Timothy Garton Ash
Dagens Nyheter - Sweden | Thursday, 9. February 2012
The heads of government of the Baltic and Scandinavian countries as well as the UK convened for two-day talks in Stockholm on Wednesday. At the Northern Future Forum they are discussing how to face mutual challenges in the future. The meeting should not be allowed to increase the rift in Europe, the liberal daily Dagens Nyheter warns: » more
The heads of government of the Baltic and Scandinavian countries as well as the UK convened for two-day talks in Stockholm on Wednesday. At the Northern Future Forum they are discussing how to face mutual challenges in the future. The meeting should not be allowed to increase the rift in Europe, the liberal daily Dagens Nyheter warns: "There is a danger that David Cameron is challenging Brussels with this cooperation. The UK rejected the EU's new fiscal compact. Sweden and other countries that rely on free trade and minimum regulation need the British by their side to defend and expand the single market. Europe would be better served if it managed to maintain its unity. … We can only hope that today's summit won't deepen the divide within Europe."
» full article (external link, Swedish)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » United Kingdom, » Europe
Hospodářské noviny - Czech Republic | Thursday, 2. February 2012
The Czech Republic's No to the new EU fiscal compact has left the country even more isolated than before, the economist Tomáš Sedláček fears in the liberal business paper Hospodářské noviny: » more
The Czech Republic's No to the new EU fiscal compact has left the country even more isolated than before, the economist Tomáš Sedláček fears in the liberal business paper Hospodářské noviny: "Our policy, be it that of our president or now increasingly of our government, is fundamentally against everything that starts with E, as in Europe. The No to the fiscal compact is a sad example. And the worst thing is that the pact is perfectly suited to our rulers' own policies. But it was suggested by the EU. Economists and politicians must be shaking their heads in wonder. It is a very courageous act indeed to pass up such a chance for preventing our country from running up debt. ... Do we really believe that with our No we are demonstrating our sovereignty? The US president, strong Germany and proud France must all make compromises and seek allies. How many allies do we have? Fewer and fewer. The number of states that knit their brows in bafflement our behaviour, however, is growing by the day."
» more information (external link, Czech)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » Domestic Policy, » Czech Republic, » Europe
All available articles from » Tomáš Sedláček
Hospodářské noviny - Czech Republic | Friday, 20. January 2012
The Czechs' attitude to Europe in the current crisis is irrational, laments the French political scientist Jacques Rupnik, himself a native of Prague, in an interview with the business paper Hospodářské noviny: » more
The Czechs' attitude to Europe in the current crisis is irrational, laments the French political scientist Jacques Rupnik, himself a native of Prague, in an interview with the business paper Hospodářské noviny: "It is also in the interest of the Czechs that a solution to the crisis be found as soon as possible. If the Eurozone were to collapse it would have major repercussions for the country. But this isn't just a question of finances, the consequences are above all of a political nature. They concern the question of our long-term orientation, where we want to belong. If we depart from the European mainstream we can't turn around later and complain: 'What's going on? Now others are making decisions for us!' We've got to decide: do we stay in Europe and have a hand in the decision-making, or do we exit and watch what happens from the sidelines? But by no means can we say: 'I may be outside but I also want to have my say'."
» more information (external link, Czech)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » Domestic Policy, » Czech Republic, » Europe
All available articles from » Jacques Rupnik
Lidové noviny - Czech Republic | Thursday, 19. January 2012
The Czechs will vote in a referendum on their country's accession to the fiscal union, the government decided on Wednesday against the will of Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg's pro-American coalition TOP 09. The conservative daily Lidové noviny believes the decision to hold a referendum is a small victory for the country's euro adversaries: » more
The Czechs will vote in a referendum on their country's accession to the fiscal union, the government decided on Wednesday against the will of Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg's pro-American coalition TOP 09. The conservative daily Lidové noviny believes the decision to hold a referendum is a small victory for the country's euro adversaries: "In any case things have got off to a good start, even if much remains to be done to see the referendum through. TOP 09 could still conjure up a major crisis, even if that's rather unlikely. Also necessary is a deal with the [opposition] Social Democrats on how the referendum is to be carried out. Things may well look very different in five years' time in the Eurozone, making a referendum superfluous. Nevertheless yesterday's decision marked a small victory for those who want to retain the Czech koruna. And the bond of a referendum will be more permanent than the declaration of a government that may well not survive the next elections."
» more information (external link, Czech)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » Domestic Policy, » Fiscal Policy, » Czech Republic, » Europe
All available articles from » Daniel Kaiser
Le Monde - France | Tuesday, 17. January 2012
The European states are allowing themselves to be pitted against each other by the rating agencies instead of concentrating on their own strengths, complains the business consultant Edouard Tétreau in the left-liberal daily Le Monde: » more
The European states are allowing themselves to be pitted against each other by the rating agencies instead of concentrating on their own strengths, complains the business consultant Edouard Tétreau in the left-liberal daily Le Monde: "The Balkanisation of Europe by S&P: it must be great to be able to play Germany off against France, Spain against the UK and Italy against Austria from the safety of an office in London. Do the rating agencies want a Europe at war? In any event Europe's utter ruin would make their day. Despite all appearances nothing would be worse for the agencies' business than a successful Europe whose states, enterprises and private households were so rich that they no longer needed financial markets - or rating agencies. The absolute horror scenario would be a system in which the European banks no longer speculated, but returned to their original field: transforming the Europeans' abundant savings into business equity and profitable loans for states and local municipalities. Real banks, that is, ones that would be able to send the brokers on Wall Street and the City of London packing."
» full article (external link, French)
More from the press review on the subject » Financial Markets, » Banks, » Economy, » Europe, » U.S.
All available articles from » Edouard Tétreau
Mladá fronta Dnes - Czech Republic | Friday, 13. January 2012
In the Czech Republic an open dispute has broken out between President Václav Klaus and Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg about whether the country should submit to tougher EU regulations. The liberal daily Mladá Fronta Dnes urges moderation, saying that the Czech Republic has no alternative: » more
In the Czech Republic an open dispute has broken out between President Václav Klaus and Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg about whether the country should submit to tougher EU regulations. The liberal daily Mladá Fronta Dnes urges moderation, saying that the Czech Republic has no alternative: "Schwarzenberg has threatened to pull his party out of the government unless the Czech Republic goes along with the EU austerity rules. Klaus, on the other hand, is threatening not to sign the agreement. ... This exposes the fundamental differences in their stance towards Europe. ... Deputy Prime Minister Schwarzenberg is above all a European. For him the country separating from Europe would be a disaster. Klaus reads too much into the situation, fears a fiscal union followed by a federation, which he wants to prevent at all costs. ... If the regulations become binding for us only when we introduce the euro we don't risk anything by signing. ... And anyway, we don't really have an alternative."
» more information (external link, Czech)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » EU Constitution, » Fiscal Policy, » Czech Republic, » Europe
All available articles from » Martin Komárek
Lidové noviny - Czech Republic | Tuesday, 10. January 2012
The French-German summit in Berlin on Monday has upped the pressure on the other EU countries to undertake reforms and is forcing them to make some quick decisions, writes the conservative daily Lidové noviny: » more
The French-German summit in Berlin on Monday has upped the pressure on the other EU countries to undertake reforms and is forcing them to make some quick decisions, writes the conservative daily Lidové noviny: "We don't have much time for serious discussion on the existential question of whether we're willing to accept limitations on our sovereignty in exchange for being part of the inner core of European integration. The chancellor and the president want to have the treaty on a Union with budget supervision by the end of January. ... Let's disregard the fact that none of the proposals can solve the debt crisis. Budget supervision is above all intended to calm the German public. The financial transaction tax is meant to help Sarkozy get re-elected as president. The pressure is on, and we Czechs must decide what we want. This is a clear step in the direction of a common economic government."
