Category Archives: Europe

Cameron paints himself into a corner

Posted on December 31, 2012 by

Cameron’s contortions — and indeed the Conservative Party’s contortions — over the EU issue would be funny, if the matter weren’t so serious.  Beset by UKIP, Cameron knows he has to offer a tough line on Europe.  He’s declared his … Continue reading →

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Contempt for Democracy, EU-style

Posted on September 11, 2008 by

The Irish government has published the results of opinion research, carried out by the polling company Millward Brown IMS, into the reasons for the recent Irish NO vote on the Lisbon Treaty (a.k.a. the European Constitution).  And guess what.  The … Continue reading →

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Roof falls in on European parliament

Posted on August 27, 2008 by

On August 7th, the roof fell in — literally — at the European parliament in Strasbourg.  The vast space-age debating chamber, known as the “Hemicycle”, was commissioned in 1999, and seats 750 MEPs, plus staff and officials from the Commission … Continue reading →

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Sarkozy admits the French would have voted NO to Lisbon

Posted on July 23, 2008 by

With his boundless energy and boyish enthusiasm, diminutive French President Nicolas Sarkozy is reminiscent of Zebedee, the spring-loaded character from The Magic Roundabout (“Byoing!” said Zebedee).  But it can lead him into trouble.  Sarkozy made no attempt to hide his … Continue reading →

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We all have rights in the EU…except the tobacco industry

Posted on July 17, 2008 by

The EU’s Charter of Fundamental Rights comes with the Lisbon Treaty, that Brussels plans to bludgeon through in the teeth public resistance and an Irish NO vote.  It includes the following items:   Article 11, Freedom of expression and information.  … Continue reading →

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Ramping up the Lunacy

Posted on July 8, 2008 by

I saw a headline on the BBC News web-site, “Brown faces Climate Bill Revolt”, and for one glorious moment I thought that perhaps the Labour Party had had an outbreak of sanity.  But it was not to be.  It seems … Continue reading →

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EU plans higher air fares

Posted on May 29, 2008 by

The European Commission plans to include the aviation industry in its Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) from 2012, piling new costs on airlines already struggling to cope with exceptional prices for fuel.  Airlines will be allocated a limited carbon allowance based … Continue reading →

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