» more information (external link, Czech)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » EU Constitution, » Fiscal Policy, » Germany, » France, » Czech Republic, » Europe
All available articles from » Lenka Zlámalová
Lidové noviny - Czech Republic | Monday, 9. January 2012
Czech Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg has warned Germany not to succumb to megalomania in its defence of the euro. Small states react sensitively when Merkel and Sarkozy decide policy between themselves and then merely inform the others of the result, Schwarzenberg stated in an interview with the German news magazine Der Spiegel. The conservative daily Lidové noviny welcomes the minister's clear words: » more
Czech Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg has warned Germany not to succumb to megalomania in its defence of the euro. Small states react sensitively when Merkel and Sarkozy decide policy between themselves and then merely inform the others of the result, Schwarzenberg stated in an interview with the German news magazine Der Spiegel. The conservative daily Lidové noviny welcomes the minister's clear words: "Everything centres around Berlin. Only in theory are the other states equal partners. The only time they attract attention is when they fail to give the Germans their approval. Never has Berlin's attitude been so clear: 'Those who are not with us are against us'. ... Schwarzenberg is right to say that the euro is only one of several instruments, and that Europe would survive without it. Berlin has not yet decided what is to happen with the euro. Anyone who declares in such a situation that the only way forward is together with Germany and that other allies are unimportant is just being naive."
» more information (external link, Czech)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » Fiscal Policy, » Germany, » France, » Czech Republic
All available articles from » Martin Weiss
Politiken - Denmark | Monday, 2. January 2012
Denmark must prevent the EU from falling apart during its six-month EU presidency, the left-liberal daily Politiken comments: » more
Denmark must prevent the EU from falling apart during its six-month EU presidency, the left-liberal daily Politiken comments: "We are living in a new Europe and Denmark has a great opportunity to preserve this Europe in the coming six months. ... There is an increased risk of it splitting up - a risk that has hardly been minimised by the fact that the UK has rejected the pact for greater budgetary discipline. The EU is currently divided into three camps: 17 euro countries, nine countries (including Denmark) that want to join the pact and the UK, which has adopted a collision course. Preventing the EU from falling apart is a decisive criterion for the success of the EU presidency. It could be helpful for Denmark's role as mediator that we don't belong to the monetary union. ... The European Union stands for more than an economy and currency: it represents peace, freedom and European values."
» full article (external link, Danish)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » Denmark, » Europe
La Stampa - Italy | Monday, 2. January 2012
In the midst of the euro crisis it doesn't make sense to give the EU Council presidency to a country that doesn't belong to the monetary union, the liberal daily La Stampa points out: » more
In the midst of the euro crisis it doesn't make sense to give the EU Council presidency to a country that doesn't belong to the monetary union, the liberal daily La Stampa points out: "First Poland, now Denmark. In the midst of the euro storm a country that is not a member of the Eurozone and therefore lacks the necessary clout to effectively intervene in the European debt crisis is assuming the EU presidency. At the top of the agenda for the next six months is the intergovernmental agreement for introducing a fiscal union. This issue affects above all the countries of the Eurozone. Copenhagen wants to mediate between the club of euro states and the countries with their own currency. ... But the Merkel-Sarkozy duo will continue to make the key decisions - much to the dismay of the other countries, especially since the decisions of the duo appear to mainly follow the dictates of domestic politics."
» more information (external link, Italian)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » Economy, » Denmark
All available articles from » Marina Verna
Blog Del alfiler al elefante - Spain | Wednesday, 28. December 2011
Just as in the course of history only a few people stay in our memories the same is true with the years, writes Lluís Bassets in his blog Del Alfiler al Elefante, and says 2011 was more historical than 1989 when the Eastern bloc collapsed: » more
Just as in the course of history only a few people stay in our memories the same is true with the years, writes Lluís Bassets in his blog Del Alfiler al Elefante, and says 2011 was more historical than 1989 when the Eastern bloc collapsed: "And so 2011 emulates and even surpasses the year 1989 in every respect. A revolutionary wave has shook the foundations of power and the alliances throughout the Arab world. The anticipated nuclear renaissance was drowned out by the tsunami and disaster in Fukushima. The generation of conformists spoiled by years of prosperity have turned into indignant activists and occupied the streets and squares of Spain and even the US, in a wave of protests we hadn't witnessed since 1968. Europe has reacted to the financial crisis but at the expense of leaving behind the British - a rupture of historical dimensions and the greatest in the turbulent history of the relations between the United Kingdom and the European continent since the UK joined in 1973."
» full article (external link, Spanish)
More from the press review on the subject » Social movements, » History, » Politics, » United Kingdom, » Europe, » Middle East, » North Africa
All available articles from » Lluís Bassets
Corriere della Sera - Italy | Monday, 19. December 2011
Discussion of the decisions made at the Brussels crisis summit for saving the euro continues unabated. But the resolutions are headed in the wrong direction, writes the liberal-conservative daily Corriere della Sera: » more
Discussion of the decisions made at the Brussels crisis summit for saving the euro continues unabated. But the resolutions are headed in the wrong direction, writes the liberal-conservative daily Corriere della Sera: "Because they had not yet been sealed by an official EU treaty they can't be pushed through by the EU Commission or any other EU institution. This means there is no mechanism to ensure that the new budget rules are adhered to. ... Even if German Chancellor Merkel, French President Nicolas Sarkozy and the EU Council President Herman Van Rompuy have tried to use the debt crisis to pursue the goal of European integration their inability to do so doesn't necessarily have to prevent the reduction of interest rates on the government bonds of indebted countries. Political measures in each individual country can lower risk premiums to reduce budget deficits. ... The Merkel-Sarkozy duo should admit that it has taken the wrong approach. Europe needs reforms tailored to each individual country. A new attempt at achieving a fiscal union and political integration is not the solution."
» more information (external link, Italian)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » Fiscal Policy, » Europe
All available articles from » Martin Feldstein
Upsala Nya Tidning - Sweden | Sunday, 18. December 2011
Sweden is not a member of the Eurozone, and the new stability pact resolved at the EU summit on December 9 is the subject of considerable controversy in the country. Of the four conservative governing parties only the Liberals welcome the pact without reservations while the others have adopted a wait-and-see attitude. The liberal daily Upsala Nya Tidning sides with the sceptics and fears that Sweden will lose influence: » more
Sweden is not a member of the Eurozone, and the new stability pact resolved at the EU summit on December 9 is the subject of considerable controversy in the country. Of the four conservative governing parties only the Liberals welcome the pact without reservations while the others have adopted a wait-and-see attitude. The liberal daily Upsala Nya Tidning sides with the sceptics and fears that Sweden will lose influence: "In what sort of a Union does an inner core take over responsibility for the common currency and at the same time for taxation, the labour market and economic policy in general, while the other countries have no option but to accept its dictates? ... How sustainable can an order be in the long term in which the votes of all countries and citizens don't carry the same weight even in formal terms? And how long can such a concentration of power in the core areas be accepted without far-reaching democratic reforms ensuing?"
» full article (external link, Swedish)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » Europe
All available articles from » Håkan Holmberg
The Economist - United Kingdom | Friday, 16. December 2011
With his veto at the EU summit a week ago British Prime Minister David Cameron has left himself isolated and in a very tight spot, the liberal weekly The Economist fears: » more
With his veto at the EU summit a week ago British Prime Minister David Cameron has left himself isolated and in a very tight spot, the liberal weekly The Economist fears: "Mr Sarkozy, who is facing a tough re-election fight next spring, claimed that Mr Cameron wanted to make the City of London into something like the Cayman Islands. A frequent British ally, the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte grumbled about Britain seeking an 'unacceptable' competitive advantage. Combine such forces and it is possible to imagine Mr Cameron's government trapped, unwillingly, between an impossible piece of hostile Euro-legislation, domestic British anger and unstoppable pressure for a referendum that cannot be won. Whatever Westminster sophisticates murmur, the politics of this crisis are moving into new territory. Britain's relations with Europe are now inseparable from how, and whether, the euro survives. That is the real lesson of the fractious Brussels summit. What happens next may test not just the government's powers of diplomacy, but of imagination itself."
» full article (external link, English)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » United Kingdom, » Europe
Právo - Czech Republic | Thursday, 15. December 2011
The Czech government remains hesitant about whether to go along with the decisions taken recently at the EU summit on the euro bailout. In doing so it is repeating the mistakes of the past and behaving opportunistically and without principles, writes the left-leaning daily Právo: » more
The Czech government remains hesitant about whether to go along with the decisions taken recently at the EU summit on the euro bailout. In doing so it is repeating the mistakes of the past and behaving opportunistically and without principles, writes the left-leaning daily Právo: "The attitude of Prime Minister Petr Nečas in Brussels was a continuation of the opportunistic stance of Czech political circles not only in regard to the EU but also concerning the world in general. Whereas intense discussions were carried out before the summit in other countries, things were silent here at home. And if it has happened in the past that a Czech politician has hit the bull's eye with his criticism of the EU, it wasn't in proposing a solution but by gloating 'that's what we've been saying all along'. ... How can we take hundreds of billions from the EU but then refuse to show solidarity when we're asked for help?"
» more information (external link, Czech)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » Domestic Policy, » Fiscal Policy, » Czech Republic, » Europe
All available articles from » Jiří Pehe
Público - Portugal | Wednesday, 14. December 2011
The idea of a united Europe can't simply be given up in these times of crisis, writes Ian Burama, professor of democracy and human rights in an article published in the daily Público: » more
The idea of a united Europe can't simply be given up in these times of crisis, writes Ian Burama, professor of democracy and human rights in an article published in the daily Público: "Since the EU is neither a nation-state nor a democracy, there is no 'European people' to see the EU through hard times. Rich Germans and Dutch do not want to pay for the economic mess in which the Greeks, Portuguese, or Spanish now find themselves. Instead of showing solidarity, they moralize, as though all of the problems in Mediterranean Europe were the result of native laziness or its citizens' corrupt nature. ... For starters, affluent northern Europeans have to be convinced that it is in their interest to strengthen the EU, as it certainly is. After all, they have benefited most from the euro, which has enabled them to export cheaply to southern Europeans. ... Democracy may seem like a mad dream in a community of 27 nation-states, and perhaps it is. But unless one is prepared to give up on building a more united Europe, it is surely worth considering."
» full article (external link, Portuguese)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » Weltanschauung, » Society, » Europe
All available articles from » Ian Buruma
Dnevnik - Slovenia | Thursday, 15. December 2011
The Eastern European EU member states are the model pupils regarding budgetary discipline nowadays although the Western members had feared the contrary during the EU expansion. But Europe now threatens to go bankrupt because of its old members, the left-liberal daily Dnevnik observes: » more
The Eastern European EU member states are the model pupils regarding budgetary discipline nowadays although the Western members had feared the contrary during the EU expansion. But Europe now threatens to go bankrupt because of its old members, the left-liberal daily Dnevnik observes: "The fear that we would destroy Europe, demolish the euro and raid the structural aid fund was great. The only question was whether the culprit would be Bulgaria, Romania, Poland, Hungary or Slovenia. This is why Brussels stipulated such tough conditions for our EU membership. Disciplined and obediently we fulfilled all the conditions. We, the citizens of the new EU states, are the most disciplined Europeans, frantically battling to balance our budgets even against our own interests. Meanwhile Greece and the Italians are driving the EU crazy with the aid of German and French banks. ... So it's the old member states who have brought Europe to the brink of bankruptcy."
» full article (external link, Slovenian)
More from the press review on the subject » EU enlargement, » EU Policy, » Fiscal Policy, » Europe
All available articles from » Ervin Hladnik-Milharcic
Hospodářské noviny - Czech Republic | Wednesday, 14. December 2011
The Czech government wants to decide today whether it will abide by the wishes of the EU summit and participate in the extended euro bailout mechanism, the ESM. There are many indications that Prague will refuse, leading the business paper Hospodářské noviny to urge Czechs to look beyond their own noses: » more
The Czech government wants to decide today whether it will abide by the wishes of the EU summit and participate in the extended euro bailout mechanism, the ESM. There are many indications that Prague will refuse, leading the business paper Hospodářské noviny to urge Czechs to look beyond their own noses: "The Czech politicians - above all the prime minister and the president - act as if the Czech Republic could function in political and economic isolation. President Klaus even gives the impression that he would welcome the collapse of the euro because it would confirm that he was right from the start. ... Refusing to participate in the extended bailout fund would be suicide. Czech politics would go back to its old ruse of trying to contribute as little as possible while getting as much as it could from the Community."
» more information (external link, Czech)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » Domestic Policy, » Fiscal Policy, » Czech Republic, » Europe
All available articles from » Petr Fischer
Libération - France | Wednesday, 14. December 2011
The fiscal pact with automatic sanctions on which all EU countries with the exception of the UK have agreed is insufficient and comes too late, writes François Heisbourg, expert for strategy and security policy, in the left-liberal daily Libération: » more
The fiscal pact with automatic sanctions on which all EU countries with the exception of the UK have agreed is insufficient and comes too late, writes François Heisbourg, expert for strategy and security policy, in the left-liberal daily Libération: "As usual our countries continue to act as if half-measures will gain us time, even though time is against the euro. The measures resolved on December 9 do not provide an adequate springboard to prepare for what must come next. The ECB's current policy would have provided oxygen if it had been applied two years ago, at the start of what wasn't yet the Greek crisis. The announcement of a new treaty during the 'decisive' meetings in autumn 2010 and spring 2011 might possibly have calmed things for enough time to introduce thoroughgoing reforms. ... General MacArthur said that the cause of lost wars could be summed up in four words: too little too late."
» full article (external link, French)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » Fiscal Policy, » Politics, » Europe
All available articles from » François Heisbourg
Turun Sanomat - Finland | Wednesday, 14. December 2011
The EU summit's proposal for the qualified majority principle to be adopted for decision-making within the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) has met with tough opposition in Finland, especially from the Social Democrats (SDP). The SDP, which forms part of the governing coalition, has raised concerns that qualified majority voting would conflict with the country's constitution. Finland must not try to evade its responsibilities in the search for a solution to the euro crisis, the liberal daily Turun Sanomat writes: » more
The EU summit's proposal for the qualified majority principle to be adopted for decision-making within the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) has met with tough opposition in Finland, especially from the Social Democrats (SDP). The SDP, which forms part of the governing coalition, has raised concerns that qualified majority voting would conflict with the country's constitution. Finland must not try to evade its responsibilities in the search for a solution to the euro crisis, the liberal daily Turun Sanomat writes: "The desire for a perfect consensus is a policy that is alien to Finland. It only leads to the slowest alternatives being chosen in the solving of the economic crisis. The markets don't work according to this principle. ... The SDP should therefore stick to the course it has pursued all along and not give in to nationalist EU populism. This only creates new problems instead of producing common solutions. Finland can neither prevent nor deal with a recession if it buries its head in the sand and always says No. You can't be inside the Eurozone and outside it at the same time."
» full article (external link, Finnish)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » Fiscal Policy, » Politics, » Finland, » Europe
Politiken - Denmark | Wednesday, 14. December 2011
Since the end of last week's EU summit the government and parliament in Denmark have been engaged in intense discussions about the planned euro pact. The ruling Socialist People's Party has adopted a far more critical stance than its coalition partners the Social Liberal Party and the Social Democrats. The left-liberal daily Politiken sees a lack of growth incentives in the deal: » more
Since the end of last week's EU summit the government and parliament in Denmark have been engaged in intense discussions about the planned euro pact. The ruling Socialist People's Party has adopted a far more critical stance than its coalition partners the Social Liberal Party and the Social Democrats. The left-liberal daily Politiken sees a lack of growth incentives in the deal: "Growth has been ignored in the new pact. It concentrates solely on cuts. Yet it's important for the northern European countries who have the necessary leeway in their budgets to boost consumption so that the southern Europeans can extricate themselves from the crisis with high productivity. If the pact doesn't take this into account all Europe will be forced to pursue an austerity policy that will have the impact of a collective growth killer: a controlled financial-policy suicide."
» full article (external link, Danish)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » Denmark, » Europe
Göteborgs-Posten - Sweden | Wednesday, 14. December 2011
Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt on Tuesday asked parliament for more time to consider whether the country should participate in the new euro pact. For the daily Göteborgs-Posten Sweden would do well to join in: » more
Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt on Tuesday asked parliament for more time to consider whether the country should participate in the new euro pact. For the daily Göteborgs-Posten Sweden would do well to join in: "The goal of the pact is to prevent excessive budget deficits. Such a system of regulations was introduced in Sweden during the crisis in the 1990s and helped it to develop the healthiest public finances in Europe. Joining the euro pact wouldn't entail a single change to our economic policy. That alone is a reason to say yes. It is in Sweden's interest to prevent a two-speed Europe in which a minority hobbles along behind the rest. But the decisive reason for a Swedish yes is economic policy. The core of the EU is the Single Market, free of barriers for people, goods, services or capital."
» full article (external link, Swedish)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » Sweden
Financial Times Deutschland - Germany | Tuesday, 13. December 2011
With his veto on amending the EU treaties David Cameron has sacrificed Britain's leading role within Europe, writes Jonathan Powell, chief of staff under ex-British prime minister Tony Blair: » more
With his veto on amending the EU treaties David Cameron has sacrificed Britain's leading role within Europe, writes Jonathan Powell, chief of staff under ex-British prime minister Tony Blair: "In essence we will be Norway without the oil, bound to go along with European decisions but unable to influence them. Of course, on some issues we will be able to wield the veto. But most single-market issues are now subject to qualified majority voting. How long are the other 26 likely to put up with obstructionism by one member wielding the veto again and again? There is a reason why successive British governments of both parties have opposed a two-speed Europe: we did not want to be excluded from power in the continent to which we belong. For 200 years since the battle of Waterloo we have expended enormous efforts to maintain a leadership role in Europe. It is a betrayal of that history to turn our backs on the continent."
» full article (external link, German)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » History, » United Kingdom, » Europe
All available articles from » Jonathan Powell
The Guardian - United Kingdom | Tuesday, 13. December 2011
David Cameron's EU veto may have delighted his Conservative Party, but in the British parliamentary debate on Monday a majority of MPs were outspokenly in favour of the EU, writes the left-liberal daily The Guardian: » more
David Cameron's EU veto may have delighted his Conservative Party, but in the British parliamentary debate on Monday a majority of MPs were outspokenly in favour of the EU, writes the left-liberal daily The Guardian: "Mr Cameron's walkout went down a storm with his party, but the recognition that he is marching Britain towards Never Never Land seems to be gaining ground now. Yesterday's Commons exchanges were the voice of a parliament which, for all its bluster, does not embrace isolationism. There is more momentum now behind re-engaging than disengaging. Quite right too. Mr Cameron should never have left the table. Now he must be made to return to it."
» full article (external link, English)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » United Kingdom, » Europe
El País - Spain | Tuesday, 13. December 2011
If Europe loses the UK it will lose its most innovative member state, the left-liberal daily El País warns: » more
If Europe loses the UK it will lose its most innovative member state, the left-liberal daily El País warns: "Despite its critical positions which have hindered a number of advances, we must remember the crucial contributions of a country that, as the analyst Charles Grant put it 'encouraged the EU to look outwards and see globalisation more as an opportunity than a threat.' From development cooperation to a European research area, many European projects would look very different today without the UK's influence. And it's difficult to imagine that without the UK the EU would have dared to break up hugely influential national monopolies like the telephone companies or airlines. If the UK leaves, the EU will lose not only military, academic and financial clout but also a country that has demonstrated that it is much better able to renew its public administration and policies than continental Europe."
» full article (external link, Spanish)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » United Kingdom, » Europe
All available articles from » Jordi Vaquer
Delo - Slovenia | Tuesday, 13. December 2011
The British veto of the latest EU plans testify to a democratic desire to respect the will of the people, writes the left-liberal daily Delo: » more
The British veto of the latest EU plans testify to a democratic desire to respect the will of the people, writes the left-liberal daily Delo: "Even if the Brits have never stopped stirring up trouble and making things more complicated with their Euroscepticism, you can't reproach them for not campaigning for a free, large and open Union. And these goals are well worth fighting for. All the more so as in these times of crisis they are shared by the large majority of 'normal democratic citizens'. They often look at Brussels with a scepticism akin to that of the British. The self-proclaimed rescuers of the euro and the EU, by contrast, now want in the name of 'efficiency' to extirpate this last remnant of respect for the people of Europe - and the right to national sovereignty along with it."
» full article (external link, Slovenian)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » EU Constitution, » United Kingdom, » Europe
All available articles from » Damijan Slabe
Népszabadság - Hungary | Saturday, 10. December 2011
The deal on more budgetary discipline agreed by Europe's heads of state and government on Friday in Brussels paves the way for a true fiscal union, writes the left-liberal daily Népszabadság: » more
The deal on more budgetary discipline agreed by Europe's heads of state and government on Friday in Brussels paves the way for a true fiscal union, writes the left-liberal daily Népszabadság: "The French are happy with the pact because it deprives the EU institutions, the Commission and the European Parliament of certain powers. But the pact is also to the Germans' liking because it focuses on budgetary discipline, foresees the anchoring of a balanced budget in the treaties and sanctions for anyone who breaks the new rules. Moreover the national budgets must receive the EU's approval before they are passed into law. This encroaches not only on national sovereignty but also raises economic issues. However the monetary union can only survive the crisis by becoming a fiscal union. This means that the EU states that are willing to cooperate have the potential to create a new single market, a new common financial supervisory authority and a new finance centre as well as harmonised social and tax policies."
» full article (external link, Hungarian)
More from the press review on the subject » International Relations, » EU Policy, » Fiscal Policy, » Europe
All available articles from » Miklós Blahó
Trud - Bulgaria | Sunday, 11. December 2011
The agreement on stricter budget regulations reached on Friday in Brussels by all of the EU states except the UK has failed to calm the global financial markets, writes the daily Trud in dissatisfaction: » more
The agreement on stricter budget regulations reached on Friday in Brussels by all of the EU states except the UK has failed to calm the global financial markets, writes the daily Trud in dissatisfaction: "'Verboten': banned, the most German of all words, will now be the catchword for Europe's state budgets. Deficits are banned, debts are banned. ... So what? Yields on Italian government bonds still lie at 6.55 percent - barely below those of Greece, Ireland and Portugal when they asked Europe for financial help. The only thing the financial markets are interested in is how the threatened countries will be financed in the next three months while the fiscal union is being ratified. ... At some point in this poker game over the debt crisis comes the moment termed 'rien ne va plus' in French. That's at least as well known as the German 'verboten' and means: 'betting is closed'. Then all the cards are laid on the table and someone has to pay."
» full article (external link, Bulgarian)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » Fiscal Policy, » Europe
All available articles from » Vesselin Jelev
Der Standard - Austria | Monday, 12. December 2011
British Prime Minister David Cameron rejected changes to the EU treaties aimed at introducing stricter budget policy at the EU summit on Friday. The UK has once again shown how it aligns itself with on financial policy, writes the left-liberal daily Der Standard: » more
British Prime Minister David Cameron rejected changes to the EU treaties aimed at introducing stricter budget policy at the EU summit on Friday. The UK has once again shown how it aligns itself with on financial policy, writes the left-liberal daily Der Standard: "The government in London even has a few trumps in its hand. Keeping the euro is not one of its priorities. Media like The Economist and the Financial Times - both also widely read in continental Europe - have been criticising the currency for years. If the British continue to massively undermine the political force of the EU (the precondition for a strong euro), Brussels will slowly but surely become a lame duck. And that will play an important role in the economic and financial war between the US and Europe. To use an ancient image, the way things stand the UK is the Trojan Horse of Anglo Saxon financial interests in the heart of Europe. Paris conceals its weaknesses through its alliance with Berlin. And one has to doubt whether Germany is strong enough to stand up to the British."
» full article (external link, German)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » EU Constitution, » Fiscal Policy, » United Kingdom, » Europe, » U.S.
All available articles from » Gerfried Sperl
Mladá fronta Dnes - Czech Republic | Monday, 12. December 2011
During a visit from his Russian colleague Dmitry Medvedev in Prague on Thursday, Czech President Václav Klaus proposed a massive intensification of relations between the two countries. Against the backdrop of the Czech Republic's hesitant attitude to the EU summit's pact for greater budget discipline, the former Czech foreign minister Cyril Svoboda worries about Klaus' intentions in the liberal daily Mladá fronta Dnes: » more
During a visit from his Russian colleague Dmitry Medvedev in Prague on Thursday, Czech President Václav Klaus proposed a massive intensification of relations between the two countries. Against the backdrop of the Czech Republic's hesitant attitude to the EU summit's pact for greater budget discipline, the former Czech foreign minister Cyril Svoboda worries about Klaus' intentions in the liberal daily Mladá fronta Dnes: "In 1943 the Czechoslovakian President Edvard Beneš wanted the republic that emerged after World War II to act as a bridge between East and West. That didn't turn out well for us, and we became part of the Eastern Bloc. Even today we don't need such a bridge. Currently we're outside the European mainstream. But that's not how things were in the past. Back then we acted differently and had a hand in shaping European policy. Today we're grumblers. Things can still change. The states that want to strengthen the European Union are acting responsibly, but even though they face a complicated and demanding task: solving it will prove well worthwhile."
» more information (external link, Czech)
More from the press review on the subject » International Relations, » EU Policy, » History, » Czech Republic, » Russia, » Europe
All available articles from » Cyril Svoboda
Handelsblatt - Germany | Friday, 9. December 2011
The resolutions adopted in Brussels will unavoidably lead to a two-speed Europe, writes the liberal business paper Handelsblatt: » more
The resolutions adopted in Brussels will unavoidably lead to a two-speed Europe, writes the liberal business paper Handelsblatt: "Europe has still not understood just how serious the situation now is. This is all the more disastrous because even German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the French President Nicolas Sarkozy set the bar for success at the two-day Brussels summit particularly high. ... But even more serious is that the path adopted by Merkel and Sarkozy will de facto lead to a two-speed Europe and division among the member states. Until now a way had always been found to hold the show together and find a common solution for all the EU states. But that's a thing of the past. The sober - and bitter - reality is that the 17 euro countries want to introduce stricter rules on budget control with a treaty of their own, accompanied by those EU countries that share this goal. There could be no surer way to drive a wedge through Europe."
» full article (external link, German)
More from the press review on the subject » International Relations, » Fiscal Policy, » Europe
All available articles from » Dietmar Neuerer
Il Sole 24 Ore - Italy | Friday, 9. December 2011
Private creditors are no longer to be involved in debt restructuring measures for struggling euro countries. But this initiative comes too late, writes the liberal ... » more
Private creditors are no longer to be involved in debt restructuring measures for struggling euro countries. But this initiative comes too late, writes the liberal business paper Il Sole 24 Ore. "The most surprising proposal is that of excluding private creditors from any future bailouts undertaken by the euro rescue mechanism still in gestation. This is a striking change of course on Merkel's part, for up to now involving the private sector in the rescue of debtor countries had been a mainstay of her crisis management. ... There are indeed many indications that insisting on involving the private sector in debt restructuring would not result in lower risk premiums on the government bonds of the peripheral states despite their tough austerity measures. This also means that we wouldn't be faced with the collapse of the European financial system now if this change in direction had been considered earlier. ... We must now fear that the proposal comes at a point when the damage has already been done."
» more information (external link, Italian)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » Fiscal Policy, » Banks, » Europe
All available articles from » Francesco Caselli
NRC Handelsblad - Netherlands | Friday, 9. December 2011
The 17 euro states and six further countries have resolved to sign a treaty of their own while the UK and other countries have refused to follow suit. This will leave Europe divided, writes the liberal daily NRC Handelsblad: » more
The 17 euro states and six further countries have resolved to sign a treaty of their own while the UK and other countries have refused to follow suit. This will leave Europe divided, writes the liberal daily NRC Handelsblad: "This division seems logical. Because why should non-members of the Eurozone have something to say about the rules that the core group has imposed on itself? But politically the point is, who's against the move? The answer: British Prime Minister David Cameron. Although the country is not part of the Eurozone, the British government has a clear stance on the euro. Cameron agrees with Merkel on budget discipline. But like his predecessors he is dead against any further European centralisation at the expense of the nation states. ... The UK can go along with the treaty if it chooses, but admittedly the chances are slim. We must get used to the idea that there will soon be two Europes."
» more information (external link, Dutch)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » Europe
Libération - France | Friday, 9. December 2011
In view of the resolutions passed at the EU summit in Brussels, the left-liberal daily Libération calls for stronger political integration in Europe: » more
In view of the resolutions passed at the EU summit in Brussels, the left-liberal daily Libération calls for stronger political integration in Europe: "The debt crisis shows that the markets have no confidence in the survival of a currency without a state, that is without a federal political and economic power able to impose a common fiscal discipline on the federated states and to help them if need be. Some of Europe's politicians, notably in Germany, have understood this perfectly well and are calling for the creation of a 'United States of Europe'. This would be the sole means of conferring democratic legitimacy on the Eurozone. Now that the countries are losing sovereignty over their budgets it is time to team up the national parliaments with the European Parliament."
» full article (external link, French)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » Fiscal Policy, » EU neighbourhood policy, » Europe
All available articles from » Jean Quatremer, » Luc Peillon, » Nathalie Dubois
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung - Germany | Thursday, 8. December 2011
European Council President Herman Van Rompuy has judged the changes to the EU treaties called for by Berlin and Paris as unnecessary, leading Germany to warn of 'Brussels' tricks'. That is going too far, writes the conservative daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung: » more
European Council President Herman Van Rompuy has judged the changes to the EU treaties called for by Berlin and Paris as unnecessary, leading Germany to warn of 'Brussels' tricks'. That is going too far, writes the conservative daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung: "Van Rompuy had the task of putting together a treaty in which all states had a place. It is also his job to act as an institutional bridge between the Eurozone and the rest of the EU, that is to keep the business afloat - to the extent that there is one at all. And that's just what he's tried to do as an honest broker, which also explains the grumbling from Berlin. ... She [Merkel] will also know that the longer-term goal - a Stability Union based on changes to the treaty - is only attainable by first taking intermediate steps of the kind Van Rompuy is proposing. Without taking the pressure from the pot, of course, that means without absolving the 'sinners' of their responsibility."
» full article (external link, German)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » Germany, » Europe
All available articles from » Günther Nonnenmacher
Rzeczpospolita - Poland | Thursday, 8. December 2011
In a letter to EU Council President Herman Van Rompuy, German Chancellor Merkel and French President Sarkozy called on Wednesday for changes to the EU treaties in a bid to bring the debt crisis under control. But potential conflicts lurk behind the unclearly formulated demands, the conservative daily Rzeczpospolita fears: » more
In a letter to EU Council President Herman Van Rompuy, German Chancellor Merkel and French President Sarkozy called on Wednesday for changes to the EU treaties in a bid to bring the debt crisis under control. But potential conflicts lurk behind the unclearly formulated demands, the conservative daily Rzeczpospolita fears: "The letter contains passages that could cause turmoil. It is suggested that the 17 countries of the Eurozone as well as other 'states that want to' could sign the new treaty, but not necessarily all 27 EU member states. Secondly: the letter contains a proposal for automatic sanctions against countries whose government deficit exceeds three percent [of GDP]. But careful! The euro group can reject the sanctions in a vote. The upshot is that no automatic sanctions will be introduced."
» full article (external link, Polish)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » Poland, » Europe
All available articles from » Marek Magierowski
Expansión - Spain | Tuesday, 6. December 2011
Germany and France are forging ahead with the development of an economic government in the Eurozone, the business paper Expansión writes approvingly: » more
Germany and France are forging ahead with the development of an economic government in the Eurozone, the business paper Expansión writes approvingly: "Getting the public budgets back in order won't be enough to get us out of the danger zone. We urgently need a common strategy to encourage recovery. We urgently need structural reforms that eradicate the differences between the different countries. ... So it is crucial to complement budgetary discipline with an economic policy that puts us back on the path of stable growth. The fiscal union should be followed by a genuine economic union."
» more information (external link, Spanish)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » Fiscal Policy, » Economic Policy, » Europe
Financial Times - United Kingdom | Tuesday, 6. December 2011
If the EU treaties are renegotiated the UK must participate in the process, the liberal-conservative daily the Financial Times urges, otherwise it would "risk shunting ... » more
If the EU treaties are renegotiated the UK must participate in the process, the liberal-conservative daily the Financial Times urges, otherwise it would "risk shunting Britain to the sidelines of a treaty discussion that will have big implications for the country's membership of the EU. It cannot be in the national interest for Mr Cameron to be outside the room. The UK may need to review its relationship with the EU, but that time is not now. Wrapping barbed wire round the City is not the right pretext. Whatever arrangements are devised to rescue the eurozone, Britain's interest is to preserve the integrity of the single market, even in a lop-sided EU of ins and outs. But to make the case requires moral authority. Seeking a brake would throw this away."
» full article (external link, English)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » United Kingdom, » Europe
Lidové noviny - Czech Republic | Tuesday, 6. December 2011
France's President Nicolas Sarkozy gave in to German Chancellor Merkel in every respect during their negotiations in Paris, writes the conservative daily Lidové noviny: » more
France's President Nicolas Sarkozy gave in to German Chancellor Merkel in every respect during their negotiations in Paris, writes the conservative daily Lidové noviny: "Only last Thursday Sarkozy was still calling for a return to democracy in the Monetary Union. Then yesterday he agreed to automatic sanctions against countries whose deficit exceeded three percent of GDP, and that the Treaty of Lisbon should be amended to that end. Paris did not succeed in pushing through any of its own ideas, neither euro bonds nor a stronger role for the European Central Bank. ... Such an automatic supervisory measure may perhaps calm the German voters, but one shouldn't expect it to renew investor confidence in the Eurozone. Even this fundamental encroachment on the sovereignty of the euro countries will not solve the serious problems facing the Eurozone."
» more information (external link, Czech)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » EU Constitution, » Fiscal Policy, » Germany, » France, » Europe
All available articles from » Lenka Zlámalová
Les Echos - France | Tuesday, 6. December 2011
The European Court of Justice will in future be able to monitor compliance with the Stability and Growth Pact, and there will be no more debt restructuring like that in Greece. This is an important step toward a full euro bailout, writes the liberal business paper Les Echos: » more
The European Court of Justice will in future be able to monitor compliance with the Stability and Growth Pact, and there will be no more debt restructuring like that in Greece. This is an important step toward a full euro bailout, writes the liberal business paper Les Echos: "It's no secret that Europe is world champion at inventing rules and even better at breaking them. The economy cannot be regulated by an agreement or a decision by the European Court of Justice, let alone the political reality. The key factor lies elsewhere: the two largest countries of the Eurozone have decided that the devastating experience of the Greek debt restructuring should not be repeated. That sounds like a technical detail but it is an improvement that fundamentally changes the lay of the land. We want to be a little optimistic for a change: this is a plan with the potential to save the euro. This first step agreed on yesterday is decisive: never again will the private sector be forced to participate in restructuring public debt in the Eurozone."
» full article (external link, French)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » Fiscal Policy, » Politics, » Germany, » France, » Europe
All available articles from » Nicolas Barré
Die Welt - Germany | Tuesday, 6. December 2011
France and Germany are entirely right to press for a reform of the EU treaties ahead of the EU summit on Thursday and Friday, writes the conservative daily Die Welt: » more
France and Germany are entirely right to press for a reform of the EU treaties ahead of the EU summit on Thursday and Friday, writes the conservative daily Die Welt: "We often hear that the markets have lost their trust in some euro governments. Far more serious however is the loss of trust between European governments. The donor countries simply no longer believe the promises they receive from Athens and Rome. That is why the chancellor can do nothing other than demand water-tight conditions or use the market as a lever. ... And so the new German-French proposals for changes to the EU Treaty are a further step in the euro balancing act. If it is inevitable that the euro countries will have to close fiscal ranks, at least the donors should receive guarantees that the problem countries won't revert to their irresponsible policies."
» full article (external link, German)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » Germany, » France, » Europe
All available articles from » Clemens Wergin
Gândul - Romania | Monday, 5. December 2011
France's President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel plan to present proposals today in Paris for changes to the EU treaties, which the EU heads of state and government will then discuss at their summit meeting in Brussels on Friday. Should the summit support the plans, it will nevertheless be difficult to convince people in the EU of their merits, writes the liberal daily Gândul: » more
France's President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel plan to present proposals today in Paris for changes to the EU treaties, which the EU heads of state and government will then discuss at their summit meeting in Brussels on Friday. Should the summit support the plans, it will nevertheless be difficult to convince people in the EU of their merits, writes the liberal daily Gândul: "To change the treaties, politicians will once more have to curry favour with the taxpayers. The latter believe that they are wrongly being asked to pick up the tab for the politicians' inability to bring about stability and economic development. In addition, nationalist arguments are once more in vogue. For example, will the Dutch or the French agree to the possibility that their national budgets could be rejected by Berlin even before they are discussed in their national parliaments? That's hard to believe."
» full article (external link, Romanian)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » Fiscal Policy, » Germany, » France, » Europe
All available articles from » Victor Rotariu
Nasz Dziennik - Poland | Tuesday, 29. November 2011
The US rating agency Moody's warned for the first time on Monday that the crisis could also have a negative impact on the creditworthiness of ... » more
The US rating agency Moody's warned for the first time on Monday that the crisis could also have a negative impact on the creditworthiness of countries that are currently rated as stable. The omnipotence of the agencies is undermining the sovereignty of states, the national-Catholic daily Nasz Dziennik remarks. "It can't be ruled out that the other agencies will follow Moody's example. For only recently they demanded further drastic cuts. The heads of government know that their citizens won't accept a policy that saves the euro and the banks only at the taxpayers' expense. Therefore they will make their decisions without consulting the national parliaments or holding referendums. ... And this will be done under the pretext of combating the crisis. ... The ultimate goal will be the harmonisation of EU economic and financial policy, which is a top priority above all for the EU's main leaders. And in the end even a supranational economic government may emerge."
» full article (external link, Polish)
More from the press review on the subject » Financial Markets, » Europe
All available articles from » Krzysztof Losz
The Guardian - United Kingdom | Tuesday, 29. November 2011
The euro crisis offers Europe the chance to become a democracy among neighbouring states rather than being a Europe of bureaucrats, writes sociologist Ulrich Beck in the left-liberal daily The Guardian: » more
The euro crisis offers Europe the chance to become a democracy among neighbouring states rather than being a Europe of bureaucrats, writes sociologist Ulrich Beck in the left-liberal daily The Guardian: "We should have no fear of direct democracy. Without transnational opportunities for interventions from below, without European referendums on European themes that send a shudder through the ocean liner Europe, the whole enterprise will fail. Why not have the president of the European commission directly elected by all European citizens on the same day, which would thus for the first time be European in the strict sense? ... How is a European democracy possible without disenfranchising the national parliaments? Assuming one recognises that implementing democratic rights involves and requires many paths, can the democratic empowerment of a cosmopolitan Europe be accompanied by a strengthening of its national democracies in the member states? The answer has to be that new Europe would not follow the model of German euro-nationalism but would be an emerging European Community of Democracies. And sharing sovereignty becomes a multiplier of power and democracy."
» full article (external link, English)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » Europe
All available articles from » Ulrich Beck
Corriere della Sera - Italy | Monday, 28. November 2011
According to reports in the media the governments of Germany and France are working on a stability pact for the Eurozone that would protect thrifty countries that maintain budgetary discipline against the attacks of the financial markets. This division must be prevented in favour of a one-speed Europe, the former Italian ambassador to Germany Antonio Puri Purini urges in an open letter to Angela Merkel published by the liberal-conservative daily Corriere della Sera: » more
According to reports in the media the governments of Germany and France are working on a stability pact for the Eurozone that would protect thrifty countries that maintain budgetary discipline against the attacks of the financial markets. This division must be prevented in favour of a one-speed Europe, the former Italian ambassador to Germany Antonio Puri Purini urges in an open letter to Angela Merkel published by the liberal-conservative daily Corriere della Sera: "The moment of truth has come. A turn towards unity is necessary. ... Frau Merkel, please explain what Germany's goals are regarding common economic government and the strengthening of the Stability Pact. Add euro bonds and linking the bailout fund to the ECB to the list of stability measures. ... Explain the need for amending the EU treaties as a necessary step towards political unity. ... Limit the exclusive role of the German-French axis and enhance the European profile of your government. ... The chancellor of the country on which Europe's fate depends has the right to demand discipline from others, but she must in turn provide transparency and solidarity."
» more information (external link, Italian)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » EU Constitution, » Germany, » Europe
All available articles from » Antonio Puri Purini
De Volkskrant - Netherlands | Friday, 25. November 2011
Issuing euro bonds is not the right approach to the euro crisis, writes the left-liberal daily De Volkskrant: » more
Issuing euro bonds is not the right approach to the euro crisis, writes the left-liberal daily De Volkskrant: "Issuing common bonds for the entire Eurozone could at most be the final step of a necessary integration of the euro countries. If countries like Spain and Italy don't get their budgets sorted out there will be little trust in the euro bonds. The proposals put forward by the European Commission on Wednesday offer a better approach to the problem. Commission President Barroso rightly points out that Europe must be in a position to take tough action when countries fail to put their budgets in order. For the doubting political leaders in Berlin and Paris this should be an incentive to overcome opposition to further integration. The euro bonds can come later."
» more information (external link, Dutch)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » Financial Markets, » Europe
All available articles from » Xander van Uffelen
Cinco Días - Spain | Friday, 25. November 2011
With the goal of creating a fiscal union and tougher sanctions for deficit sinners Berlin and Paris are setting a new pace, comments the left-liberal business paper Cinco Días: » more
With the goal of creating a fiscal union and tougher sanctions for deficit sinners Berlin and Paris are setting a new pace, comments the left-liberal business paper Cinco Días: "Europe is advancing rapidly towards the full imposition of budgetary discipline and anyone who can't or doesn't want to see this risks being left behind or travelling in second class. ... Berlin and Paris have confirmed that come what may they will present a joint proposal for amending the EU treaties [at the EU summit] on December 9 with the goal of reinforcing economic government, moving towards a fiscal union and enshrining budgetary discipline in the treaties. Both Merkel and Sarkozy claimed that their proposal is almost ready for presentation and that they have no intention of making their plans contingent on the approval of their EU partners."
» full article (external link, Spanish)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » Fiscal Policy, » Germany, » France, » Europe
De Volkskrant - Netherlands | Thursday, 24. November 2011
The debt crisis has shown that the European Union in its current form has failed, the former social democratic member of the European Parliament Michiel van Hulten writes in the left-liberal daily De Volkskrant, and argues in favour of a two-speed Europe: » more
The debt crisis has shown that the European Union in its current form has failed, the former social democratic member of the European Parliament Michiel van Hulten writes in the left-liberal daily De Volkskrant, and argues in favour of a two-speed Europe: "That would mean a new start for European co-operation. It would account for the major differences between the member states, and even the UK would finally feel like it belonged in a less compulsory Europe. On the other hand countries that want to can engage in closer co-operation. That would provide a credible answer to those who say the EU project is as megalomaniac as it is undemocratic. And the EU candidate countries will have the prospect of speedier entry. For the moment all eyes are on the euro bailout. But if we want Europe to play a meaningful role in the future and not be swallowed up by the rhetoric of left-wing and right-wing populists, a genuine new beginning is unavoidable."
» more information (external link, Dutch)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » Europe
All available articles from » Michiel van Hulten
Õhtuleht - Estonia | Wednesday, 16. November 2011
Estonia's Prime Minister Andrus Ansip delivered a speech to parliament on Tuesday on the course his country plans to chart in its EU policy. But in the eyes of the tabloid Õhtuleht he left several key questions unanswered: » more
Estonia's Prime Minister Andrus Ansip delivered a speech to parliament on Tuesday on the course his country plans to chart in its EU policy. But in the eyes of the tabloid Õhtuleht he left several key questions unanswered: "If a two-speed Europe becomes reality what are Estonia's arguments for us belonging to the core group? Only that we see ourselves as part of this group: it is the wish of the Estonian people, the head of government said, while at the same time explaining that an EU with 27 members continued to be the preferred option. But what about our stance on the possibility of the EU being turned into a federal state? Are we prepared to give up powers in order to adjust to a core Europe? The prime minister did not wish to discuss the possibility of the EU as a federal state rather than a confederation of states, as it is today, was the answer to that."
» full article (external link, Estonian)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » Estonia
Trud - Bulgaria | Tuesday, 15. November 2011
As a result of the euro crisis more and more politicians are speaking out in favour of a two-speed Europe. Bulgaria would be far better off outside the hard core of the EU, writes political scientist Evgeni Dainov in the daily Trud: » more
As a result of the euro crisis more and more politicians are speaking out in favour of a two-speed Europe. Bulgaria would be far better off outside the hard core of the EU, writes political scientist Evgeni Dainov in the daily Trud: "It wouldn't be so bad at all if Merkozy left us out of the 'core' of the Eurozone. That means, the 'core' would pay off the debts of Greece and Italy and rescue the French banks. We, on the other hand, would remain together with the more liberalised market economies with disciplined budgets. The leader of our club would be the UK, which is certainly preferable to Merkozy. In any event it would never occur to the Brits to impose higher taxes or the French model of a government-controlled economy on us. British papers are already calling on Prime Minister Cameron to take over the leadership of the ten EU countries not belonging to the Eurozone. Judging by British politics, sooner or later that's just what he's going to do."
» full article (external link, Bulgarian)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » Europe, » Bulgaria
All available articles from » Evgeniy Daynov
Lietuvos Žinios - Lithuania | Monday, 14. November 2011
Lithuania wants to introduce the euro in 2014. The conservative daily Lietuvos Zinios weighs the consequences of such a move in view of the debate over a two-speed Europe: » more
Lithuania wants to introduce the euro in 2014. The conservative daily Lietuvos Zinios weighs the consequences of such a move in view of the debate over a two-speed Europe: "The more integration there is, the less leeway each member will have. That makes joining the Eurozone less attractive, as more Europe would mean less Lithuania. But one shouldn't overrate economic sovereignty. With the rise of globalisation there can no longer be any self-sufficient economies. Even now observers are saying that the members of the Eurozone are shaping economic policy in the entire EU, and that their predominance will only grow with time. For the time being this is all a long way off. Nevertheless the Lithuanian government must follow developments closely, assess the consequences of each scenario for Lithuania and defend our country's interests. And even if it means limiting our room for manoeuvre, joining the Eurozone must remain our goal."
» full article (external link, Lithunian)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » Fiscal Policy, » Economic Policy, » Lithuania
All available articles from » Kęstutis Girnius
Cinco Días - Spain | Friday, 11. November 2011
A two-speed Europe such as being pushed for by French President Nicholas Sarkozy threatens the unity of the Eurozone, the left-liberal business paper Cinco Días warns: » more
A two-speed Europe such as being pushed for by French President Nicholas Sarkozy threatens the unity of the Eurozone, the left-liberal business paper Cinco Días warns: "Much to the disgust of the European institutions Germany and France are working on a legal framework that would allow for the much talked of two-speed Europe and would permit those countries that want to move towards deeper integration of their economic, financial and labour policies. This initiative seems inevitable in a Union that can no longer allow itself to be paralysed by decisions taken in the Finnish or Slovakian parliaments, as happened recently. But this project of Angela Merkel and Nicolas Sarkozy poses a huge risk to the unity of the Eurozone and the other EU countries around it. A split would damage not just the weaker economies but the region as a whole. If the project is supposed to be a warning from Berlin to the countries lagging behind Brussels must ensure that this warning doesn't turn into a threat to the survival of the euro when the goal is supposedly to strengthen it."
» full article (external link, Spanish)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » Fiscal Policy, » Germany, » France, » Europe
Blog Charlemagne's Notebook - United Kingdom | Friday, 11. November 2011
During a debate with students on Tuesday French President Nicolas Sarkozy advocated a two-speed Europe in which the countries of the Eurozone would be more closely integrated than the remaining countries. The blog Charlemagne's Notebook in the liberal-conservative weekly The Economist says the idea is good but fears that the wrong approach could be taken when put into practice: » more
During a debate with students on Tuesday French President Nicolas Sarkozy advocated a two-speed Europe in which the countries of the Eurozone would be more closely integrated than the remaining countries. The blog Charlemagne's Notebook in the liberal-conservative weekly The Economist says the idea is good but fears that the wrong approach could be taken when put into practice: "Done properly, by keeping the euro open to countries that want to join (like Poland) and deepening the single market for those that do not (like Britain), the creation of a more flexible EU of variable geometry could ease many of the existing tensions. Further enlargement need no longer be so neuralgic; further integration need no longer be imposed on those who do not want it. But done wrongly, as one fears Mr Sarkozy would have it, this will be a recipe for breaking up Europe. Not two-speed Europe but two separate Europes."
» full article (external link, English)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » France, » United Kingdom, » Europe
La Tribune - France | Tuesday, 4. October 2011
The decision on the next instalment of the bailout payments to Greece was postponed until early November by the EU finance ministers at their meeting in Luxembourg on Monday. That gives Europe 30 days to reinvent itself, the business paper La Tribune writes: » more
The decision on the next instalment of the bailout payments to Greece was postponed until early November by the EU finance ministers at their meeting in Luxembourg on Monday. That gives Europe 30 days to reinvent itself, the business paper La Tribune writes: "In fact for the last several months there has been talk of creating a European economic government. ... Hypotheses about a new treaty, a federation of nation states or a two-speed or even three-speed Europe are being seriously discussed, even by the most pro-European voices. Intergovernmentalism is back. The heads of state are firmly at the helm of the European ship, with the founding Franco-German tandem at the forefront. Unfortunately recent months have shown how badly this tandem works. Sometimes its vision is harmonised and sometimes it's bureaucratic, but it is rarely historic. Nevertheless, the opportunity to reinvent Europe has arrived."
» full article (external link, French)
More from the press review on the subject » International Relations, » EU Policy, » Politics, » Europe, » Global
All available articles from » Jacques Rosselin
© Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung
Deutsch
English
Français
© 2005-2012